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The Hidden Curriculum & Autistic Students

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Summary

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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.

Frequently Asked Question

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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.

Scientific Definition

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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.

Video Explanation

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Real World Example of Hidden Curriculum

Meet Susie, a bright and creative 8-year-old girl with autism. Susie is excited to start third grade at a new school. However, she finds herself facing some challenges beyond the official curriculum:

  • Social Norms: During recess, Susie joins a group playing tag but struggles to understand the unspoken rules and when to tag others.
  • Classroom Behavior: In class, the teacher explains an assignment, but Susie is unsure when it’s appropriate to ask questions or seek help.
  • Time Management: Susie is given a project to complete by the end of the week but isn’t sure how to break it down into manageable tasks.
  • Physical Environment: The school’s bustling hallways overwhelm Susie as she tries to find her way to different classrooms.
  • Group Dynamics: When working on a group project, Susie has difficulty collaborating with her peers, leading to misunderstandings.

Despite these challenges, Susie’s parents are determined to support her. They discover helpful resources and tools, which gradually help Susie navigate the hidden curriculum, building her confidence, and allowing her to thrive in school and friendships.

How Does Hidden Curriculum Work?

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:

  • Unspoken Influence: Hidden curriculum shapes students’ behaviors, attitudes, and interactions without being formally taught.
  • Social Skills: It includes teaching social norms like making eye contact, taking turns, and understanding body language.
  • Time Management: Hidden curriculum emphasizes punctuality, meeting deadlines, and following schedules.
  • Classroom Behavior: Students learn expected conduct, such as raising hands, active listening, and respecting personal space.
  • Physical Environment: Navigating crowded hallways, playgrounds, and cafeteria is part of the hidden curriculum.
  • Group Dynamics: Students must learn how to work collaboratively, share ideas, and resolve conflicts.
  • Handling Authority: Understanding how to interact respectfully with teachers, principals, and staff.
  • Organizational Skills: Learning to keep track of assignments, materials, and belongings.
  • Following Instructions: Comprehending and executing multi-step instructions.
  • Problem-Solving: Hidden curriculum teaches children to adapt, persevere, and find solutions in different situations.

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.