Give a leg up to a slow learning child

PARENTING COLUMN

Low learners aren't behind. Around 15–17 per cent of kids learn slowly. Without help, your child will lag behind in school. Worse, they may dislike learning. Intelligence is measured by IQ. The International Literacy Association classifies children with 70–85 IQs as sluggish learners.

This is below the typical IQ range of 90–110. Humans typically have low numbers. IQ tests measure problem-solving. Slow learners can learn academic skills but take longer. Instructors must provide slower learners more time and resources.

They grow physically, socially, and emotionally like other kids their age. Your child may be able to catch up and succeed in school with the correct materials and study strategies.

Is your child a slow learner?

Slow learners often exhibit these traits:

Complex problems stump them.

They work slowly and lose time.

They struggle to communicate their knowledge.

Learning tables and spelling rules is difficult for them.

Short attention spans and low concentration may make them bad at long-term goals.

They may struggle with collaboration.

These kids will struggle academically.

Slow students fall behind because they must keep up. Slow learners struggle to apply knowledge. These qualities take longer to explain to your child.

Your youngster may struggle in many academic subjects without coaching. Slow learners struggle academically and socially.

Academic struggles may make your youngster more emotional. Critics make them angry and self-conscious. Your child may feel inadequate and struggle to communicate with classmates.

Is your child's learning disabled?

Slow learners may not have disabilities.Early children are still developing. They're learning to talk, walk, and interact. Naturally, they will struggle with some learning.Your youngster is still learning, so it's too early to diagnose a disability. They often overcome learning problems within a few years.

Labelling a youngster may hinder them

Discuss your child's developmental or learning problem with their preschool teachers. They have the experience and understanding to determine if your child needs a diagnosis or just learning support.Because identifying a child's disability is difficult, you should also ask multiple teachers. If necessary, consult a psychologist.

Slow-learner tactics include:

• Giving kids a quiet workspace to reduce distractions
• Regularly laud their strengths and provide good comments.
• Limiting work time to multiple short periods rather than one long one to create brief courses
• Using active learning methods like games, puzzles, etc.
• Giving them challenging learning materials and gently correcting them when they make mistakes.
• Slow learners learn better by seeing and listening than by reading.
• Offering meaningful, concrete rather than abstract activities.
• Frequent study and practise can help your child learn.

As parent, you can do the following:

Provide a quiet study space

A corner study desk or a study nook in the bedroom are options. Your child can focus on their task in a peaceful space without electronics or toys. If your child needs help, find a setting where they can readily communicate with you.

Organise your child's schoolwork

Setting up a plan will help your youngster focus on studying, but break up their homework sessions. Slow learners need more time and energy to concentrate and understand their task. More breaks will help them assimilate information.

Plan some enjoyable activities

Playing educational games, singing baby songs, and doing minor science experiments engages and impresses children. Your youngster will remember catch at playtime rather than the new vocabulary terms they learned that day. Conduct activities that reinforce your child's newly learned concepts.

Discuss learning strategies with teachers

Teachers also try to teach your child. They've taught slow learners like your child and know what works. Ask preschool teachers how you may help your child with homework. Discuss homework with your child's instructor. Reducing the workload will help your child manage and assimilate information, giving them a sense of success.

Give your youngster time to solve homework problems

Your youngster may focus more on finishing their assignment than learning due of time constraints.Allow them enough time to finish. They won't feel overwhelmed and can focus on learning rather than work.

Ask about school or homework

Slow learners have trouble remembering. Asking your child what they learned at the end of the day boosts their self-confidence through practising memory and speech. They'll also remember concepts better.

Reward them

When things get tough, your youngster needs a little motivation to finish their assignment. To motivate your youngster, add milestones with tiny prizes to their homework routine. For instance, break between homework sets if they have three. After one round of schoolwork, give your youngster 10 minutes of screen time.

Parents and teachers must help slow learners. Every youngster deserves a chance. As parents, you can stay positive and encourage our kids to reach their full potential.