Let’s talk about our ESE (Exceptional Student Education) students—the ones who keep us sharp, honest, and constantly googling, “What does that IEP acronym really mean?” 😅
These students are capable, creative, and full of potential—but let’s face it, they don’t always thrive with one-size-fits-all instruction. And honestly? Who does?
As teachers, we don’t need a PhD in educational psychology—we just need a few intentional strategies (and a decent coffee supply) to make a difference.
Here are 8 teacher-tested, admin-approved strategies to help your ESE students shine—even on a Monday.
1️⃣ Visual Directions… Always.
🧠 Why it helps: Students with processing delays, ADHD, or anxiety often struggle to hold verbal instructions in their working memory.
🧑🏫 Teacher Tip: Write it. Post it. Point to it. Repeat it.
📌 Example: You say: “When you’re done with your quiz, turn it in, grab your book, and read quietly.”
Student hears: “When you’re done with your quiz, scream and wander.”
Solution? Post it clearly on the board with step-by-step tasks. Add icons or emojis for extra clarity, or act it out. Walk over to the tray, then to a book, and open it up.
2️⃣ Chunk It Down
🧠 Why it helps: Large tasks feel overwhelming to students with learning disabilities, executive functioning issues, or anxiety.
🧑🏫 Teacher Tip: Break big assignments into small, manageable parts. Celebrate completion of each chunk.
🎒 Example: Instead of “Write a 5-paragraph essay,” try:
- Step 1: Choose a topic
- Step 2: Write your intro sentence
- Step 3: Draft your body paragraph 1
…and so on. It’s lesson lasagna, not an overwhelming blob.
3️⃣ Check for Understanding—Don’t Just Ask “Got It?”
🧠 Why it helps: Many ESE students will nod politely even if they’re 94% lost in the sauce.
🧑🏫 Teacher Tip: Use quick check-ins like thumbs up/down, exit tickets, or “Turn and Teach” moments.
🎤 Student example: You: “Any questions?”
Student (panicking inside): “I don’t even know what to ask.”
Instead, ask: “Show me with your fingers—how confident are you, 1–5?” or “Explain the steps to your neighbor.”
Three then Me is a great way to get students to understand a concept before asking you a question. Sometimes students don’t realize how much they know they have to explain the instructions to someone else. When students share with each other, it helps them organize their thoughts. They can better conceptualize their ideas. This sharing facilitates their learning and gives you a break.
4️⃣ Use Sentence Starters and Writing Frames
🧠 Why it helps: Writing can be paralyzing without scaffolding. This is especially true for students with dyslexia, ADHD, or working memory issues.
🧑🏫 Teacher Tip: Provide structured sentence starters and model responses.
📃 Example:
Instead of “Write a theme statement,” try:
“One important theme in this story is ___ because ___.”
You’ll go from blank stares to confident writing—without pulling teeth.
5️⃣ Movement = Magic
🧠 Why it helps: Movement boosts focus, reduces stress, and supports kinesthetic learners.
🧑🏫 Teacher Tip: Build movement into your routines—even tiny shifts help.
🪑 Examples:
- Gallery walks
- Brain breaks
- “Stand up if…” response games
- Switch seats after every paragraph written (bonus: resets attention)
Movement doesn’t mean chaos. It means keeping the wheels turning.
6️⃣ Give More Time (And Don’t Make a Thing of It)
🧠 Why it helps: Some students need more processing or writing time. Period.
🧑🏫 Teacher Tip: Build in extended time naturally. Don’t single them out.
🎓 Student story: I had a student with dysgraphia who shut down every time we “timed” anything. I stopped saying “You have 5 minutes” and just said, “Start with what you know—we’ll check back together in a bit.”
He finished every assignment. No timer panic. No tears.
7️⃣ Let Them Show What They Know—in Different Ways
🧠 Why it helps: Expression and learning styles vary. So should assessment.
🧑🏫 Teacher Tip: Offer choice: write, draw, record a video, make a comic, or give a one-on-one oral explanation.
🎨 Example: Instead of a written summary, let a student draw a comic strip of the plot. Their comprehension may blow you away.
And yes—stick figures count. Always.
8️⃣ Build Relationships First, Always
🧠 Why it helps: Trust = engagement. ESE students often struggle in environments where they’ve felt judged or misunderstood.
🧑🏫 Teacher Tip: Greet them by name. Laugh with them. Ask about their interests. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small.
💬 Student moment: I once had a student with ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) who refused every task… until I noticed his Spider-Man sketch in his notebook. I asked, “Ever draw characters from books?” His project ended up being a full graphic novel.
You never know what brilliance is hiding behind the “no.”
🧠 Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Be an Expert—You Just Need to Care
Supporting ESE students isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being patient, flexible, and human. These strategies? They’re not just for ESE students. They’re good for all students.
So next time you’re feeling stuck, remember:
✨ You’re not alone.
✨ You’re already doing more than you realize.
✨ You’re making a difference—especially on the hard days.
📥 Want these 8 strategies in a printable cheat sheet + planning template?
[Click here to grab your free ESE Strategy Toolkit!]
The Angry Teacher 
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