Hidden curriculum refers to the unspoken or unwritten rules and expectations at school that students need to know to succeed. For autistic students, this can include things like understanding social norms, managing time and organization, and navigating the physical school environment. Understanding the hidden curriculum can help autistic students feel more comfortable and confident at school.
Why is it important for autistic students?
Hidden Curriculum poses a significant impact on the success and well-being of autistic students. By understanding and addressing these unwritten expectations, educators and therapists can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment, leading to improved confidence and academic outcomes.
How can it be addressed in the classroom?
The Hidden Curriculum can be addressed in the classroom by providing training for teachers, incorporating social skills instruction into the Curriculum, and providing individualized support and interventions for autistic students. Other strategies might include using visual aids, creating a positive and supportive classroom culture, and involving parents in the process.
What role do parents play in helping their autistic child understand the hidden curriculum?
Parents can play a critical role in helping their autistic child succeed and thrive in their educational and social environments by working together with their child’s school and other professionals and supporting their child in developing the skills and strategies necessary to meet these expectations, such as social communication skills or time management techniques.
Hidden curriculum refers to the unspoken rules and expectations that are not part of the official school curriculum but are still important for students to know and understand to succeed. For autistic students, this can include social norms, such as making eye contact, understanding sarcasm, or navigating group dynamics. It can also include expectations for organization and time management or navigating the school’s physical environment. Understanding the hidden curriculum is important for autistic students because it can help them feel more confident and comfortable in school and lead to better academic and social outcomes. It’s like learning the unwritten rules of a game—once you know them, you can play more effectively and have more fun.
Understanding how hidden curriculum works is essential for parents of autistic students. It involves unspoken rules that influence a child’s school experience. Let’s explore some examples of how it operates:
The hidden curriculum plays a vital role in a student’s educational journey, impacting their social, emotional, and academic development. Goally empowers autistic kids with fun apps for life and language skills, fostering social, emotional, and executive functioning growth for success in school and beyond.
This post was originally published on Feb. 10, 2023. It was updated on July 21, 2023.
