Welcome to my "Ask Me Anything" blog post series!
I answer lots of questions on my social media channels, and it makes sense to share this information (anonymously!) in case it is useful for others, too.
"I have a group of learners, some of them with reminders are able to sit on the carpet, and it has been great to see them engaging.
Some of them cannot sit on the carpet. I don’t mind this and allow them to explore while we are reading/doing our sessions and try and engage them at certain points that show me their understanding but also, they are clearly listening as they come over and join in at points.
I am just not sure if they should be sat on the chairs or carpet. I don't think it will change how the ones who are struggling engage, but I wonder if it might help some of the others...but then I feel that this is how they learn in all other areas, so probably sitting on the carpet is okay."
What you are doing sounds great!
I find mine are better on chairs as it's a clearer visual boundary. They'll end up all spread across the carpet otherwise, but a coloured spot or mat or carpet sample could be a good solution to this. Chairs or carpet spots, whatever works best for your class's focus and engagement. And you’re doing exactly the right thing with the pupils who struggle to sit on the carpet. How exciting that they are giving fleeting attention! Make sure (where possible) that all adults are sat and focused on you too, modelling expectations.
“Show, don’t say” is a good motto for the adults in this situation. Rather than correcting the children, model the behaviours that you would like to see.
The reasoning - otherwise children (especially autistic learners) become prompt dependent as it will become part of the routine to success, but we want them to be as independent as possible.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, let me know.
*I am not a doctor or medical professional, so for some questions, you might want to contact your GP, the National Autistic Society, or the NHS.
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