Term 2 week 1, it’s a quick resumption back into the new term! Let’s pause and take stock of some things. Is your child trailing behind at school? Does learning seem to be a bit too difficult for him or her?
Often, when our kids do not perform properly at school, it is viewed as a result of laziness – that they simply didn’t put in the necessary effort. What is the most common response to such scenarios? We end up enrolling our kids for tuitions or ask them to rethink their study plans, mostly suggesting that they put in more hours for study. But what if the problem is not of one’s lack of effort?
Learning issues and Special Learning Needs
When your child seems to be falling behind or playing catch-up at school, do you ever consider the possibility that it could be a result of some neurological challenge?
Neurological issues that translate into learning disabilities are more common than what we might imagine. These include but are not limited to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and mild autism. Learners with such conditions are in need of Special Education Needs.
The Ministry of Education states that in the past year about 7.5% (approximately 33,000 students) of students from the primary to junior college levels experienced special education needs. Of these, around 33,000 students, almost 80% were in mainstream schools, sharing classrooms with peers who did not face such challenges and receiving a standard educational process that would be insufficient for their specific learning requirements.
So, are we doing enough for our kids who might be encountering such issues?
The first step in the right direction
There are many organisations and institutions that provide the necessary special needs for learners who are in need of them. Some of us might have heard about the major institutions such as the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). But, there are more organisations that are in this line of activity.
Before we get into the aspect of searching for and zeroing-in on any institute, there is one important step that needs to be taken. The golden step in this regard is none other than identification. Parents and educators are the ones who need to take up the responsibility here. There needs to be a more enlightened approach. What are we suggesting here? We need our parents and educators to be more attentive and less dismissive when it comes to the learning outcomes and realities of children. We need to cement the fact that if our kids are underperforming or playing catch-up in school (with reading, math or any other aspect of learning), then it can very well be a result of some special learning need.
Reach out ASAP
Once you have identified anything suggestive of such needs in your child’s behaviour, do not feel hesitant to get adequate help. With professional help, you will be able to understand the exact nature of the challenges that your child faces. This will help you in finding the right place to help your child with regard to learning needs. In some cases, this would entail getting him/her to a special education school. In other scenarios, mainstream schooling would be adequate along with extra care for special learning needs. Kids with special learning needs can have shorter attention spans and might not be able to learn within conventional learning frameworks or techniques. Getting them to the specialists as early as possible can have lifelong impacts. The right intervention can help them excel and prevent them from falling into emotional issues or other problems.
If your kid has some special learning needs, then it is also advisable that you let his/her school know about this as well. This will ensure that the school and teachers can also take an approach based on the right awareness at the individual level for your kid.
You have to be there with them
Parental attention is something that can work wonders for kids with special learning needs. But, how should parents approach the scenario?
Firstly, do your homework. If your kid is facing any specific condition, then read up about the same. Try speaking with parents of other children who are facing similar issues. Be prepared to help your kid with their learning.
Take an active interest and make your kid feel the support that you provide him. Understand that your kid is more susceptible to emotional issues when they have special learning needs. Here again, be the rock of emotional support. Spend time with your kid, do the stuff that he loves along with them. If your kid shows any interest in specific extracurricular activities, then try getting them enrolled for the same.
The prevalence of special learning needs often gets underestimated. It’s time we changed that. Let’s show more understanding, empathy and effort in the way we respond to these challenges that our kids may face. Remember, it’s not about labelling them, it’s about loving them and finding out how best we can help them! 🙂
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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