Ella Ayer

I have worked extensively with my younger brother, who has severe ADHD, and this experience has taught me a great deal about keeping children engaged, both in-person and online. I quickly learned that making lessons fun and interactive is essential to maintaining focus. I structure instruction in short, manageable segments, often followed by visual or tactile explanations and immediate practice to reinforce learning.

Active participation is a priority. I frequently involve him in lessons by asking him to rephrase or summarize what he has learned, ensuring he is processing the material rather than passively listening. I also include short breaks and opportunities for movement, which help him release energy and return to tasks more focused. Games and competitions are another strategy I use to maintain attention and motivation.

I have found that using multiple forms of input, auditory, visual, and tactile, greatly enhances understanding and retention, particularly for children with ADHD. Providing students with independence and meaningful choices in how they approach a task also helps them feel invested in their learning. On an online platform, I would use these strategies to keep children engaged, motivated, and actively participating throughout the lesson.

One of my younger sisters has dyslexia, as does my father. My sister often takes a little longer to read, especially aloud, and she becomes frustrated quickly if she struggles to perform well. Her experience has shown me just how much dyslexia can impact learning across all subjects. While she is fully capable of keeping up with her schooling, certain tasks take her longer than they do for others. My father’s experience was even more challenging—he is now an extremely successful physician and teacher, yet he was not able to read until fourth grade due to dyslexia and ADHD, despite his mother being a middle school teacher and reading specialist. Witnessing both of their journeys has given me a deep appreciation for patience and the importance of individualized approaches to learning.

My younger sister, who has cerebral palsy, faces many sensory processing challenges. Over the past ten years, I have worked with her on a variety of subjects. Her intelligence, combined with her heightened sensitivity, can make learning especially difficult, as she is very aware of herself and her struggles to grasp new concepts. I have learned to be extremely patient and to let her decide when she is ready to move forward, slow down, or take a break. I have also come to understand the importance of consistency in her education and of minimizing external stimulation to help her focus on understanding a concept.

My younger sister, who has cerebral palsy, faces many sensory processing challenges. Over the past ten years, I have worked with her on a variety of subjects. Her intelligence, combined with her heightened sensitivity, can make learning especially difficult, as she is very aware of herself and her struggles to grasp new concepts. I have learned to be extremely patient and to let her decide when she is ready to move forward, slow down, or take a break. I have also come to understand the importance of consistency in her education and of minimizing external stimulation to help her focus on understanding a concept.