WRAP Schools has produced short videos based on 8 Magic Keys: Developing Successful Interventions for Students with FAS by Deb Evensen and Jan Lutke. These are valuable resources for teachers and may be beneficial for parents and caregivers too. Below is an overview of the videos which include a 9th magic key – Teamwork. Click on the name of each video to watch it on YouTube.
8 Magic Keys:
Concrete video length: 2:47 minutes.
“Misinterpretation may come across as misbehaviour”. Concrete is the first of the magic steps. This video explains how children with FASD struggle with understanding phrases or conversations that say one thing but mean another. It also offers strategies to minimise this confusion.
Simplicity video length: 1:54 minutes.
“Keep it short and sweet”. Students with FASD get distracted very easily. This video explains how keeping things as simple as possible (e.g. no pictures/ paintings in classrooms) can keep them focused.
Repetition video length: 2:10 minutes.
The 3rd step talks about repeating instructions slowly and providing time to process, as well as understanding that you can never say an instruction too many times. This video explains how this is essential for children with FASD who struggle with their memory.
Supervision video length: 4:01 minutes.
“They live in the moment”. This video discusses the challenge of maintaining constant supervision of children with FASD and provides strategies including structured free time, gentle reminders and small steps.
Specific video length: 6:10 minutes.
“Lack of clarity creates chaos and frustration”. This video explains how a lot of people use slang and other language that can easily be misinterpreted by children with FASD. It highlights the importance of clarifying and simplifying language.
Consistency video length: 3:46 minutes.
“Choose your battles wisely”. This next step talks about how youth with FASD need a constant, consistent environment with achievable expectations and a very predictable environment in order to maximise their learning abilities.
Structure video length: 3:02 minutes.
“Regular changes can throw off students with FASD”. Structure is a key element to help children with FASD. Some of the strategies in this video include creating routines, breaking tasks into small steps, using visual aids and verbal prompts, keeping instructions short and being prepared to repeat yourself.
Routine video length: 2:13 minutes.
“The teacher or parent stops being the bad guy”. This video on routine talks about how having routines in place helps children with FASD to feel more confident and in control, which leads to a decrease in misbehaviour.
The 9th Magic Key:
Teamwork video length: 1:32 minutes.
“Teamwork is essential”. Collaboration is seen as extremely important between students, teachers and family. Every child needs support and ‘a village’, especially children with FASD. This teamwork approach ensures they receive the support and guidance they need to thrive.
NOFASD Australia’s website provides a range of resources for teachers and educators and we recently published a blog outlining new FASD resources for teachers. We have also produced a number of webinars including a 45 minute webinar for teachers which can be viewed here.
To read other NOFASD Australia blogs click here.
