Seizure Disorders
Strategies for the Classroom and Home
In the Classroom
Children with seizure disorders can experience wide-ranging learning problems. All students' unique areas of need should be addressed, but general practices can be implemented by any educator.
Curriculum Adaptation
- Focus on recognition tasks, rather than retrieval of information tasks
- Use strategies to write down information AS it is presented, not AFTER it is presented - graphic organizers, note-taking sheets, index cards, etc.
- Associate new ideas/words/concepts with pictures, symbols, colors, sounds, etc.
- Provide plenty of visuals - charts, graphs, graphic organizers, posters, lists, timelines, number lines
- Use tape-recorded textbooks
Behavioral Modifications
- Provide preferential seating, depending on where the child learns best
- Post a daily schedule on the board so the child can follow along
- If the child has visual memory or visual-spatial problems, provide plenty of visual supports such as charts and illustrations
- Provide and require less written work
- Allow the child to use extra time on tests and assignments
- Provide extra wait-time when the child is answering questions
Introducing Tips and Strategies
- Use physical prompts - point to the correct place on the page, cover up parts of textbooks that don't need to be read
- Use "stop and think" techniques - encourage the child to monitor his own behavior; remind him to think before speaking and/or acting
- Ask child to repeat back instructions
- Use key words or phrases to trigger memories, definitions, etc.
Creating a Supportive Environment
- Set clear rules and expectations for classroom behavior
- Check in with the child each day to see how he's doing
- Develop a system in which other students can act as a peer helper or tutor
- Deliver instruction in a consistent and familiar format
At Home
Children with seizure disorders have similar problems at home as they do at school. They often have problems following directions, and engaging in language-related activities. Parents can follow the same procedures and strategies that have been highlighted for teachers, including:
- setting clear rules and expectations
- breaking directions into small steps
- providing visuals when your child is completing a task
- ask your child to repeat directions back to you