23 Extra time for processing
Definition
Providing students with extra time to think before they are required to respond to questions or begin a task.
In action
The teacher can build in additional pause time after asking a question or beginning a new task by silently counting to 10 before re-engaging the student.
Support Strategies
- Give the student additional time to complete tests and in-class work
- Encourage students to take breaks while completing tasks (i.e., stand up, stretch, take deep breaths)
- Give the student extra time to respond to questions in class
- Provide students with both oral and simple written instructions
- Reduce the length of repetitive assignments (e.g., completing the even numbered questions)
- Allow the student extended time for test-taking
Case Study
Student: Grade 6 student in Social Studies class
Content: The teacher asks students to discuss the development of the reserve system and the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, European settlers, and the federal government.
Problem: The student becomes frustrated throughout the discussion as they are having trouble participating effectively due to the quick pace of the discussion.
Solution: The teacher provides the student with a written copy of the question in advance and informs them that their response will be requested in a class discussion to allow extra time to consider the question and formulate an answer.
Additional Resources
- Interview with Dr. Ellen Braaten on helping children who struggle with processing speed
- Short article describing how to incorporate “wait time” in the classroom the Inclusive Schools Network
- Description and justification for use of wait time in the classroom from Reading Rockets
- Teaching resource for accommodating students with processing speed needs from the OTF
- Informational fact sheet on wait time, including summary, examples, and video links from the IRIS Center
