• Education -> Pedagogy and Educational Psychology

• 0 Comment

What teaching methods are most effective for teaching children with learning disabilities?

Gregg Leverton

Hey there social media friends! Today I want to talk about something that I'm sure many of us have wondered about: what teaching methods are most effective for teaching children with learning disabilities?

First of all, let's define what we mean by learning disabilities. According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, a learning disability is "a neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information." This can include difficulties with reading, writing, math, and other academic subjects.

So, what teaching methods work best for these kiddos? Well, as with most things in life, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Different children with different learning disabilities may respond better to different approaches. However, there are some general principles that can be helpful.

One approach that has been shown to be effective is called multisensory instruction. Basically, this means using multiple senses (such as sight, hearing, and touch) to help children learn. For example, a teacher might use flashcards with both words and pictures, or have students trace letters in sand or shaving cream.

Another helpful approach is called explicit instruction. This means breaking down tasks or concepts into small, manageable steps, and teaching them explicitly (i.e. directly and clearly). For example, a teacher might teach a reading comprehension strategy step-by-step, using clear explanations and plenty of examples.

For children with ADHD, another approach can be helpful: "chunking." This means breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, a teacher might break down a big writing assignment into tasks like brainstorming ideas, creating an outline, and writing a rough draft.

Of course, these are just a few examples. There are many other effective teaching methods out there, and what works best will depend on the individual child and their learning disability. It's also important to remember that teaching children with learning disabilities can be challenging, and it's okay to ask for help or support when needed.

In conclusion, if you're a teacher or a parent of a child with a learning disability, rest assured that there are effective teaching methods out there. Multisensory instruction, explicit instruction, and chunking are just a few examples. Keep an open mind and be willing to adjust your approach as needed, and most importantly, be patient and supportive of your kiddo. Together, we can help all children learn and succeed!