There are several different types of learning disabilities that affect children and their ability to learn in a classroom setting and at home. These include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and attention deficit disorder. Although it may be difficult and frustrating to teach a child with a learning disability, it is not impossible. Parents and teachers can work together to help a child with a learning disability reach his full learning potential.
Parents Can Help Children With Learning Disabilities
When a child is diagnosed with a learning disability parents may start to worry and feel overwhelmed. They should rest assured, though, that their child can learn and has great potential to do so. The first thing a parent can do to help the child is to become on expert on his or her particular disability. Speak to the child's physician and scour trusted internet sources to learn more about the child's disability.
Parents should also take their child's education into their own hands. Work closely with the child's school to make sure that the child is getting the best education possible. Speak to the school administrators and ask about any special programs, such as before or after school tutoring, that are offered to children with special needs. Take advantage of these programs. Also, keep in constant contact with the child's teacher and ask for regular progress reports. Schools and teachers are usually happy to help children with special needs and their parents.
Parents can help their children learn by teaching them in practical ways at home. Spend time reading and writing together. Teach math skills when cooking from a recipe and using certain measurements or when shopping and dealing with money. Provide the child with a quiet and stress free area to work in as they do homework. Give the child emotional support if he or she starts to lose faith in his or her ability to learn or gets frustrated. Check over their homework and give them loving reassurance and support. A child who is shown such loving attention will be grateful to his or her parents for years to come.
Teachers Can Help Children With Special Needs
Teachers likely see many children with learning disabilities pass through their classrooms. There are many ways that teachers can help these kids succeed. Teachers can tailor their teaching methods to the needs of students with learning disabilities. For example, they can give tests orally to those who have trouble reading. They can also try to avoid complicated wording when giving tests orally. Teachers can try to verbalize instructions that have been written on the chalk board or overhead projector.
Teachers may want to make a second set of textbooks available to parents of children with special needs. If the child forgets his or her books at school he or she will have another copy at home. Teachers can also communicate assignments instructions to parents so that they can work with the child at home.
Most importantly, teachers should remain positive when working with special needs children. They should be encouraging and patient. Always try to make sure that the child understands what they are supposed to. This may take time and more then extra effort, but it is well worth it.
Every child deserves a good education. Children with learning disabilities need special attention. Parents and teachers are the best people to offer this kind of support.
Sources:
HelpGuide.org. "Parenting Children With Learning Disabilities" (accessed October 6, 2010).
"Strategies for Teaching Students With Learning Disabilities" (accessed October 6, 2010).
Sydnye Isabella Helu - Sydnye Helu is an artist with a love for words and the beauty they have the power to create when side by side.
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