SUPPORTING “HIGH NEEDS” STUDENTS
At BAMD, we define “high needs students” as students who attend BAMD classes via parents / caregivers and require additional support in the way of an individual support worker, parent or agreed upon BAMD volunteer. These students require extra support with using the washroom, cleaning up after themselves, engaging in class activities, staying within the dance studio, maintaining focus, understanding class etiquette, taking water breaks, moving around, managing personal items etc.
Our teachers are encouraged to:
💚 Challenge these students to stay engaged in whatever way they show engagement
🧡 Provide often & little descriptive praise for even the smallest of actions
💚 Allow students moments to rest and self regulate
🧡 Encourage these students to make independent decisions
💚 Ask direct (ie. yes/no) questions so that students can make decisions
🧡 Set clear boundaries and communicate personal teaching needs to these students
🩵Approach conversations from a place of radical responsibility and encourage students to take accountability for themselves
Our “high needs students” bring something unique and special to BAMD classes and it’s our mission to say YES to any students who wants to access our classes.
Our top 3 suggestions on supporting “high needs” students:
Get super clear on HOW you define “high needs”- create a shared definition with your community
Find perspective. Reflect on the main outcome of this class.
Have expectations! Challenge your bias as an educator and hold these students in their highest!
Is your organisation confident welcoming students who are deemed “high needs”? Let us know in the comment section below!