5 Ways to Prepare for Diverse Communicators (Including Young Stutterers) this Back-to-School Season!

The new school year is buzzing with anticipation! As you gear up to welcome a vibrant mix of learners, consider the diverse communication styles present in your classroom. This includes young people who stutter who bring unique strengths and experiences that can enrich the learning environment.

We know you're busy - so this blog post cuts to the chase! Below are 5 actionable tips you can take this summer to create an inclusive and empowering classroom for all.

1. Co-Create Respectful Communication Expectations:

This summer, consider what you imagine respectful and supportive communication can look like in your classroom. Create a list of communication expectations. Here are some starting points to brainstorm with yourself:

• Actively Listen: Pay attention to the speaker, make eye contact, and avoid interrupting.

• Use Kind Words: Treat everyone with respect and avoid name-calling or teasing.

• Be Patient: Allow everyone time to speak and express themselves clearly.

Take it a Step Further:

During the first week of school, involve your students in creating communication expectations. This could be a classroom poster, a chart, or even a digital slideshow. Student involvement fosters ownership and reinforces the importance of respectful communication.

2. Celebrate Differences with Engaging Activities:

Diversity is a superpower in your classroom!  Schedule some summer planning time to brainstorm activities that celebrate different communication styles, including stuttering. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Strengths Spotlight: Dedicate a week to highlighting different student strengths. This could involve presentations, group activities, or a "strengths board" showcasing what makes everyone unique.

• Representation Matters: Spend some time curating diverse materials (e.g., toys, books, videos, etc.) for your classroom. One of our favorite books about diverse communicators is "More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean" by Roz MacLean. Prepare lesson plans that allow for discussions about the different ways people communicate, including stuttering.
  

3. Build Your Understanding of Stuttering:

Take time this summer to learn more about stuttering! Address any misinformation or bias you may have about stuttering.

4. Connect with Your School SLP:

Your school's speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a valuable resource!  Reach out to them this summer to schedule a meeting for the new school year.  Discuss the specific needs of students who stutter in your class. The SLP can offer personalized communication strategies and collaborate with you to create a supportive learning environment.

5. Check Out Our Website:

At Support for Young Stutterers, we're dedicated to empowering young people who stutter and fostering inclusive classrooms.  Here are some resources we have available for teachers:

• Blog posts: Dive deeper into stuttering and ways to support young people who stutter in our blog posts just for teachers!

• Join the conversation: Connect with a supportive community of SLPs, educators, and caregivers on our Instagram page, @YoungStutterers. Get inspired by real-life examples and ask questions directly!

By implementing these 5 actionable tips this summer, you can create a classroom environment where all students, including young people who stutter, feel empowered to participate and communicate confidently.