Neurodivergent Friendly STEM
Neurodivergent is a term that could make you a little apprehensive when planning out your lessons, but truly when we are talking about neurodivergence all we are doing is realizing that everyone’s brain works and processes a little differently. From person to person we all think, learn, comprehend and cope in our own way. When we are talking about neurodivergence in a school setting we are often referring to neurodivergent students, such as those who are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, sensory processing differences, or other ways of processing information. These students process information differently than you might which can make traditional learning processes a struggle. Luckily, we have some great ways to help all students experience STEM learning in the classroom.
Neurodivergent Friendly STEM
Table of Contents
Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom
One of the big pushes that we see in education is the application of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). The Cooperative for Academic Social Emotional Learning states “We define Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” Using SEL concepts in the classroom can help all students understand each other, recognize and embrace differences in each other and work together to make sure everyone can learn – even when that might mean not working together if that is what someone needs.
Keys to Successful STEAM Integration (Teacher Tips!)
We all need a little toolbox that will help us with different projects – teaching neurodivergent kids is no different. A lot of times STEAM learning can get a little chaotic and messy – this can turn into sensory overload for students.
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Choose and prepare projects that have a specific meaning or purpose. State clearly what you are doing and what you will learn from it and have simple to follow, step by step directions for your students.
Start with heavy lifting
Before starting a STEAM project, incorporate activities that provide proprioceptive and vestibular input, sometimes called ‘heavy work.’ This could include pushing, pulling, stretching, or gentle spinning. These activities can help students regulate their sensory systems and feel more centered.
Some ideas include setting up a tire obstacle course where kids can practice their engineering, planning and even math skills during the build.
It’s also a good idea to schedule a snack and water break before a big project! Making sure kids are focused, fed and hydrated will help make projects less overwhelming.
Take your time
When starting a project, especially something new or something that may go against what a child is used to or likes, start slowly. For example, my nephew was a sensory avoider, things like digging in the dirt and getting messy were not things he enjoyed. Some students may prefer to observe before joining in. Allowing time to watch and become comfortable is a valuable part of the process. Emphasize exposure rather than actual hands on for a while. Participation comes in time. Encourage curiosity but allow time. Take breaks as needed.
How to Create Neurodivergent-Friendly Activities in the Classroom
Making something neurodivergent-friendly isn’t just about accommodations; it’s about creating an environment where every learner can thrive. We want students to successfully understand how to regulate their emotions and themselves while they work. So how can we help?
Flexibility and student choice
By offering alternative ways to participate or show understanding and allowing for self-pacing and breaks makes kids feel safe and their environment welcoming and predictable. Clear rules, expectations, and consistent routines build trust and confidence for all of your students.
Prepare for roadblocks
Think ahead, what might be a roadblock for my learners – is it too noisy, too bright, is something going to smell weird or feel weird. If you anticipate these roadblocks you can deal with them more easily like having noise cancelling headphones on hand, dimming the lights, making sure air is circulating well to minimize smells, and having a wash station nearby in case something needs to be cleaned up quickly. Having fidgets on hand is also a great idea to help regulate little nervous systems.
Set Up is Key
Having an organized and predictable space is paramount for young learners. Have all of the materials laid out and labeled, have a clear instruction sheet with steps laid out or a checklist to follow – when appropriate visuals are a great help for the instructions. Go through the instructions and checklist prior to starting and clarify any questions. Use timers to help stay on task. Provide the why – steps may seem unnecessary or confusing – telling the kids why we are doing each step helps in understanding. Learn to let go, as parents and teachers we often feel we need to be in complete control and things need to go as planned – but sometimes the learning comes in the imperfect and the unfinished. We need to prioritize process and progress over perfection.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a big key in helping children calm and focus, Dr. Jen has some great resources here on SPF! This article on mindfulness can help you understand how mindfulness can support student well being and enhance learning.
Here are some neurodivergent-friendly STEAM activities that focus on mindfulness, calm and focus to get you started!
Design a Beaded Fidget
Kids know fidgets – they love them and they serve an important purpose in self regulation and self soothing.
The Challenge
Using pipe cleaners or yarn and plastic or wooden beads design and create a fidget that could help you and your classmates when you need to refocus.
Supplies
Pipe Cleaners
Yarn
Scissors
Beads
Directions
Step 1: Choose what you will build your fidget on (pipe cleaners or yarn). We will call this your base.
Step 2: Choose your beads. Put some beads into a plastic cup or on a plate so they are easy for you to see and work with.
Step 3: Tie off one end of your base. This will make sure your beads don’t fall off. If you choose yarn, tying a bow will help make the end bigger to keep the beads in place.
Step 4: String your beads onto the base. You can make it any pattern or color you want.
Step 5: When you’re done tie off the other end or tie it into a circle.
A beaded fidget is a perfect quiet way to calm your brain and get you focused!
Want to up the challenge? Why not make a special coded fidget using binary or morse code?
Create a Calming Jar
What is a calming jar? Calming jars are wonderful tools to help you relax, focus, and feel more peaceful. It is a jar filled with a thick liquid and glitter that swirls and moves when you tilt the jar. Watching the glitter move around and settle is really soothing.
The Challenge
Design your own calming jar with colors and materials that make you happy and calm.
Supplies
A clear jar or bottle with a lid or a cap that can be sealed! Plastic is best with kids – an empty water bottle or clear plastic soda bottles is a perfect choice.
Warm water: Just regular tap water.
Glitter! Fine glitter works best, but any kind is fun. You can pick your favorite colors.
Glycerin – this is optional but helps to give a slower moving effect, more like a snow globe.
Optional Additions: Food coloring (just a tiny drop for a hint of color), tiny sequins or beads (make sure they are small enough to move around easily)
Directions
Step 1: Fill your jar with warm water: Fill it almost to the top, but leave about an inch of space at the very top.
Step 2: Add the glue: If you’re using clear liquid glue, squeeze 2-3 big squirts. (If you finish up and you feel like the glitter falls too fast you can always add a little more. If you’re using glitter glue, squeeze in a good amount – enough to make the water look sparkly!
Step 3: Add the glitter: Start with a few pinches of glitter. You can always add more! If you used glitter glue, you might not need much extra glitter, or any at all. It’s all up to the individual.
Step 4: Add optional color and extra sparkle: If you want color, add one tiny drop of food coloring. Just one! You can always add another if you want it darker. If you have tiny sequins or beads, carefully drop them in.
Step 5: When you’re happy with your additions, Put the lid on tight. Make sure it’s screwed on as tight as you can get it.
Step 6: Shake it up and watch the magic. Give your jar a good shake to mix everything together. Put your jar down and watch the glitter swirl and slowly fall.
Pro Tip! If the glitter falls too fast you can add a little more clear glue, shake, and test again. If the glitter seems to get stuck, you might want a tiny bit more water.
Now you have your very own calming jar to help you feel peaceful and focused whenever you need it!
More Calming Jar Ideas
Build your own Wind Chimes
You can Investigate sound waves, vibration, and pitch by creating wind chimes with various materials to create different sounds. Since building wind chimes will follow a series of steps, but also allow for creative expression it is a great project for various learners in one classroom.
The Challenge
Use the materials on hand to build a wind chime we can hang outside.
Supplies
Windchimes could be made with all sorts of materials – some ideas: Sticks, popsicle sticks, hoops, jar lids, string, wire, keys, bottle caps, beads, small metal pieces, old spoons (it’s really up to the kids what they would like in their windchimes – just have a variety available)
Directions
Step 1: Choose what you will make the top of your windchime with. You need something you can hang strings from to create your musical chime.
Step 2: Choose your items that will make sound.
Step 3: Tie the items to the top of your wind chime. You can use different items and different lengths of string. Just make sure that when the wind hits them your items will be able to hit each other to make sounds.
Step 4: Hang the Wind Chime outside.
Step 5: Listen for the musical chimes when the wind blows.
Windchimes have a calming effect on lots of people when they play their beautiful sounds outside. These would make a great gift for mothers day or fathers day in school!
More Musical STEM Ideas
You could also make Popsicle Stick Harmonicas. The beauty of this project idea, is that it also gets kids practicing their breathwork.
Or for a more physical musical project, bring the beats with a Homemade Drum!
These simple, yet engaging STEAM projects will allow all of your students to work together, to enjoy the learning and to be engaged. These strategies align with Universal Design for Learning principles and research from organizations like CASEL, which highlight the benefits of predictable routines, sensory supports, and flexible pathways for learning. If you’re looking for other sensory friendly activities, check out Water Beads for Kids or Nature Senses Detective, they are really fun projects that will involve and intrigue every learner!
Remember, the key to success in a neurodivergent friendly classroom is to allow for flexibility, choice, and individual pace. Creating a supportive and sensory-aware environment will help every student thrive in these STEAM projects.