In the article, Learning is hard: 5 signs that your child struggles with their learning (Article Here), we discussed some signals that parents can watch for if/when their child experiences difficulties with learning and school. These signs may or may not indicate that your child has a learning disability (i.e. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, etc.), and that further investigation is required.
Here are some initial steps in helping to identify that there is a problem and what you can do to support your child.
7 Strategies for Supporting Your Struggling Student
1. Open Communication:
- Create a Safe Space for Conversation: Encourage your child to talk about how they feel without fear of judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “Is there something that’s making school difficult for you?” to understand their perspective.
- Stay Calm and Supportive: Show empathy and reassure them that you’re there to help.
2. Meet with Teachers:
- Collaborate with Educators: Set up a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss any concerns. Teachers can provide valuable insights and work with you to develop a plan to support your child both at home and in the classroom.
3. Establish a Homework Routine:
- Create a Structured Environment: Set aside a regular time and quiet space for homework each day. This routine can help children develop good study habits and reduce procrastination.
- Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks: For bigger projects, help them break it into smaller, more achievable tasks.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement:
- Celebrate Efforts, Not Just Results: Praise your child for trying their best, even if they don’t get perfect results. Encouragement helps build confidence and a growth mindset.
- Reward Progress: Small rewards or privileges for completing tasks can help motivate them to stay engaged.
5. Identify Learning Style:
- Tailor Support to Their Needs: Children learn in different ways—some are visual learners, others auditory, kinesthetic, or a mix. Identifying your child’s learning style can help you adapt your support to match how they learn best.
6. Consider Tutoring:
- Seek Additional Support: A tutor can provide one-on-one attention that might not be available in a larger classroom setting. This targeted help can boost both understanding and confidence in difficult subjects.
7. Promote a Growth Mindset:
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- Encourage Problem-Solving and Persistence: Teach your child that struggles are a natural part of learning and that mistakes help them grow. Remind them that success comes from effort and persistence rather than being “good” or “bad” at a subject. (visit our series on promoting a growth mindset)
Allowing students to reach their potential is only attainable when the efforts of parents AND educators come together. Removing the shame from learning difficulties and recognizing when our children are struggling with their learning are two key factors in a student’s overall academic success. Starting at home and using some strategies to support your special student will result in a more positive educational experience!
