Fourth graders played different levels of math games against other people in the world! They had 60 seconds to complete as many problems as they could to complete one game, but they had to be careful because if they answered 3 questions incorrectly, they were kicked out of the game. The students were able to check their ranking based on their scores.

Fifth graders had a great time on World Maths Day! Not only were they engaged in the math competition, but it was also a unique experience for them to play against students around the world. The students really enjoyed determining which countries they were playing against, by searching the various flags (which we had projected on the whiteboard). They were excited to see their school and individual rank, both in the United States and the world! It was a fun and engaging way for the students to apply their knowledge of computation facts!

Congratulations to Richland's own Jailan Meer who ranked third in the country and 94th in the world!

Neurodiversity is the concept that all of us have unique brains, resulting in our different strengths, abilities, and needs. Neurodiversity is also an umbrella term used to describe people with different diagnoses such as Dyslexia, Apraxia, Dyscalculia, Autism, ADHD, OCD, and many others. Celebrating neurodiversity at school and at home can look like embracing strengths and supporting students’ needs without trying to make students look or act “normal”.

In honor of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, I wanted to share some tips on supporting and including neurodiverse children in your life.

1. Avoid asking them to “sit still” - All people do things to keep their bodies regulated. Some people tap their fingers on their desk, bounce their leg up and down in their seat, or fidget with a pen in their hands. People with more sensory needs might flap their arms, spin in circles, or rock back and forth. This is their way of keeping their bodies regulated. When we ask them to sit still, it actually makes focusing and learning more difficult.

2. Respect communication differences - Neurodiverse students might communicate differently than what you’re used to. Some rely on combinations of gestures, speech, written communication, and communication devices. Some tend to use more direct communication which might be perceived as rude. Some might repeat phrases they’ve learned from movies and some might be difficult to understand. Avoid using nonliteral language like sarcasm or idioms. Give the child time to respond. If you don’t understand what they’re trying to tell you, try to dig deeper. All kids are looking for connection!

3. Engage with their special interests - “Special interest” is a term used to describe the intense focus that neurodiverse people can have for different hobbies and topics. Some common special interests are: trains, cars, electronics, sports, animals, and many more. These differ from a typical hobby because it can seem very difficult for students with special interests to talk about or pay attention to anything but that one thing. Incorporate their special interests when you’re talking with them or spending time with them. You’ll probably learn something new!

4. Slow down and reduce outside stressors - All kids benefit from clear expectations. New experiences can be overwhelming for all children but this is especially true for neurodivergent students and it can be difficult for them to express their discomfort. Try to pay attention to any signs that the child is uncomfortable and walk them through what to expect especially in new places. For example, health care professionals should talk directly to the child and walk them through any procedures or tests that they’re performing instead of rushing through the visit or talking to parents as if the child isn’t in the room. All children deserve respect and dignity.

5. Talk about it - Most importantly, have conversations with your kids about neurodiversity. It’s important for kids to know that people who act, play, or learn differently are not less than, just different! All brains are different and that’s a great thing. Encourage your children to include others in the classroom and the community. They’ll make new friends who are funny, kind, and bright.

I’ll leave you with a few quotes from my elementary and high school students. I’ve also added a few resources below if you’d like to learn more about neurodiversity.

• “My brain doesn’t always know what to do next. I need a little help to get started.”

• “I don’t like when teachers make me look them in the eye. Eye contact is hard for me. I’m still listening though.”

• “My friends know I don’t like loud noises so we eat lunch together in a quieter space. I appreciate that they do things to make me feel comfortable.”