Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health reveal nearly four million children are born with learning disabilities.
Both parents and teachers are faced with many challenges when teaching children with learning disabilities. Effective teaching begins with three key components; knowledge, patience and the right approach.
Medical and scientific analysis demonstrates that learning disabilities and mental impairment occurs as early as the prenatal stage. Rather than, as thought by many, this has something to do with intellect; in truth it’s more about brain function. There’s no cure for learning disabilities, but with care and expertise, a child can be taught how to cope with life.
The most common learning disabilities: -
- Dyslexia – difficulties with writing, spelling and language processing
- Dyscalculia – difficulty in learning or comprehending mathematics
- Dysgraphia – difficulty in writing by hand and other fine motor skills
- Dyspraxia – difficulty in the initiation, organization, and performance of actions
- ADHD/ADD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – primarily characterised by the existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity
There are also auditory and visual processing disorders.
Teaching children with learning disabilities requires patience. Following these tips can make teaching more productive and less frustrating for both teacher and child.
- At the start of any lesson set out the objectives and goals clearly to the child. Explain clearly why it is important for them.
- Be specific. State your expectations from assignments and projects. If you are asking a question, encourage feedback of how the child interprets the question. Thus avoiding any misunderstanding of the instructions or questions.
- Include chapter outlines and study guides in your subject handouts, to enable a child with a learning disability to reduce the weight of the course or subjects.
- Use different methods to help students cope. In a group situation consider breaking the group into several smaller groups, so children can grasp information clearly and respond appropriately.
- Make lessons interactive and creative.
- Don’t put undue demands on a child by asking them to do something you know would be difficult for them to do, like ten-page essays! Try including creativity into projects, like including pictures in their written work.
- Too much is never a good thing. For a child with a learning disability, avoid giving them too much to do, or giving too many instructions all at once. They are not like other children that could accomplish things fast; they may need twice the amount of time given by regular students.
As a teacher, you are not only equipping your child educationally. Some children with learning disabilities are overtly emotional. By working closely with a child and reaching out to them mentally and emotionally, in time their self-esteem and confidence will be boosted and negative emotions will be eased.
When teaching children with learning disabilities, you should be aiming to set work that the child can comfortably finish; adapt to your child’s needs and impart information in a way that the child can retain. Remember, you’re not only an academic educator, but also a guide and life coach to your child.
