16 JULY 2024
Explore strategies to help families support SEN children with morning routines and school days, including setting clear goals, creating organized study spaces, and maintaining communication with teachers.
Establish a clear morning routine
As a family, discuss what time everyone needs to be out the door for school and work. Consider each person’s needs and agree on a plan. Then, do a dry run to see if the routine works smoothly and make adjustments if needed.
Buy an alarm clock
Neurodivergent children can often face challenges with time blindness on top of morning motivation. Investing in a reliable, fun alarm clock can help ensure they wake up on time and start their day in the most effective way.
Set goals and offer rewards
Discuss your child’s goals for the school day and set up a reward system to encourage being ready on time. Make the rewards meaningful by tailoring them to your child’s interests for the best results.
Utilise calendars
Keep in regular contact with your child’s teacher
Involve your child in decisions
To help build your child’s engagement in school, encourage them to choose their own stationery and accessories. Giving them this choice allows them to express their personality and feel a sense of ownership over their school supplies.
Create a clutter-free study area
To help encourage your child to engage with learning at home, clear a space for them to study in, as too much clutter in their field of vision can contribute to a child becoming disengaged and shut down.
Plan an after-school activity
Most neurodivergent children and young people need a post-school activity that they enjoy to help them transition to home life. This can help with any ‘homework wars’ when your child may feel that they have to be on-task and ready to learn at all times.