Structured Teaching
Nemarluk School uses a Structured Teaching approach to support students in accessing learning in clear, predictable and supportive ways. Structured Teaching focuses on organising the classroom environment and learning activities so students understand what they are doing, how to do it and when the task is finished.
It often includes visual supports, clear routines, and structured work systems that help students stay on task and transition between activities. This approach is widely used to support students with diverse learning needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum, as it helps build independence, reduce anxiety and support successful participation in learning.
We work closely with Gail from Think Organise Do https://thinkorganisedo.com.au/ she provides training for new staff, provides feedback to staff after classroom observations and supports staff with problems of practice.
The Structured Teaching framework is used in all classrooms at Nemarluk School. Structured teaching strategies aim to build on the strength of our students through the provision of classrooms with clearly defined boundaries, individual schedules, activity (work) systems, the use of visual strategies and routines, and the visual structure of materials. Over the next few newsletter we will share information with you.
Physical Structure
Physical Structure is important in the structured teaching classroom as it helps our students understand:
- What happens here?
- What can I expect to be doing?
Classrooms are set out with clearly defined areas which may include spaces such as:
- Direct Instruction work area/s
- Independent work area/s
- Group work area
- Sensory area
- Play area
- Reading area
- Calm down/break area
- Food preparation and mealtime area
Below are some examples of how physical structure is currently being using at our school:
Schedules
Schedules are important in the structured teaching classroom as they help our students understand:
- Where am I going?
Schedules:
- Provide predictability
- Prepares students for change
- Promotes independence
- Reduce anxiety
- Teachers flexibility
All students at Nemarluk School have an individualised schedule. Below are some examples of schedules which we are currently using at our school:
Schedules in the home
If you believe that your child would benefit from the use of a schedule at home, please talk to their classroom teacher about your needs. Recently the following schedule was provided to a family to assist with their child’s morning routine.
Other examples of schedules at home:
Activity (Work) Systems
Activity (work systems) are important in the structured teaching class as they help our students understand:
• What work do I need to do?
• How much work do I need to do?
• When am I finished?
• What’s next?
Here are some examples of activity (work) systems we are currently using at Nemarluk:
