LEARNING DIFFERENTLY
Ava Cassar Torreggiani
See it On Campus: Level 2
Learning Differently is an educational package that supports children with learning disabilities, and serves as a resource for parents and educators.
BACKSTORY
Of course there is a backstory to go along with the project, I struggled all throughout my school years with severe learning disabilities, however elementary school was the most difficult. There was a major lack of representation and minimal conversation about learning disabilities. I felt isolated, less than, and often not as capable as my other classmates. It wasn’t until I un learned the systems I grew up in to realize I just learn differently, and often the different ways I think benefit me! I wanted to create something that would instil this mindset from an early age. a tool to encourage and build confidence in the next generation of learners, teachers, and guardians. This is how Learning Differently was born.
RESEARCH
During my research I’ve had many meaningful conversations with educators working in the current school. systems and learned that resources like this are currently missing. There isn’t much material out there to support kids out there with learning disabilities. I also did some reflecting back with my parents who had to navigate these systems that were built to push out kids with learning disabilities. doodling and hands on design helped me develop the educational package.
MEET ARTIE
The mascot for Learning Differently, who strives to help out and spread words of encouragement to those who need it.
ELEMENTS
Poster trio for visibility
The posters are to be put up in the classroom or at home to act as a reminder to kids that it’s okay to learn differently, and mistakes are how we learn.
Children’s book
Sam struggles with a learning disability, but with the help of Artie, a sock monkey and great friend, sam learns that it’s okay to learn in their own way. Together they discover that confidence and patience can truly turn challenges into adventures. it’s okay to learn differently is a heartwarming story that reminds us that we are never done in our learning journey.
Positive affirmation card deck / postcards
The card deck acts as a way to work in positive learning affirmations, at home or in the classroom. The cards can be used as a daily exercise or a tool when a learner is feeling down. The post cards act as a form of emotional regulation. The student gets a chance to write to somebody who understands what they are going through, Artie. Instead of having to seek out an adult when they are struggling with their learning disability they can write a 100% anonymous post card to the one and only.
A Friend Like Artie Workshop
The workshop will be an activity where students get the chance to make their own version of Artie, a blank sock money get get to decorate with felt markers, then they get to make their own little back story for each sock monkey. This way students are making sock monkeys like Artie that they can seek out when they need emotional support or a brain break, helping the child, and at the same time acting as an indicator for teachers to know which child is going through a tough moment.
EXTRA PHOTOS
