Creating a comfortable atmosphere...
The atmosphere of a learning environment can have an impact on everyone. For adults with learning disabilities this can have even more of an effect as they may be sensitive to certain types of stimuli. This will not be the case for every student, as each person is individual but there are some things that should be considered.
- Noise - Some students may find noise stressful, this may be excessive noise, sudden loud noises, certain pitches or particular sounds.
- Touch - Some students may find close physical proximity or touch to be stressful.
- Unexpected events. For some ritual and predictability are important factors that allow them to feel safe. Deviating from the norm can cause distress.
- Lighting - For some students, bright flickering or uneven lighting can be distracting and stressful.
- Information overload - Concentrating for long periods of time can be difficult and uncomfortable to some students, breaks and time to calm down may be important. It's also important to bear in mind that too much information will not be able to be processed, simpler is better.
This is not an exhaustive list as everyone is unique....It is important to get to know your students, it's difficult to cater to varied needs if you don't know what those needs are. Ask the student if there is anything they like/ don't like, and also talk to those who know the student well.
It is important to make a dance studio a welcoming and comfortable place to be. When all of us dance we really put ourselves out there, and this can be an unnerving thing, especially if you already have anxieties, but by creating the right atmosphere it increases students confidence to try. These are some things that I have seen that work well.
Make it Personal.
Greet students, use their names, and be happy to see them. Naming dance groups can give students an important sense of ownership. Also encourage student to praise and interact with one another.
Create a Structure or Schedule.
Students who have their own ritualistic behaviour, or like predictable routine will feel more comfortable if they know what to expect. An accepted routine, a schedule on a wall, and communication make this possible.
Not so Loud.
It is possible to be engaging without shouting, it is possible to listen to music without it being so loud. Be sensitive to the fact that loud and unpredictable noise can be distressing to some people. If you know something loud is going to happen, a fire drill perhaps, then give plenty of warning so students are prepared.
Be adaptable.
Know your students boundaries, if someone doesn't like touch adapt the exercise. if they struggle to move quickly adjust the tempo, if they understand by watching demonstrate. It is important to make things achievable otherwise dance become another difficult obstacle rather than an enjoyable learning experience.
Take a Break.
Information overload can happen to all of us. Some people with learning disabilities get to this point sooner than others. Schedule in regular breaks, understand that sometimes people will want to stop, offer chill out areas so people know this is okay. Encourage people to re-join the group but only when they are ready, don't push them as this will cause discomfort.
