Kia ora
Welcome to Term 4!
We know Term 4 has kicked off with a bang and will continue to be a busy one. As the term unfolds, we’re here to help you keep neuroinclusion at the heart of your teaching. Stay connected with our community through these opportunities:
Café Sessions This Term
Join us for three exciting Café Sessions this term, designed to give you practical strategies and insights:
TODAY! Thursday 24 October at 4pm: The Science of Learning and Neurodivergent Learners
What does the science of learning mean for neurodivergent students? We’ll explore three key ideas and share actionable strategies.
Thursday 14 November at 4pm: Neuroinclusive School Events
With sports days, prize-givings, and special assemblies coming up, we’ll discuss how your school can make these events more neuroinclusive.
Thursday 28 November at 4pm: Make 2025 Your Year of Neuroinclusion
Reflect on the year, explore our 2025 Neuroinclusive Year Planner, and set goals to make 2025 your most inclusive year yet!
Missed the session? No problem! We record them so you can catch up anytime. Check them out here, including our last Café Session on Calm vs Chaos: Building Sensory and Emotional Regulation.
Insights from Neurodivergent Learners
We asked neurodivergent students how teachers can better support their learning. Their message was clear:
“Teach us what we need to know upfront and show us why it matters.”
For neurodivergent learners, "learning by discovery" can be frustrating. Their brains crave clarity and structure, and they prefer to be explicitly taught key ideas right away. They are often "interest" rather than "task"-focused, so explaining why something matters is essential—simply saying "it's on the test" won’t cut it!
Neurodivergent learners may not think in a strictly linear way. Some intuitively pick up patterns from hearing everything at once, while others need the big picture before tackling details. Some will want all the details first to build toward understanding.
Teach the same concept in different ways and stay attuned to how your students process and understand information. This flexibility is key to supporting all learners.
A Quiet Space
Ever feel the urge to crawl under the Christmas tree for a quick timeout? Creating a low-sensory space in your classroom, where anyone can take a few minutes to recentre, could help everyone manage the busy pace of Term 4.
Check out Creating a Sensory Retreat—our new guide to setting up a simple, affordable retreat space in your classroom.
Coming Soon
We’re planning next year’s Café Sessions and want your input!
Let us know what topics or questions you'd love to explore by emailing us at bns@neurodiversity.org.nz.
We wish you all the best for a neuroinclusive Term 4.
Mauri ora
The Neurodiversity in Education Project Team