Study Carrel

General education classrooms tend to be very busy which can be distracting to students who have difficulty paying attention. One easy solution to minimize visual distractions is to give that student his own “study carrel” for his desk. This is great for any student with attention deficits and also, for students with autism who can be easily overwhelmed by visual stimuli. You could also make 2-3 classroom study carrels that can be available to any of the students to make this a classroom practice vs. an individual accommodation for one child.

A study carrel is a homemade and effective classroom accommodation to help students who are easily distracted or overwhelmed by visual stimuli (Conroy, Stichter, Daunic, & Haydon, 2008). Commercially made carrels could also be purchased. A carrel can be made for a particular student, such as a student with ADHD or autism, however; it is a good idea to have 2-3 available in the class for other kids to use at certain times of the day. Carrels are great for independent work, peer tutoring, test taking and make up work. Students can help to make and decorate them.

• Child's Age: 6-10, 11-13
• Planning Effort: Low
• Difficulty Level: Easy

materials needed to make carrel

1. Find large cardboard pieces (e.g. from large appliances or electronics, large shipping boxes) and bend it until you have 3 “sides”.

2. You or your students can decorate the outside or post simple visual cues on the inside. For example, a task list or mini-schedule of how to complete an assignment.

3. Teach students the parameters of use and how to access the carrel when needed.

4. For the student with ADHD or autism, the teacher or aide may have to initially prompt usage until the student can do it independently.