Research is demonstrating that students with Executive Function challenges experience limitations in daily classroom activities. In fact, according to Sara Ward and Kristen Jacobsen, “Even subtle delays in EF control can have enormous impact on function and performance”.
How can we tackle the challenge of improving Situational Awareness (SA) in school or at home when there is limited research available pertaining to the classroom to reference?
The first shift is understanding that there are many moving parts across environments.
How do we begin?
Step 1. Developing Awareness in Space
“Importance of spatial capacity to self regulate as individuals will purposefully arrange themselves with their surroundings and organize the physical environment to attain goals” (Barkley 2012)
Factors that you must consider when teaching SA to a child include:
Can they read the room to know the purpose of the space?
Can they observe the space from a wide and narrow angle?
Do they navigate the space efficiently and know where they need to be?
Can they transition between spaces?
Remember that spaces... CHANGE.
Observe them and Evaluate the following variables:
How stable is the environment? How complex is the situation in the space? What is the degree of distractibility? How familiar is the child with the space?
By mindfully observing and evaluating the space you will gain a a higher perspective and determine what interventions may be needed.
Remember investing in building Situational Awareness will improve self regulating behaviors and fortify executive skills!
This state of higher spatial awareness makes us more present human beings. Cultivate it patiently, the benefits will authenticate themselves throughout a lifetime...
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