Learning Differences
By Rania Sayegh, Learning Difficulties Specialist
While terminology has evolved from learning “disability” to learning “difficulties”, let’s think about learning in terms of “differences”. Here’s why this is important.
Difficulties focus on an individual’s cognitive weaknesses and may isolate this child from other learners while the term “learning differences” highlights the fact that your child simply learns differently than others do and has as much to offer and contribute as anyone else.
Early signs
It’s important to identify learning differences early in order to pave the way for children to get the support they need for a successful future both in and out of school. Understanding developmental milestones helps with early diagnosis and intervention.
Keep in mind that professional assessments are recommended and available in Jordan. Here are a few early signs.
Communication challenges, such as slow language development, difficulty with speech, problems understanding what is being said or in communicating thoughts
Challenges in gross or fine motor coordination (hopping, dressing, cutting, stringing beads)
Problems with memory, routine and multiple simultaneous instructions
Delays in socialisation, including interacting with other children
Sensory processing issues (increased sensitivity of any of the senses, such as sound, touch and smell)
Learning styles
Each person has a personal learning style. The more parents and educators can discover a child’s learning style (information retention, for instance), the better off we’ll be in unlocking the keys to learning skills and needs.
Here are a few learning styles, but do keep in mind that many children and adults use a combination of styles.
Visual: Learns through seeing and observing, needs visual cues. Preference for images
Auditory: Learns through listening and talking things through. Preference for sound and music. Enjoys audio books and recordings
Tactile: Learns through touch and using hands
Kinaesthetic: Learns through moving and doing. Preference for movement of the body. May not be able to sit still for long periods of time. Enjoys moving while learning
Homework
Homework should not exceed 45 minutes a day. More than an hour can put children at risk for higher stress levels and poor mental and physical health. Here are a few more tips:
Establishing a study routine that includes a set time each day. Base this on your child’s temperament. Perhaps your child is at her best after an hour of downtime. Avoid late evenings, which for most children is meltdown time!
Posting a daily plan or weekly calendar on your child’s tablet, or in a common living space that includes homework start and finish times each day.
Giving advance notice of homework time to make it easier to shift from fun time to work time. You can say, “You can play for 15 more minutes, then it’s homework time”
Letting your child get up and move around can help maintain focus. Keep in mind your child’s learning style(s) as well as the fact that your child has probably had enough sitting at time school
Takeaway message for parents: Children need to feel safe, loved and accepted more than anything else. Only then can they truly flourish.
