Supporting students with ADHD, sensory sensitivities: advanced English language development in Israel

At Morasha Studio, we’re passionate about creating a legacy of learning that equips students with the skills, confidence, and creativity they need to thrive. As educators and mentors with decades of experience, we understand the unique challenges and potential of each student. Whether they’re improving language skills, exploring artistic expression, or sharing their stories, our goal is to foster both personal growth and academic success.

Here are some tips that reflect our values at Morasha Studio, designed to support students with ADHD, sensory sensitivities, giftedness, and those seeking advanced English language development in Israel.

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1. Foster Self-Expression through Art

Why it Works: Art offers an alternative way to express emotions and ideas, particularly for students who may struggle with verbal communication or have sensory sensitivities. Art’s therapeutic benefits are numerous, and for children with ADHD or anxiety, creative activities can be a source of calm and focus.

Try This: Encourage open-ended art projects that allow your child or student to explore without fear of “getting it wrong.” Using materials that appeal to the senses, such as watercolor paints or textured paper, can enhance the sensory experience and deepen engagement. Ask guiding questions like, “How does this color make you feel?” or “What do you want to express today?”

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2. Encourage Reading and Writing in English Daily

Why it Works: For students in Israel who speak English as a first language, or those looking to deepen their English language skills, consistent exposure to English is essential. Reading helps develop vocabulary and comprehension, while writing encourages expression and grammar reinforcement.

Try This: Set aside 15–20 minutes a day for reading something of interest, such as a book, a magazine, or an online article. Encourage journaling in English to help improve writing skills; this can also become a valuable emotional outlet. If possible, find a small peer group to practice conversational English and boost confidence.

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3. Use Movement Breaks to Improve Focus

Why it Works: Physical movement is especially beneficial for students with ADHD and sensory processing challenges, allowing them to release energy, improve focus, and manage stress. Short, structured breaks can make it easier for students to engage in more demanding tasks, like studying or completing a writing assignment.

Try This: Implement regular 5-minute movement breaks for stretching, jumping, or even a quick walk around the room. Another option is to incorporate movement into learning activities, such as using a “jump for joy” response to signal understanding or playing charades to reinforce vocabulary.

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4. Tap into Storytelling to Boost Writing Skills

Why it Works: Storytelling encourages students to articulate their thoughts and ideas while helping them organize their narrative structure. For students who struggle with traditional language exercises, storytelling can be a more organic and enjoyable way to practice writing, journalism, or memoir skills.

Try This: Start with a topic that’s meaningful to the student, such as a favorite memory or a dream. Encourage them to tell the story verbally before writing it down. Journaling prompts such as, “Describe a time you felt proud” or “Write about someone who inspires you,” can spark ideas that build both writing skills and confidence.

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5. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection

Why it Works: Mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or visualization, help students manage stress and emotions. Reflection practices allow students to process what they’ve learned and recognize their growth, creating a foundation for lifelong learning.

Try This: Begin each session with a mindfulness exercise, like closing the eyes, taking three deep breaths, and focusing on what they’d like to achieve. End with a quick reflection: “What did you learn today?” or “What made you proud today?” Over time, students become more aware of their progress and are better able to set and meet personal goals.

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6. Build Confidence through Positive Reinforcement

Why it Works: Positive reinforcement nurtures self-confidence, an essential trait for both personal and academic success. Especially for students with learning differences, acknowledging small wins is a great way to keep them motivated.

Try This: Use specific praise that focuses on effort and progress, rather than results. Instead of saying, “Great job,” try, “I noticed you stayed focused on your writing today—that’s fantastic progress!” This approach can help students see value in their own growth.

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Meet Our Directors:
At Morasha Studio, we pride ourselves on our combined expertise and dedication to student success. Mindy Rubenstein, with her background in journalism, writing, and education, and Stephanie Musikanth, a seasoned teacher and art and music therapist, bring a holistic approach that combines academic skill-building with personal growth. Together, we create a supportive environment where each student’s unique needs are honored and supported.

Whether you’re interested in advanced English sessions, therapeutic art, or creative writing, Morasha Studio is here to guide students on their own paths, fostering a legacy of confidence, creativity, and a love for learning.

Interested in Learning More?
If you’d like to schedule an assessment or learn more about our offerings, please reach out at 053-330-1676. Together, let’s help build a brighter future for our students.