Using Special Interests to Supercharge your Classroom

Every student has unique strengths and interests. Many neurodivergent students have special interests that serve as a source of motivation, comfort, learning, and self-expression. While hobbies are often enjoyed casually, special interests tend to be deeply meaningful and highly engaging. By incorporating special interests into the classroom, educators can create more inclusive, affirming learning experiences.

1) Learn about your students' special interests.

Develop a relationship with your students, their families, and therapists to better understand what motivates them and sparks their curiosity. Remember that special interests can change over time, so checking in regularly helps ensure your classroom continues to reflect students' current interests.

2) Incorporate special interests into lessons.

Incorporating special interest into lessons can increase engagement while making learning more meaningful. Small adjustments can have a big impact, such as:

• Choosing books that align with a students' special interests
• Offering project choices that allow students to explore curriculum concepts through topics they enjoy
• Incorporating a student's preferred historical period, animals, vehicles, or characters into writing prompts.

3) Create a safe environment for sharing.

Students are more likely to share their interests when they know they'll be respected and encouraged.

Create opportunities to talk about what they enjoy, celebrate each others' passions, and discover shared interests. These moments can help foster belonging and authentic peer connections.

4) Use special interests across different areas of learning.

Special interests can be a bridge between what students already know and the new skills they're learning. Rather than teaching social-emotional concepts and academics in isolation, connect them to topics that already capture students' attention.

For example, if a student loves dinosaurs, you might use them to practice perspective-taking, problem-solving, reading comprehension, or writing.

Special interests can support learning across many areas, including:

• Social-Emotional skills
• Executive functioning
• Communication
• Self-advocacy
• Academic instruction

5) Keep an updated list.

As students grow, their interests may change or expand. Maintaining an updated list of students' special interests can help you continue to create meaningful learning opportunities throughout the school year.

Regular check-ins also show students that you value their identities and interests, which can strengthen relationships and trust.

Related Resources

Check out these lesson plans that help students explore and share their special interests:

• Exploring Special Interests Lesson Plan
• Finding Shared Interests Lesson Plan
• Strengths Collage Lesson Plan

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