Fatigue and burnout are common challenges for struggling students, especially those with learning disabilities such as DYS or ADHD. These students often have to put in considerable effort to accomplish school tasks, which leads to increased fatigue. This article offers practical keys to understanding and reducing this fatigue, while balancing learning and recovery.
1. Link between learning disabilities and increased fatigue
Students with learning or attention difficulties have to mobilize more resources to complete the same tasks as their peers.
Why are they more tired?
- High cognitive load: Children with DYS (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia) or ADHD have to process information less automatically, which increases their mental effort.
- Physical tension: For example, a dyspraxic child may clench his hand while writing, resulting in muscle pain and physical fatigue.
- Emotional stress: These students may feel frustrated or out of step with school expectations, adding an emotional burden to their day.
Classroom example:
A dyslexic student may need to read a text several times to understand its meaning, which is much more tiring than for a child with no reading difficulties.
2. The importance of regular breaks for DYS or ADHD children
Breaks are essential for recharging attention and reducing fatigue. They enable students to release cognitive and physical pressure, and return to a task with a clearer mind.
Why include breaks?
- ADHD students have limited powers of concentration and can become restless without frequent breaks.
- DYS children, on the other hand, spend a lot of energy on routine school tasks (reading, writing, arithmetic) and benefit from periods of recuperation.
How do you organize these breaks?
- Active break: Incorporate physical exercise or fun activities, such as those offered by the COCO BOUGE program, which encourages sports breaks every 15 minutes of screen time. This helps students refocus and release energy at the same time.
- Calm break: Offer moments of relaxation or breathing to soothe students who are mentally overloaded.
Practical example:
After 20 minutes of reading, suggest that students get up to do some stretching or participate in a movement activity guided by an app like COCO BOUGE, which combines education and sports breaks.
3. Tips for balancing learning and recovery
1. Split long tasks
Long work sessions can quickly tire a student, especially if they have learning or attention difficulties. Breaking down a complex task into shorter steps helps children stay focused and progress at their own pace.
Practical examples:
- Writing: If a student has to write a paragraph, suggest that they write one sentence at a time. After each sentence, they can reread and check their work before continuing.
- In math: When working on a problem, break down each stage (reading, identifying data, calculation) and check understanding before moving on to the next stage.
- In science: For a hands-on experiment, let students complete part of the protocol, pause to discuss intermediate results, then resume.
2. Adapt the level of difficulty
It’s crucial that the tasks proposed are adapted to the abilities of each pupil. Activities that are too simple can lead to boredom, while exercises that are too complex can discourage and exhaust children.
Practical examples:
- For a dyslexic student: Use simplified texts or texts accompanied by audio. For example, read instructions aloud while showing illustrations that reinforce the content.
- For an ADHD student: Offer dynamic tasks where he can manipulate objects or interact with digital tools, such as COCO PENSE. For example, for a vocabulary exercise, he can press pictures representing words rather than write long sentences.
- In sport or art: Offer several levels of execution. For example, in drawing, a dyspraxic student can trace the outlines before coloring, rather than drawing a complex figure alone.
3. Integrate digital tools
Digital tools lighten the cognitive load and make learning more interactive. They are particularly useful for students who need breaks or a playful approach to maintain their attention.
Practical examples:
- With COCO PENSE: offer cognitive games that reinforce specific skills such as memory or reasoning. For example, a student can play a mental arithmetic game adapted to his/her level to consolidate what he/she has learned.
- With COCO BOUGE: Plan active breaks every 15 minutes for students working on screens. For example, after completing a reading exercise, invite them to follow a guided movement activity.
- Interactive applications: Use quiz or flashcard applications to review concepts while making learning fun.
4. Creating a Soothing Classroom Environment
An adapted environment can greatly improve concentration and reduce fatigue. Students with special needs are often more sensitive to distractions.
Practical examples:
- Limit distractions: Place students who tire quickly away from windows or high-traffic areas. Use headphones or ear muffs for those who are bothered by noise.
- Quiet corner: Set up a space in the classroom with cushions, books or relaxing games where children can recharge their batteries. For example, a student could spend a few minutes reading a short story before returning to his or her desk.
- Lighting and organization: Make sure the classroom is well lit, with an orderly layout to limit visual stress.
5. Promoting autonomy
Giving students the means to manage their own work and breaks gives them a sense of responsibility and a better understanding of their own needs.
Practical examples:
- Visual timer: Offer students colored timers or hourglasses so they can manage their work periods and breaks. For example, they can set a timer for 15 minutes for a task, then take an active break.
- Self-assessment cards: Offer simple cards where students can record their energy level or concentration. For example: “Do I feel concentrated? Yes/No. Do I need a break?”
- Choice of activities: Give them the opportunity to choose the order of tasks or type of exercise. For example, a student might start with a game on COCO THINKS before moving on to a writing activity.
Example of a routine to balance Learning and Recovery
Here’s a concrete example of a timetable to incorporate these tips:
- Start of session: Writing exercise (10 minutes) → Active break with COCO BOUGE (5 minutes).
- Mid-session: Reading activity with visual support (15 minutes) → Quiet break in reading corner (5 minutes).
- End of session: Educational game on tablet with COCO PENSE (10 minutes) → Stretching or relaxation.
Impact on students
These adaptations enable pupils to better manage their fatigue and stress, while promoting sustainable learning. They show children that their pace is respected, boosting their motivation and self-confidence.
By implementing tools like COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES, you introduce strategies that support both learning and well-being. These methods don’t just benefit struggling students, but create an inclusive environment for all. In this way, you transform your classroom into a space where learning is a pleasure, not an ordeal.
Raising awareness among families: a team effort
Family involvement is crucial in helping children manage fatigue, both at school and at home. Here’s how to work effectively with them:
Share your observations
Explain to parents any signs you’ve noticed in class, such as excessive fatigue or difficulty completing a task.
Example: “I’ve noticed that your child seems very tired after 15 minutes of writing. Perhaps we could try short breaks?”
Offering home solutions
- Encourage families to incorporate active breaks at home, such as those offered by COCO BOUGE, to help children release the pressure after school.
- Suggest the use of educational programs such as COCO PENSE, which allow children to work on their cognitive skills in a fun and adapted way.
Provide concrete tools
Recommend relaxation exercises, evening routines to promote restful sleep, or activities that strengthen fine motor skills, such as coloring or construction games.
Encouraging ongoing communication
Invite parents to share their own observations and keep you informed of the child’s progress or difficulties. A collaborative approach will reinforce consistency between home and school.
Conclusion: Building a Balanced School Environment
Managing the fatigue of students with learning difficulties is essential if they are to thrive at school. By introducing regular breaks, adapting materials and rewarding efforts, you can considerably reduce their exhaustion.
Programs such as COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES offer a fun, structured approach to supporting these students while promoting their recovery. By integrating these tools into your teaching practices, you’ll contribute to more serene and balanced learning.
Every student has the potential to succeed in a caring and appropriate environment. It’s up to you, the teachers, to offer them this space where learning and well-being coexist!
