Scaffolded Lessons for High-Functioning Autistic Students
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Emotions & Growth Mindset
- Self-Knowledge and Values
- Understanding Wants and Needs
- Emotions & Behavior
- My New Group: Activities and Visuals
1. Introduction to Emotions & Growth Mindset
Lesson Overview
- Objective: Students will identify their emotions and understand the significance of a growth mindset.
- Materials: Visual emotion charts, growth mindset infographics.
Activities
A. Emotions Chart
- Begin with a large, colorful emotions chart that includes faces showing different feelings (happy, sad, angry, etc.).
- Activity:
- Students will point to or use sticky notes to indicate how they feel on a given day.
- Discuss the emotions together and explore why they might feel that way.
B. Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
- Visual Aid: Infographic showcasing the difference between growth mindset (effort, challenges) and fixed mindset (avoidance, fear of failure).
- Activity:
- Small group discussion about situations where they felt challenged but learned something valuable.
- Create a poster illustrating growth mindset phrases (e.g., “I can learn from my mistakes”).
Closing
- Reflect on how recognizing their emotions can help in developing a growth mindset.
2. Self-Knowledge and Values
Lesson Overview
- Objective: Students will explore their personal values and gain self-knowledge.
- Materials: Values card sorting activity, personal reflection worksheets.
Activities
A. Values Card Sort
- Prepare a set of cards with different values (e.g., honesty, kindness, respect) printed on them.
- Activity:
- Each student sorts cards into three categories: "very important," "somewhat important," and "not important."
- Discuss in pairs why they ranked their cards as they did.
B. Who Am I?
- Each student will fill out a worksheet that asks them to name their favorite activities, what they are good at, and what they care about most.
- Visual Aid: Examples of "Who Am I?" templates filled out by famous people to inspire students.
Closing
- Discuss how knowing their values helps them make better decisions and understand themselves better.
3. Understanding Wants and Needs
Lesson Overview
- Objective: Students will distinguish between wants and needs.
- Materials: Needs vs. wants sorting chart, everyday scenarios visuals.
Activities
A. Needs vs. Wants Sorting Activity
- Create a visual chart that categorizes items into needs (food, water, shelter) and wants (toys, games).
- Activity:
- Present everyday scenarios with various items and ask students to classify them as needs or wants.
B. Discussion
- Discuss how understanding wants vs. needs can lead to better decision-making.
- Visual Aid: Pictures of different items and scenarios to prompt conversations.
Closing
- Reflect on how their own needs and wants can impact their choices and emotions.
4. Emotions & Behavior
Lesson Overview
- Objective: Students will learn to connect emotions to behaviors.
- Materials: Emotional behavior mapping sheets, visual scenario cards.
Activities
A. Emotion-Behavior Connection Mapping
- Provide a mapping sheet where students connect emotions to corresponding behaviors.
- Activity:
- Present different scenarios using cards (e.g., "You lost a game") and ask students to identify their feelings and potential responses.
B. Role-Playing Scenarios
- Visual Aid: Scenario cards depicting various emotional situations.
- Activity:
- In pairs, role-play responses to emotional scenarios, discussing healthier coping strategies.
Closing
- Reflect on how understanding their emotions can lead to more positive behaviors.
5. My New Group: Activities and Visuals
Lesson Overview
- Objective: Students will foster a sense of community and understanding of differences.
- Materials: Group identity poster materials, "We Are All Different" visuals.
Activities
A. Create Our Group Identity Poster
- Students create a group identity poster that includes their names, interests, and values.
- Activity:
- Using visuals, students illustrate what makes them unique.
B. We Are All Different Presentation
- Present a slideshow that highlights diversity and the importance of inclusivity within the classroom.
- Visual Aid: Photos of diverse communities.
Closing
- Engage students in a conversation about the strengths that diversity brings to their group.
Conclusion
These scaffolded lessons are designed not only to enhance the self-awareness and emotional intelligence of high-functioning autistic students but also to promote an inclusive classroom atmosphere where every student feels valued and understood. Visual aids serve as essential tools in these lessons, enabling students to engage meaningfully with the content and their peers.