Tag: Universal Design
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Applying Universal Design in Your Instructional Approaches: Accommodate by Design
Building upon concepts of Universal Design (UD) with curiosity and creativity may lead to opportunities to adjust your instructional design to support the regulation of students’ nervous systems, too! Although these ideas may be less concrete than designing a physical space, they likely will have similar benefits and support relationship building, regulated engagement in instruction,…
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Support Collaborative Learning Opportunities
Collaborative learning spaces can foster a sense of community, enhance connection, and provide opportunities for peer support. A universally designed approach to collaboration is beneficial for all students, supporting opportunities for coregulation and learning from others. To universally design collaborative learning spaces, though, you also have to have the flexibility to create a space for…
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Design with Felt-Safety in Mind
Creating a classroom that supports felt-safety is crucial for fostering an inclusive and nurturing learning environment. Felt-safety refers to the internal sense of security and well-being that allows students to focus, engage, and thrive. This concept, popularized by Robyn Gobbel, is especially important for students with trauma histories, anxiety, or neurodivergent traits who may find…
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Creating Sensory-Friendly Environments
If you’ve been inside a school building, you likely can agree that the design of most schools does not scream, ‘This is sensory-friendly space!’ at all. Floors are typically linoleum or tile, large open spaces create echoes of laughter and chatter, and the smells are oh-so abundant. There are generally not too many natural opportunities…
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What is Universal Design?
As an educator, you may not control your school’s discipline policies, but you do have some control over how you set up your classroom. Whether you’re planning out your classroom today or the night before your first professional development day, one critical decision you will make is how to arrange your physical space. To support…