How to Teach Kids with Learning Disorders
Learning disorders make it hard for students to memorize, organize and use information. In the classroom they may mean a student finds it tough to remember facts, learn skills or substitute words like house and home. It is naturally more difficult for a student with learning difficulties to be successful in school, but the right teaching methods can make school life a little easier.
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Instructions
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Give directions and ask questions in a clear and unambiguous way. Also speak at a slower rate so it is easier for the student to take in what you are saying. Ask the student to explain what you want him to do, so you can assess his understanding of the task.
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Give examples to clarify your oral instructions.
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Repeat or simplify directions that are complex.
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Write in large, clear letters on the blackboard or white board. Erase writing when it is no longer relevant. Cluttering the board will confuse a child with learning disabilities as he will not to know what he should be reading.
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Read the words you are writing on the board out loud to increase the chances of comprehension.
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Set up an overhead projector and project a step-by-step lesson plan with illustrations throughout the lesson. This extra source of guidance will give the student something to refer to if he becomes confused with the task.
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Ensure the student knows that questions are not only allowed but encouraged, during class time or after class. It is vital that the student understands what he has been taught.
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Reduce the overall amount of work or allow extra time for assignments that will the student may find difficult.
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Praise and support the student regularly in lessons that a student is finding difficult because of his disability.
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Give the student a lower-reading-level textbook that covesr the same topic as the textbooks used by the rest of the class. If the student still struggles to comprehend the book, create a sheet detailing the key points or chapter summaries from the textbook for the student to read.
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Allow an extra couple of days compared to the rest of the class for difficult or complicated homework assignments.
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Separate questions on exams clearly and do not use complex language. If the student still struggles, allow him to take an oral or hands-on demonstration test instead.
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