In the United States, 1 in 5 children have learning and thinking disabilities, the most common being dyslexia and ADHD. These differences are caused by variations in brain development and affect how information is processed.
Kids with these challenges are still highly intelligent as the disabilities are unrelated to intelligence. For children with learning disabilities to thrive, they need support and the right strategies.
Keep reading to learn how you can help children with learning disabilities.
Praise Effort
Children with learning disabilities show a lot of effort but don't always achieve high marks. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, recognize the effort the child is giving.
Educators and parents should consider the child's study strategy. Did they approach their assignment with a different method than usual? If so, praise them for their ability to try something new.
During early childhood education, it is important to keep kids motivated regardless of the grades and percentages they are receiving.
Think About Their Perspective
Children with certain types of learning disabilities might feel as if achieving the perfect score is an impossible task. Consider their perspective and remind them that perfection isn't everything as mistakes are part of learning.
Teach children to embrace their mistakes to learn from them. Not only can this help with academic success, but it can also help kids maintain a healthy self-image.
Share Your Experience
The best educator is one that can relate to the students. Whether you are a parent or educator, a child with disabilities must know that they are not unrelatable.
Children can benefit from anecdotes during the learning process. For example, parents and teachers can explain how they got through a hard subject in school to motivate kids. Sharing a personal experience can also create a bond.
Keep Them Motivated
We've already touched on the importance of keeping children with learning disabilities motivated, but it deserves its own paragraph. Children who feel inferior in a certain subject aren't likely to stay motivated without a push.
Reward schemes are a way to keep children motivated but don't rely on this method every time. You can also schedule the day in a particular order to break up challenging subjects with fun activities.
Try home occupational therapy to avoid your child feeling like an outcast at school.
Allow Them Time
Smart children might need time to open up and acquire new skills. Help them create long-term goals and break down larger tasks to be spaced out over time.
Effort and approach are more important than how long it takes a child to complete something. Remind them that more difficult tasks are going to take longer but when it is over it will be rewarding.
Helping Children With Learning Disabilities Succeed
Children with learning disabilities can achieve the same things that children without learning disabilities can. Yet, it might not feel that way to young and struggling students.
As a parent or educator, you need to be that helping hand to push a child with learning disabilities to succeed. By praising effort, keeping them motivated, and allowing them time to learn, you'll do a lot of good for their development.
For more guides like this, check out the other posts on our blog.