How Educational Specials Foster Growth in Neurodivergent Students

At MDE School, we are committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience that addresses the diverse needs of children with special needs. While academics are essential, it’s just as important to nurture each student’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. That’s why we have integrated “specials” into our curriculum, dedicated times for Music, Art, Physical Education (PE), Yoga, and Life Skills. Each activity supports growth in unique and vital ways, creating an environment where every child can develop essential skills, build confidence, and prepare for a fulfilling future.

In this blog post, we’ll explore each special, explaining its unique benefits to our students and sharing tips on how parents can support these areas at home.

Music: Building Auditory, Language, and Social Skills Through Sound

Music has a remarkable impact on brain development, especially in children with special needs. At MDE School, our music program enhances auditory processing, language skills, and social connections through rhythm, melody, and structured musical activities. For children who are non-verbal or have speech challenges, music offers an alternative form of communication and self-expression. From singing familiar songs to rhythm exercises with drums or shakers, each activity is carefully selected to build language, listening, and social skills.

How You Can Support Music at Home: Create a musical environment by singing songs, clapping rhythms, or even making simple instruments from household items. For instance, filling a container with rice for a homemade shaker lets children experience rhythm and sound, improving coordination and sensory processing. Regular exposure to different genres of music at home also helps children develop auditory skills and can even serve as a tool for relaxation.

Art: Fostering Creativity, Fine Motor Skills, and Emotional Expression

Art is much more than a creative outlet. It’s a therapeutic activity that encourages fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and self-confidence. Our art classes involve a variety of media, from painting to clay modeling, where children can explore colors, shapes, and textures. These activities build hand-eye coordination and motor skills and serve as a powerful form of emotional expression, especially for children who may find it challenging to express their feelings verbally.

How You Can Support Art at Home: Encourage your child to explore art at home with simple materials like crayons, markers, or even household items for collages. Engaging in activities like painting or crafting allows children to express themselves while strengthening motor skills. For example, creating a textured collage using leaves, paper, and fabric lets children explore sensory inputs while building fine motor abilities.

Physical Education (PE): Enhancing Physical Health, Coordination, and Teamwork

Physical activity is vital for both body and mind. Our PE program at MDE is designed to improve balance, coordination, and strength through activities that are both structured and fun. Whether navigating an obstacle course or playing a team game, students work on their motor skills while learning valuable social skills, such as teamwork and patience. Physical activity also reduces stress and can improve focus, helping children feel more capable and confident.

How You Can Support PE at Home: You don’t need a gym to encourage physical activity! Set up a simple obstacle course in the backyard or living room with items like pillows and chairs. Outdoor games like catch or tag also help build motor skills and coordination. Dance parties are another fun way to encourage movement while improving rhythm and physical awareness.

Yoga: Promoting Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, and Flexibility

Yoga combines movement with mindfulness, offering students an excellent way to manage emotions, increase flexibility, and improve focus. Through breathing exercises, stretching, and poses, yoga teaches children to calm themselves, enhancing self-regulation and spatial awareness. This practice can be especially helpful for children who may experience anxiety, as it provides them with tools to manage stress and big emotions in a healthy, constructive way.

How You Can Support Yoga at Home: Yoga can be a wonderful addition to the daily routine. Start with a few simple poses, like Cat-Cow or Child’s Pose, and introduce breathing exercises. Practicing deep “balloon breaths” together, imagining a balloon inflating with each inhale and deflating with each exhale, can help calm the mind and body. Partner poses, like seated back-to-back breathing, allow you to connect and encourage teamwork.

Life Skills: Developing Independence and Self-Care for Everyday Success

Life skills are an essential part of our curriculum at MDE. We focus on tasks that build independence and prepare students for real-life situations. From cooking and cleaning to personal hygiene and organization, life skills activities empower students to take charge of their own well-being. Learning these practical skills helps children build self-confidence and a sense of responsibility and prepares them for a range of situations in daily life.

How You Can Support Life Skills at Home: Involve your child in simple, age-appropriate tasks around the house. Cooking together, for instance, can teach them to follow steps in a sequence while improving fine motor skills and focus. Other activities like setting the table, folding laundry, or organizing their room help instill a sense of responsibility and achievement. Breaking down each task into manageable steps with visual cues can help children succeed in completing these activities independently.

Bringing it All Together: The Power of Specials at MDE School

Incorporating these specials into our curriculum creates a well-rounded educational experience that allows each child to thrive. Music, Art, PE, Yoga, and Life Skills complement academic learning by focusing on whole-child development, catering to the physical, emotional, social, and practical needs of children with special needs. By offering a variety of activities, MDE School creates a balanced environment where children can explore their strengths, develop new skills, and grow with confidence.

Get Involved: How Parents Can Reinforce Specials at Home

Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing more insights and activity ideas to help parents incorporate these specials into home routines. By reinforcing these skills at home, parents can create a nurturing environment that supports growth and strengthens the school-home connection. Stay tuned for tips on how to set routines, integrate activities, and make learning fun and engaging for your child.

At MDE School, we are dedicated to creating a supportive space where every child can reach their full potential. With the help of our specials, we are building a solid foundation for each student’s journey toward independence, self-confidence, and personal success. For more information about our programs or to schedule a visit, please contact us at 770-971-4633. We would love to show you how MDE School is making a difference for children with special needs.

Written by MDE School Art Teacher, Ms. Taylor