In the past couple of years, schools have continued teaching their students remotely and it’s slowly becoming the new norm.
All children need love, encouragement and support, as the positive reinforcement equips them with a strong sense of self-worth and determination to see things through. The shift to online learning presented many challenges for children, but especially those with learning disabilities.
There is no “cure” for learning disorders such as ADHD and dyslexia, although providing your child with the social and emotional tools they need to work through challenges will help them develop essential cognitive skills.
During these unprecedented times, it’s critical to know how to make the most out of remote learning in order to succeed academically while enjoying time at home.
Types of Learning Disorders
The term “learning disabilities” acts as an umbrella for a wide variety of learning difficulties.
These types of disabilities are due to genetic factors that alter brain function in a way that affects the development of cognitive skills. Signs of difficulties with reading, writing, and maths appear early on in a child’s life, and can be diagnosed at an early stage.
It’s important to note that having a learning disorder doesn’t mean that the child is any less smart than their peers, but may actually present a higher level of knowledge than other kids.
The most common types of learning disabilities include ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. Individuals diagnosed with any of these disorders mainly have difficulties with subjects such as reading, writing, maths, listening, and speaking.
Create a New, Easy to Follow Routine
Children with learning disabilities respond well to having a structured schedule or routine.
Knowing what’s going to happen throughout the day eases some anxiety and worry about what’s happening next.
Start by creating a schedule that’s easy to follow and visually appealing, so that your child is able to refer to it whenever they’re feeling unsure about what’s going on. Make sure the routine is age-appropriate for your child and that it includes everything from zoom lessons to snack breaks.
Having frequent breaks highlighted in the routine motivates children to power through their lessons as they have something to look forward to.
Have a Dedicated Learning Space
One of the most important things to establish while learning remotely is having a quiet space to use during class time.
This space should have all the necessary elements a child needs throughout the day, whether it’s a device, pen and paper, or books. Be sure to also include materials that allow them to express their creativity.
When creating your home-made classroom, get your child’s input on how to decorate it. They could let you know what items they’d like on the desk and where to put them.
Having a dedicated space will help put children in the mindset of learning, motivating them to pay attention and complete the tasks assigned.
Set Attainable Goals
While it’s important to stay on track in terms of learning, piling on too many tasks can make children overwhelmed and unmotivated.
Start by developing a modified version of your child’s typical school routine, making sure to incorporate more body and brain breaks. Online learning takes a toll on a child’s mental health, which is why it’s vital to include fun activities that your kid enjoys.
Children with ADHD have trouble staying focused on a subject for too long, so sandwiching tasks in between breaks is an effective strategy to get them to complete their work. Start with an easy assignment, take a short break, tackle a less-favoured subject, and reward their efforts with a fun activity.
Overcome Learning Disabilities With Waystone Psychology
Has your child shown signs of struggling with certain school subjects?
Learning disabilities are challenging to begin with, but when a child is forced to learn virtually, it becomes exceptionally more difficult. Learning problems look very different from child to child, which is why our psychologists develop strategies that are tailored to the needs of your child.
By providing the necessary tools and working to strengthen their weaknesses, children are able to overcome challenges and succeed in both their social and academic life.
Reach out to us today to learn more about ADHD and dyslexia study tips and begin the journey towards well-being.