An accepting and caring mindset is the most important key to supporting diverse learners. Each student has something to contribute to the learning environment and school community. Discovering a student’s strengths, interests, and personal goals helps us to appreciate and highlight who they are beyond what grade they earn on a test or how fast they read. Once we discover these qualities, we can be sure to integrate them into lessons and discussions, thus increasing the value of the lesson for students. Students need and want to know that we are on their side, rooting for their success. Once this trust is achieved, academic support can happen in the most effective ways.

Teaching strategies to consider:
• Incorporate “get to know you” activities or have students write letters describing their strengths and interests.
• Support a student’s interests by attending his or her drama performance or sporting event.
• Talk to students about what is going on in their lives and show genuine interest in their responses.
• Constantly remind yourself where your students are developmentally and be realistic in your expectations, while at the same time, strive to help them grow academically and emotionally.