Ways Students with Learning Disabilities Can Learn Better

Suggestions to Help Students with Disabilities Learn Better

Preferential Seating

Depending on the disability some students have, where they sit in the classroom can play a major part in their overall success or lack thereof. In general, sitting close to the teacher will help these students because they are closer to the instruction and removed from distractions or students who may be bad influences. Discuss seating options with your child's teacher to ensure he or she is sitting in a place that will benefit him or her. Depending on the situation, it may also be a good idea to ask your child about his or her seat preference and relay this information to the teacher.

Work in Small Groups

You may want to ask the teacher if your child can work with others on some assignments. Alternatively, encourage your student to participate in after school clubs and activities.

Many students who have disabilities need help on assignments. Working in small groups allows them to get the help they need from their peers without feeling singled out. Furthermore, children with disabilities sometimes struggle to make friends in school, which can also play a part in how they perform in class. Working in small groups gives these students an opportunity to socialize with their peers. When students feel a sense of belonging, they tend to develop a better attitude about school in general, and that can help them focus more in class.

Break It Down

Students with disabilities are also able to learn better when lessons are broken down into more manageable steps. Many teachers already do this, but you may want to review the material with your child at home and present it in a simple, systematic way. Be sure your child understands each step before proceeding to the next.

Differentiate Instruction

When teachers differentiate instruction, they vary how they deliver information in order to accommodate the many ways students learn. This is especially beneficial for students with disabilities, because often their disabilities incline them to respond better to different types of teaching methods. In general, there are three main kinds of learning styles: auditory, visual and tactile/kinesthetic. Some students do best when classroom material is presented using a mix of all these styles. Once you determine the way your child learns best, it's a good idea to re-teach the material at home using the method that's most effective for your child's individual needs.