Building Cabins, Building Minds: The Power of Hands-On Learning for Neurodivergent Learners

Last week, Ms. Hershelman’s class at our school brought the novel Trouble River to life by constructing a cabin, reflecting the story's setting and themes. This immersive experience went beyond just reading about the story—it allowed students to physically engage with the material in a way that deepened their understanding and connection to it. This creative approach to education is a fantastic example of how hands-on learning can enhance engagement, especially for neurodivergent learners.

Why Hands-On Learning Matters for Neurodivergent Students

For students with learning differences hands-on learning isn’t just an option—it’s often essential. Neurodivergent learners, including those with ADHD, dyslexia, and other differences, tend to thrive in environments where they can engage all their senses. Building a cabin isn’t just a fun activity; it incorporates visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learning, which helps reinforce the content in a way that traditional reading or lecture-based learning may not.

Research shows that multisensory learning techniques can improve information retention and comprehension, particularly for students with dyslexia and other processing disorders. A study from the Journal of Learning Disabilities indicates that students who engage in hands-on, multisensory learning activities show higher levels of engagement and retention than those taught through traditional methods. In Ms. Hershelman’s class, building the cabin transforms the abstract world of Trouble River into something tangible and memorable.

Bringing Hands-On Learning Home

While these techniques are used in classrooms, there are also ways to bring hands-on learning into your home to support your neurodivergent child’s education. Here are a few ideas for parents to try:

1. Create Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are a great way to engage tactile learners. You can fill them with materials that correspond to your child’s current lessons—such as sand or water for geography lessons or small figures to represent characters from a book they’re reading. This type of multisensory play helps solidify abstract concepts.

2. Dramatize Lessons

Just like Ms. Hershelman’s class built a cabin to bring their novel to life, you can use simple props at home to reenact scenes from a story or history lesson. Acting out a concept engages multiple senses and can help children better remember what they’ve learned.

3. Incorporate Art and Building Projects

For students who struggle with reading comprehension, drawing or building scenes from the text can be a powerful way to connect with the material. Encourage your child to build a model of a setting, create a comic strip of important scenes, or design a “book in a box” where they place objects that represent key parts of the story inside a small box or diorama.

4. Use Movement for Math and Science

Math manipulatives like blocks or beads are excellent for making abstract concepts concrete. Even outside the classroom, movement-based activities like jumping rope while practicing multiplication or using play dough to model science concepts can be incredibly beneficial.

For more ideas on how to apply these strategies at home, check out these resources:

• Understood.org offers a wide range of resources for parents of children with learning and attention issues. Their articles on multisensory learning and specific strategies for neurodivergent students are particularly helpful.
• The Child Mind Institute provides comprehensive advice on how parents can help their neurodivergent children succeed both in and out of the classroom. They offer hands-on learning tips and strategies for home.
• ADDitude Magazine focuses on ADHD, learning disabilities, and related issues. Their website has practical advice and techniques for multisensory learning and engaging neurodivergent students at home.

At our school, we understand the importance of making learning accessible and engaging for all students, particularly those who learn differently. Ms. Hershelman’s class serves as a perfect reminder that when we meet students where they are, providing them with opportunities to interact with their education in meaningful ways, we open doors to deeper understanding and success.

How Video Games Saved My Life

We are so excited to have Mr. Rich join us this year! Please take the time to read some of his story below: 

Hello, everyone! My name is Rich Bowman, and I’m excited to be the new IT Director and Technology Teacher at The John Crosland School. As the head coach for our esports team, I feel compelled to share my story—a journey of how esports not only shaped my life but ultimately saved it.

Growing up in the volatile streets of Flatbush in Brooklyn, NY, my life was colored by challenges. My parents, Caribbean-American immigrants from Grenada, worked tirelessly to create a better life for my three brothers and I. They were hard workers especially when it came to the task of keeping us all safe. They were constantly worried about me spending too much time outside, especially given the dangers lurking in our neighborhood. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of my neighborhood, I discovered a refuge in video games. They became my escape, allowing me to connect with friends while remaining safe at home.

Through gaming, I found a community that I desperately needed. While many of my peers faced the harsh realities of our environment, I immersed myself in virtual worlds that sparked my imagination and fueled my passion. The friendships I built online transcended the confines of our neighborhood, creating bonds that would last a lifetime. I realized that gaming was not just a pastime; it was a lifeline that kept me from the pitfalls that consumed so many around me.

Today, I’m happily married and a proud father. I’ve become an avid esports competitor, achieving some of the highest ranks in games like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Smash Bros. Ultimate. But my most cherished role is that of a coach to my 11-year-old daughter, Charlotte. It’s a joy to watch her grow in this space, just as I did, and to bond over our shared passion. Together, we explore the vibrant world of esports, connecting with family members scattered across the globe through gaming. It’s amazing how digital games can strengthen ties, turning distances into mere numbers on a map.

Esports is so much more than competition; it’s a powerful tool for growth and development, especially for middle and high school students. The sense of community that forms within an esports team is remarkable. For many kids, it provides a place to belong, a chance to connect with others who share similar interests. This community helps break down social barriers, fostering friendships that can last a lifetime.

The skills developed through gaming extend beyond the screen. Esports challenges players to think critically and make quick decisions under pressure, honing their problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. These qualities are essential not only in gaming but in navigating the complexities of life.

Competing in esports also builds confidence and resilience. Learning to cope with failure while celebrating success helps students understand that setbacks are part of the journey. This invaluable lesson empowers them to face challenges head-on, whether in school or in life.

Moreover, the collaborative nature of esports teaches kids the importance of teamwork and communication. Working together towards a common goal fosters skills that are beneficial in school projects and future careers. The bonds formed in the heat of competition often lead to lifelong friendships, enriching the lives of all involved.

As esports continues to grow, it opens doors to various career paths, from game design to marketing, coaching, and event management. By engaging in this vibrant ecosystem, students can explore potential interests and gain skills that will serve them well in the future.

In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful for the role that gaming has played in my life. It has kept me grounded, provided opportunities I never dreamed possible, and has allowed me to create a legacy of gaming within my family. I am eager to share this passion with my students and help them discover the countless benefits esports has to offer. Together, we’ll navigate this digital landscape, build a supportive community, and empower our students to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires others to see the potential that lies within esports—not just as a pastime, but as a life-changing experience.

Let’s get gaming!