Teaching A Student With A Concussion


When a student gets a Concussion be it on the playground, gym class or outside school their recovery extends to the classroom too. It affects their ability to concentrate, process information, and keep up with schoolwork. Teachers play a supportive role in helping them transition back to the classroom successfully. With the right accommodations and support, students can continue their education while prioritizing their recovery.

boy in gray hoodie reading book on brown wooden table

Typical Symptoms A Student Might Have
Each students concussion is different, and symptoms can vary. Some students may appear fine where others may struggle with focus and fatigue.

Common challenges are:

  • Cognitive difficulties: Trouble concentrating, slowed problem solving, memory issues.
  • Physical symptoms: Headaches, sensitivity to light/noisy classrooms.
  • Emotional symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, frustration.

These challenges can impact a student’s ability to keep up with schoolwork, tests, and assignments. Academic accommodations during this brief period can make a large difference for your student to perform academically and minimize them from falling behind.

How Teachers Can Support Concussion Recovery
Adjust the Learning Environment

  • Reduce their screen/tablet time and allow frequent breaks during digital learning.
  • Provide access to quiet spaces or stepping into the hall for rest if symptoms worsen during the school day.

Focus on Accommodations for Schoolwork and Tests
Students recovering from a concussion may need temporary accommodations to keep up without worsening symptoms.

  • Extended deadlines for assignments and tests.
  • A reduced workload, allowing them to focus on essential tasks. 
  • Extra time on tests to accommodate more time to think and process.
  • Alternative testing formats 

Gradual Return to Full Workload
Students may need to ease back into learning rather than jumping into regular classroom stream right away.

  • Partial attendance (shortened school days or showing up only to essential classes). 
  • Reduced homework 
  • Gradual workload increase based on symptom tolerance.

Encourage Communication

  • Check in with the student regularly to see how they’re managing.
  • Work with parents, school counsellors and healthcare providers to adjust and guide accommodation use.
man in grey shirt using grey laptop computer

Support students recovering from concussions by adjusting screen time, providing quiet spaces, and offering flexible accommodations for schoolwork and tests.

When Should a Student Be Back to Normal?
A full return to academics often happens roughly around 2-3 weeks after a concussion. However, just because a student appears symptom-free doesn’t mean they’ve fully recovered as that often takes 4-6 weeks. Cognitive challenges can linger after a concussion, and a gradual transition in school work is key to preventing massive setbacks and falling behind academically for any student. Keep in mind that nearly 1 in 5 kids end up developing a persistent concussion and need a much longer recovery than normal.

Helping Students Succeed During Concussion Recovery
A concussion shouldn’t derail a student’s education. With the right adjustments and support, students can stay on track. Adapting to the needs of a student and patience make a world of difference in kids recovery.
If you need guidance on how to support a student recovering from a concussion, I’ve worked with students, parents and educators to give insight to concussions and supported healing of these young the brains.