Lessons 1-2
Define ‘Dimensions of Diversity’.
Dimensions of diversity refer to various aspects that make individuals unique, such as cultural, linguistic, physical, and cognitive differences.
What are some examples of accessibility barriers?
Narrow doorways, inaccessible seating, poor lighting, or lack of assistive devices.
What are 3 physical symptoms of anxiety in children?
Headaches, stomachaches and difficulty sleeping.
By age 1, a child should be able to pull to stand and may take their first steps. These skills belong to what development area?
Gross motor skills
Which tool is used by parents to screen a child’s communication, motor skills, and problem-solving abilities?
ASQ-3
List 3 different examples of physical needs, sensory needs, and intellectual needs.
Physical : mobility limitations, chronic illness, cerebral palsy.
Intellectual : learning disabilities, developmental delays, cognitive impairments.
Sensory : vision impairments, hearing loss, sensory processing disorders.
What are ways to support physical and sensory needs in children?
Providing ergonomic furniture, auditory devices, and personalised devices
What is core component of SEL?
Self awareness
In 2020, 290,000 Australians were identified with this condition, an increase of 41.8% from 2018. Identify the condition.
Autism
What tool can families or teachers use to check a child’s development?
A developmental checklist.
How does having a need affect a child’s school routine?
It can impact their ability to focus, manage transitions, and handle social interactions, leading to challenges in both the morning and throughout the school day.This can be managed through consistent routines, visual aids, and accommodations to ensure they can participate fully in their education.
How can teachers show respect for students’ cultural traditions in the classroom?
Teachers show respect for students’ cultural traditions by including them in lessons, celebrations, and classroom practices.
What is SEL and identify 1 benefit of SEL supporting mental health?
Social Emotional Learning, it helps enhancing confidence
Which sign might show a child needs extra support?
They struggle with balance or fine motor tasks, they struggle in social settings, or cannot regulate emotions well.
List three physical disabilities.
Cerebral palsy, paralysis, dwarfism
How does understanding diversity help create inclusive environments where all children feel valued.
Understanding diversity helps create inclusive environments by fostering respect, empathy, and belonging so every child feels seen and valued.
Examine the challenges faced by children who speak languages other than English.
These children may face challenges such as difficulty accessing curriculum, limited social interaction, slower language development, and reduced confidence when learning in classrooms.
Explain why early intervention is important?
Because it can affect the child in the long run if not identified sooner.
Define PEDI-CAT and what its purpose is?
PEDI-CAT stands for the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test, a tool used to assess the functional abilities of children and youth, typically from birth to age 21. Its purpose is to identify functional delays, measure performance in daily activities, and monitor progress over time by assessing domains like mobility, self-care, and social/cognitive skills.
What is the NDIS Early Childhood Approach?
Australian program which provides tools like developmental checklists, ASQ-3, PEDI-CAT, and professional observation.
This dimension of diversity requires educators to recognise how differences in memory, problem-solving, processing speed, and developmental progress affect classroom participation. It includes conditions such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and various learning disabilities. Which dimension of diversity does this describe?
The cognitive dimension.
Discuss how sensory breaks help students?
Sensory breaks help students by improving focus, regulating emotions, reducing stress, and supporting overall learning and wellbeing.
A student presents with strong problem-solving abilities but struggles with sustained attention and organising tasks. They also experience heightened worry about school performance, occasional stomach aches, and reduced classroom participation. To support this student, teachers may use visual scaffolds, differentiated tasks, mindfulness routines, and emotional check-ins.
Which combination of needs is most likely influencing this student’s learning, and why would an SEL-based approach be appropriate?
The student is likely experiencing intellectual needs related to ADHD and mental health needs related to anxiety. An SEL-based approach is appropriate because it helps the student recognise and regulate emotions, build coping skills, improve confidence, and feel safer and more supported in the classroom while also addressing attention and organisation challenges.
A 5-year-old child cannot hop on one foot, struggles to use scissors, avoids pretend play, and shows limited eye contact. Their family reports increasing frustration and difficulty forming friendships. Based on these observations, what developmental concern is most likely present, and why is early intervention critical in this situation?
The child is likely showing atypical development with delays in physical, social, and cognitive/play skills. Early intervention is critical because it supports brain development, improves communication and learning skills, enhances school readiness, and prevents long-term academic, social, and emotional difficulties.
A child experiencing barriers in communication, movement, and sensory regulation may require support from specialists such as occupational therapists, mobility instructors, or speech pathologists. These challenges may arise from conditions like cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, hearing loss, or sensory processing disorder. What category of needs does this refer to?
Physical and sensory needs.