ABCDE of Learner needs
Please visit: https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-learner-needs/ for the most up-to-date information and resources for bringing the ABCDE of Learner Needs into your classroom and school community!
Psychologist William Glasser defined five core human needs "which provide motivation for all that we do." We've framed them in the context of school: Autonomy, Belonging, Competence, Developmental Appropriateness, and Engagement.
Because we learn and grow best when our needs are met, often when we’re not thriving these unmet needs can be at the root of the problem. Identifying these unmet needs can be the first step to addressing them. As we strive to meet our students’ academic and socioemotional needs, we’re wise to address our own needs as well.
This website offers reflection tools to help you think about how each of these needs manifests in your own life.
SCHOOL RESOURCES
As you think about meeting your needs and those of your students, the following resources may be helpful.
The ABCDE OF learner NEeds Guidebook
Whether you are an administrator, teacher, student, or caregiver, we all need Autonomy, Belonging, Competence, Developmental Appropriateness, Engagement, and Fun in order to learn and thrive.
We CAN meet these needs in schools and we don’t need to go to extreme measures to do so. This Guidebook includes links to classroom activities, printable reflection and planning sheets, posters for your classroom walls, and a whole section designed to be shared with families.
AbCDE of learner needs guidebook: Early Childhood
This resource contains the same concepts as our original ABCDE of Learner Needs Guidebook but the examples, research, and activities included are tailored to the early childhood experience. Please share this guide with any early childhood educators in your life and let us know how you use it.
This resource is made possible through the generous support of PNC Bank.
WHERE ARE MY NEEDS?
In this activity you will introduce students to the ABCDE of learner needs which teachers, and students, can use to evaluate where their needs are and aren’t being met.
What do learners need (8.5 × 11 in) (2) (2).pdfABCDE Foldable Guide
This foldable card version of the ABCDE framework is a handy resource to keep on your desk, or tag to a bulletin board for quick reference as you learn to use this language in your daily practice.
ABCDE Reflection Sheet.pdfABCDE Reflection Sheet
As you familiarize yourself with the nature of each of these learner needs, this reflection sheet is a good place to collect strategies for meeting them.
Meeting Student Needs v2.pdfstudent needs Observation Tool
Gather a cohort of colleagues who are curious to explore ABCDE in their classrooms. Use these observation tools to look for examples of how learner needs are met in each others' rooms!
ABCDEsshorterdefinitions (1).pdfOne pager: abcde's Defined
This document explains the 5 core needs of all learners and what they look like when they are met within the classroom.