7 Ways Teachers Can Empower Learners with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)

Specific learning disabilities (SLD) are a group of conditions that affect how a person learns specific skills, such as reading, writing, or math. SLD are caused by differences in the brain’s structure and function, and are not related to intelligence, motivation, or environment. Some common types of SLD are dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.

Dyslexia is a condition that affects reading and language skills. People with dyslexia may have difficulty with phonological awareness, word recognition, spelling, and comprehension.

Dyscalculia is a condition that affects math skills. People with dyscalculia may have difficulty with number sense, calculation, measurement, and problem-solving.

Dysgraphia is a condition that affects writing skills. People with dysgraphia may have difficulty with handwriting, spelling, grammar, and organization.

Students with SLD may face many challenges in the classroom, such as difficulty with following instructions, completing assignments, taking tests, and participating in discussions. They may also experience low self-esteem, frustration, and anxiety. Therefore, it is important for teachers to understand and support students with SLD, and to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that helps them thrive and succeed.

In this article, we will outline 7 specific ways teachers can help students with SLD in their class. These strategies are based on research and best practices for teaching students with SLD. They are not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to provide some guidance and inspiration for teachers who want to improve their practice and outcomes for their students.

7 specific ways teachers can help students with SLD in their class

1. Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)

The first step to helping students with SLD is to understand what SLD is and how they affect them. This can help teachers to identify the students’ strengths and needs, and to provide appropriate instruction and accommodations. It can also help teachers to foster a supportive and understanding environment, and to avoid misconceptions and stereotypes.

Some ways to understand SLD are:

• Learn about the definition and types of SLD, and the characteristics and common challenges of each type.
• Use formal and informal assessments to identify the students’ specific learning difficulties and areas of improvement.
• Collaborate with specialists and support staff to obtain more information and guidance on SLD.
• Seek professional development and training on SLD and how to best support students with SLD.

2. Building a Positive and Inclusive Classroom

The second step to helping students with SLD is to build a positive and inclusive classroom that values and respects all learners. This can help students with SLD to feel safe and secure in their learning environment, and to develop a positive self-image and attitude towards learning. It can also help to promote a culture of collaboration and cooperation among all students and teachers.

Some ways to build a positive and inclusive classroom are:

• Foster a supportive and understanding environment, where students with SLD are accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they can do.
• Set clear expectations and routines, and provide consistent and predictable structure and guidance for students with SLD.
• Promote self-esteem and celebrate individual strengths, and encourage students with SLD to recognize and share their talents and skills.

3. Instructional Strategies for SLD

The third step to helping students with SLD is to use effective instructional strategies that cater to their specific learning needs and preferences. This can help students with SLD to access and engage with the curriculum, and to acquire and apply the essential skills and knowledge. It can also help to enhance their learning outcomes and performance.

Some instructional strategies for SLD are:

• Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and provide explicit and sequential instruction and feedback for each step.
• Utilize multisensory learning approaches, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, to help students with SLD process and remember information in different ways.
• Provide graphic organizers and visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, and pictures, to help students with SLD organize and understand information.
• Offer different formats for taking notes and completing assignments, such as using bullet points, outlines, or voice recordings, to help students with SLD express their ideas and demonstrate their learning.

4. Differentiated Instruction for SLD

The fourth step to helping students with SLD is to use differentiated instruction, which means tailoring instruction to individual needs and learning styles. This can help students with SLD to learn at their own pace and level, and to have more choice and control over their learning. It can also help to increase their motivation and interest in learning.

Some ways to use differentiated instruction for SLD are:

• Utilize technology and assistive tools, such as audiobooks, text-to-speech software, and calculators, to help students with SLD access and interact with the material.
• Provide extended time for tests and assignments, and allow students with SLD to work at their own speed and comfort.
• Offer alternative assessments, such as portfolios, presentations, or projects, to allow students with SLD to show their learning in different ways.

5. Promoting Effective Communication with Parents and Collaborators

The fifth step to helping students with SLD is to promote effective communication with parents and other professionals who are involved in the student’s education. This can help teachers to gain a better understanding of the student’s background, interests, and goals, and to provide more consistent and coordinated support for the student. It can also help to create a strong partnership and collaboration among all the stakeholders.

Some ways to promote effective communication with parents and collaborators are:

• Keep parents informed about their child’s progress and challenges, and provide regular and constructive feedback and suggestions.
• Collaborate with specialists and support staff, such as special education teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to share information, strategies, and resources for the student.
• Utilize Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), which are legal documents that outline the student’s goals, services, and accommodations for the school year, and involve the student and the parents in the planning and decision-making process.

6. Addressing Behavioral Challenges

The sixth step to helping students with SLD is to address any behavioral challenges that may arise from their learning difficulties. Students with SLD may exhibit behaviors such as inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, or frustration, which can interfere with their learning and socialization. Teachers need to understand the connection between SLD and behavior, and to implement positive behavior management strategies that help students with SLD to regulate their emotions and actions.

Some ways to address behavioral challenges are:

• Understand the connection between SLD and behavior, and identify the triggers and causes of the behavior.
• Implement positive behavior management strategies, such as using praise, rewards, and incentives to reinforce desired behavior, and using consequences, redirection, and problem-solving to correct undesired behavior.
• Provide opportunities for self-regulation and emotional support, such as teaching students coping skills, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices, and providing them with a safe and calm space to vent and relax.

7. Encouraging Self-Advocacy and Independence

The seventh and final step to helping students with SLD is to encourage self-advocacy and independence, which means empowering students to take charge of their own learning and to advocate for their own needs. This can help students with SLD to develop confidence and responsibility, and to prepare for their future academic and career goals. It can also help to foster a growth mindset and a lifelong love of learning.

Some ways to encourage self-advocacy and independence are:

• Teach students about their specific learning disabilities, and help them to understand their strengths and challenges, and their rights and responsibilities.
• Empower students to advocate for their needs, and teach them how to ask for help, accommodations, or feedback when needed.
• Provide opportunities for self-reflection and goal-setting, and help students to monitor their own progress and improvement, and to set realistic and achievable goals for themselves.

Conclusion

Teaching students with SLD can be challenging, but also rewarding. By using these 7 strategies, teachers can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that helps students with SLD to thrive and succeed. Teachers can also benefit from these strategies, as they can create a more engaging and effective learning environment for all students. Teachers are also encouraged to seek additional resources and training on SLD and how to best support their students.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you did, please share it with your fellow teachers and educators. You can also leave us a comment below and let us know what you think. Thank you for reading and happy teaching!