TESL Ontario Webinar

How do play and music support emotional regulation and learning in neurodivergent adults, according to the neurodiversity paradigm? What playful and musical strategies can foster social connection, communication, and self-expression among neurodivergent adults? How can facilitators adapt activities (games/songs) to stimulate different areas of adult development—such as cognitive flexibility, self-awareness, emotional literacy, and interpersonal skills—in inclusive learning environments?

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

• Recognize the value of play and music as tools for supporting the cognitive, emotional, and social development of neurodivergent adults.
• Explore inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming strategies that incorporate music and play into adult learning or therapeutic environments.
• Design and facilitate adapted games and musical experiences that promote communication, self-regulation, creativity, and group cohesion.
• Use visual, auditory, and movement-based supports to create an accessible environment where all adult participants can engage meaningfully.
• Participate in experiential activities to develop empathy, self-awareness, and practical skills for applying these strategies in real-life adult contexts (e.g., classrooms, therapy groups, community centers, or support groups).

WEBINAR TYPE - Teaching Best Practices

CATEGORIES - Blended Teaching/Learning, Classroom Management, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Lesson Planning/Ideas

TEACHING SECTORS - Continuing Education/Adult ESL (non-credit), Elementary, Secondary, TESL trainers

PARTICIPANT LEVEL - All levels

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Viviana (she/her) is a passionate educator with nearly three decades of experience in teaching English. She holds a master’s degree in bilingual education and a specialization in diversity and inclusion in education. She is an autism analyst and a university expert in attention to neurodivergent students.