Understanding Lessons
Breaking down instructions, using visuals and checking understanding so the child can follow the lesson.
Every child deserves the chance to learn, belong and grow in a mainstream classroom. Our shadow teachers work one-to-one with children who need extra support at school, helping them take part in lessons, follow routines and build confidence, while working closely with teachers and parents.
A shadow teacher is a trained support person who works alongside a child in a regular school. The shadow teacher helps the child understand and take part in classroom learning, activities and routines, so the child can be included in school life.
The aim is not to do the work for the child. The shadow teacher gives the right level of support, such as breaking down instructions, keeping the child on task or helping with transitions, and then gradually reduces that support as the child becomes more independent.
At Little Golden Cub Foundation, shadow teaching is part of a wider, multidisciplinary approach. Goals can be shared with therapists, special educators and psychologists so that what a child learns in therapy can be practised in the classroom.
Practical, day-to-day help that makes school more accessible, calmer and more rewarding.
Breaking down instructions, using visuals and checking understanding so the child can follow the lesson.
Gentle prompts and strategies that help the child stay on task and finish classroom work.
Positive strategies for managing frustration, transitions and busy or noisy classroom moments.
Supporting play, turn-taking, conversation and group work with classmates.
Helping with schedules, organizing belongings, snack time, toilet routines and moving between activities.
Celebrating progress and gradually reducing support so the child learns to manage more on their own.
Shadow teaching can support children in mainstream schools who need extra help to take part in learning. This may include children with:
A clear, collaborative process that keeps your child, the school and your family on the same page.
We meet you, understand your child’s strengths and challenges, and learn about the school and classroom.
We set clear goals for learning, behavior, communication and independence, with input from you and the school.
A trained shadow teacher supports your child in the classroom and works alongside the class teacher.
We review progress with parents and the school, and gradually reduce support as your child gains independence.
We share simple strategies and classroom adjustments so teachers and the shadow teacher support the child in the same way.
Parents receive regular updates and practical ideas so progress at school carries over to home.
Shadow teaching can work alongside therapy, special education and psychology when a child needs more than one kind of support.
Answers to common questions parents and schools ask about shadow teaching.
Speak with the Little Golden Cub Foundation team about your child’s needs at school and how shadow teaching support can help.
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