By listening, respecting and validating the student’s experience, provide reassurance, remind of support available and encourage positive actions.

Foster hope and optimism by creating a positive learning environment where students have a voice and choice, feel physically and emotionally safe.

Teaching self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making to help students develop independence and confidence.

By providing students with strategies for coping with social and academic pressures to help them maintain a sense of control needed to bounce back from challenges.

Some students like to tackle challenging tasks first, while others might prefer to then ease into tougher tasks. Let students choose which activities to complete first. Giving students some control over their schedule shows that you respect each student’s individuality, strengths, and needs.

Use hands-on activities to get all students engaged in learning. Assign students small group and project-based assignments that promote active and collaborative learning to enhance student relationships.

Using natural strengths of the student to build confidence, competence, a strong sense of self-worth and a sense of meaning and purpose.

Give all students opportunities to respond in class, to get every student more actively engaged with the lesson and to increase the amount of positive reinforcement they will receive. Allow students with different strengths and needs to respond in different ways, such as speaking instead of writing and vice versa.

For students who have extensive support needs, traditional grading systems probably will not be the best way to show what they can do. Consider alternative grading approaches that more meaningfully capture the progress students are making toward their goals.

Be sure to give students opportunities to practice new skills throughout the day and in different settings. This will help them master those skills more quickly and use them when needed.