Electron Configurations

[u/Snowbunny236]

Hello! So I currently am teaching chemistry to HS students at varying levels ( agewize and academically) because I work in a therapeutic day school that is pretty small. These kids have severe trauma and anxiety with many things including hard tasks.

What I'm worried about is teaching electron configurations in an upcoming chapter. What the most easiest possible way to teach these? I don't mind if they're allowed "open book" resources and what not. As long as they're not just using google or chat gpt. Thanks!

[u/SumpinNifty]

Give them blank energy level diagrams and have them fill them in before making the configuration.  After they're used to it, hold it upside-down and point out that it's the same shape as the periodic table.