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Student Services » Low Affect

Low Affect

A student with low affect may...
 
  • be very quiet
  • seem to produce little work
  • disengage with activities
  • show little interest
  • appear to be tired, lethargic, or slow
  • seem sad
  • be non-expressive
  • dislike school
  • be overwhelmed by social demands of groups
  • be dealing with outside stressors or conditions
  • lack follow-through
  • express the desire to do things differently, but not be able to make a change
  • struggle to ask questions
  • have difficulty with character development in reading or writing
 
When supporting a student who shows low affect, some general strategies involve
 
  • recognize that people respond differently--it may not be low affect, but another emotional response at play
  • reduce stress and competition
  • assign a buddy or partner who is not overwhelming
  • assign a classroom job 
  • locate and promote a passion outside of academics; explore art, music, stem/steam, athletics, games, etc. 
  • call on the student frequently
  • alter response styles--allow drawings, sketch notes, etc. 
  • interact intentionally with the student; use the 2 x 10 strategy
  • display a positive affect your self--be aware of students who mirror affect around them
  • give sincere, personal feedback
 
Interventions may include
 
  • teach emotions; validate that all feelings are okay
  • teach new language to use to express interest, dislike, wonderings, etc. 
  • work with your team to identify if an underlying cause exists; low affect may be a characteristic of a disability or coping strategy (ex:  after a concussion, related to a diagnosis of autism, withdrawl in response to loss, etc.)
  • use facilitated play or social situations
  • provide choice for the student to feel in control
  • reflect back what emotion or feeling you see or want to see
  • plan for your time and support in a situation that is likely to cause adversity for the student
  • make intentional parent contacts about successes (more than one time)
 
 
Literature Links
 
The Way I Feel by Janin Cain
Today I Feel by Madalena Moniz
In My Heart by Jo Witek
I'm Not Just a Scribble by Diane Alber
There are no Animals in This Book, Only Feelings by Chani Sanchez
The OK Book by Amy Krause Rosenthal
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
 
 
Teacher Readings
 
Trauma Informed Teaching Strategies
Zones of Regulation--All the Zones are Okay