Everyone has their preferred learning style. While some kids like listening to verbal instructions, others need to read them to fully comprehend what is expected. Although there are normal variations every child experiences in learning, some children need extra support to overcome their differences.
Whether your child has a diagnosed learning disability or sometimes struggles in a typical classroom environment, it is important to provide them with the support that they need to be successful in writing.
At an after school learning center, your child will get one-on-one instruction that is tailored to teach writing through engaging multiple senses so that new concepts stick. You can also use similar strategies at home to reinforce what your child learns in their tutoring lessons for writing.
Writing today is often done on a computer or with traditional writing tools such as a pen and paper. However, kids with learning differences sometimes find these methods boring. They may also need more sensory stimulation to help them perform tasks such as pre-writing.
Spend some time thinking about your child's learning style to come up with a few ideas for writing utensils that stimulate their brain. For instance, scented markers might help your child brainstorm ideas for a short story about a favorite memory.
Learning new vocabulary words helps your child improve their skills in both reading and writing. In fact, having an extensive vocabulary is critical for performing well on standardized tests such as the SAT. However, this task is often difficult for kids who struggle with memory or attention challenges.
Make vocabulary lessons come to life by planning real life experiences with the help of your child's tutor. For instance, you could visit a zoo or science museum to reinforce new vocabulary that pertains to biology. Using new words in their actual context helps your child understand their meaning.
Technology offers many ways to reach children with learning differences using strategies that keep their interest. For instance, kids can search online for story prompts, or auditory learners can listen to their favorite stories online to boost their creativity.
When you practice writing at home, you can also help your child use online tools such as timers and word counters to increase their ability to stay on task. Being able to look up words and find synonyms using online resources also keeps your child's learning interesting.
The tactile experience of holding a letter in their hand is unforgettable, and your child will be more interested in their writing lessons when they connect to their actual lives.
Have your child pick out a friend or relative to send a card to, and remember that they can even live down the street. The point is to allow your child to see the importance of writing for enhancing their life.
Many children with learning differences such as ADHD are able to focus on their learning assignments when they offer practical knowledge. Instead of a silly story prompt, consider helping your child come up with real life reasons to write.
For instance, your child might write a letter to their favorite celebrity, or they could request more information from an organization. Encourage them to use their preferred method of writing since things such as hearing the keyboard as they type add sensory elements that make it more effective.
Although writing is often portrayed as a solitary pursuit, it does not have to be that way. Ask your child's tutor about writing groups that are designed for their age and skill level. This allows kids to verbalize their thoughts as they brainstorm and listen to other ideas.
At One To One Learning Center, we view every child as unique and aim to give them the recognition that they deserve. For more fun ways to meet your child's sensory needs, contact us today.
