SHOW NOTES

• Click to download the transcript for Episode 34

Key Takeaways: 

• Stressors can originate for many sources
• Humans struggle when overwhelmed by stressors
• Stressors are often hidden from awareness
• Providing choices can significantly reduce both cognitive and social stressors
• Awareness and reduction of stressors can enhance student learning and educator well-being

Highlights from the Handout:

 The handout, “Top 10 Ways to Reduce Stressors,” offers practical strategies for minimizing stressors across four domains: biological, emotional, cognitive, and social. It includes a checklist of common stressors, such as sensory challenges, emotional overload, and social pressures, alongside actionable tips like using visual supports, offering choices, and reducing demands to support regulation. By addressing these stressors, the resource aims to foster more inclusive and empathetic learning environments for students and educators alike.

Julie’s Favorite: Reducing Demands because it blends choices, extra time, and task adjustments to reduce overwhelm

Kristie’s Favorite: Visual Supports because they help maintain focus and clarity in complex situations

Practical Tips:

(2:50) Use sensory check-ins to become aware of biological stressors.
(5:02) Recognize the impact of positive emotions like excitement on regulation.
(9:00) Provide visual supports to make abstract expectations tangible and predictable.
(11:08) Offer choices like “Partner, Individual, Group” to accommodate social preferences.