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Learning Materials • Visual

Home Learning “Classroom” Signs

Print signs: quiet, break, help, finished.

Back to Learning
ND-friendly reminder: start tiny, stop early, and count it as success.

Quick start (1–5 minutes)

  1. Pick the smallest possible goal (even one line).
  2. Fill in the Quick version below.
  3. Stop, or continue to the full worksheet if you have capacity.

Helpful tips

  • Use signs to reduce talking pressure.
  • Let learners point instead of speak.
  • Add custom signs as needed.

Examples (optional)

Examples are here to reduce the “what do I write?” problem.

  • You can write words, draw pictures, or use bullet points.
  • If writing is hard, do the “minimum version” and stop there.

Make it accessible

  • Reduce sensory load: lower lights, reduce noise, use headphones or a fidget.
  • Allow alternative output: typing, voice-to-text, drawing, or pointing.
  • Use predictable breaks: after each box/section, take 1 minute to reset.
  • Keep expectations kind: “good enough” is the goal.

Quick version (minimum)

Do the smallest version first. This is a complete win by itself.

Signs to print:
Quiet
Break
Help
Finished

Full version

Use the full prompts when you have more capacity.

Signs to print:
Quiet
Break
Help
Finished
Extra: I need more time

Reflection (gentle)

Reflection is about learning what helps — not judging yourself.

What helped today?
What was hard?
Next time I will…
Energy level (0–10):
Stress level (0–10):
One win (even tiny):

Variations you can try

  • Minimum version: do just the first 1–2 lines, then stop.
  • Support version: do it with a parent/carer/teacher reading prompts aloud.
  • Visual version: draw, use stickers, or add simple icons instead of full sentences.
  • Timer version: set a 2–5 minute timer and only do what fits.

For parents/carers/teachers

Support without pressure. Make learning feel safe.

  • Ask: “Do you want help or space?” before stepping in.
  • Offer choices: “Do you want to write or draw?” “Timer or no timer?”
  • Praise effort and attempts, not just results.
  • If shutdown starts, pause and reset (water, movement, quiet).

Check-in (optional)

Tick any that apply. This helps spot patterns.

I had enough water/food.
The environment was calm enough (light/sound).
I used a timer or break plan.
I asked for help or used a script.
I stopped before burnout.