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Learning
Disabilities
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is a neurologicaldisorder. In simple
terms, a learningdisability results from a difference in theway a
person's brain is "wired." Childrenwith learning disabilities are
as smart orsmarter than their peers. But they may havedifficulty
reading, writing, spelling,reasoning, recalling and/or
organizinginformation if left to figure things out by
themselves or if taught in conventionalways.
Strengths: Needs:Painting Summarizing ideasDrawing Grasping
abstract conceptsMusic Learning new skillsDrama Remembering
factsSports Reading and writing
Time limitsAnalyzing informationWorking with numbers
Dysgraphia - difficulty writingThe brain networks for
vocabulary,grammar, hand movement, and memory
must all be in good working order. Adevelopmental writing
disorder may result
from problems in any of these areas.
Some signs of dysgraphia
Tight, awkward pencil grip and bodyposition
Ill
egible handwriting
Avoiding writing or drawing tasks
Tiring quickly while writing
Saying words out loud while writing
Unfinished or omitted words insentences
Difficulty organizing thoughts onpaper
Difficulty with syntax structure and
grammar
Large gap between written ideas andspeech.
Strategies
Accommodations: providingalternatives to written
expression,without changing the process or the
product. Modifications: changing expectations
or tasks to minimize or avoid the areaof weakness, according to
the students
needs
Remediation: providing instruction forimproving handwriting and
writingskills
Dyscalculia - difficulty with
mathematicsA mathematical disability in which a
person has a difficult time solvingarithmetic problems and
grasping mathconcepts, such as recognizing numbers andsymbols,
memorizing facts, aligningnumbers, and understanding
abstractconcepts like place value and fractions.
Some warning signs are
Good at speaking, reading, andwriting, but slow to develop
countingand math problem-solving skills
Good memory for printed words, butdifficulty reading numbers, or
recalling
numbers in sequence Good with general math concepts,
butfrustrated with computation andorganization skills need to be
used
Trouble with the concept of time-chronically late,
difficultyremembering schedules, trouble withapproximating how long
something
will take
Poor sense of direction, easilydisoriented and easily confused
by
changes in routine
Poor long term memory of concepts-can do math functions one day,
but isunable to repeat them the next day
Poor mental math ability-trouble
estimating grocery costs or countingdays until vacation
Difficulty playing strategy games likechess, bridge or
role-playing video
games Difficulty keeping score when playing
board and card games.
Strategies
Use graph paper for students who havedifficulty organizing ideas
on paper.
Work on finding different ways to
approach math facts; i.e., instead ofjust memorizing the
multiplication
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tables, explain that 8 x 2 = 16, so if 16is doubled, 8 x 4 must
= 32.
Practice estimating as a way to beginsolving math problems.
Introduce new skills beginning withconcrete examples and later
moving tomore abstract applications.
For language difficulties, explain ideas
and problems clearly and encouragestudents to ask questions as
they work.
Provide a place to work with fewdistractions and have pencils,
erasersand other tools on hand as needed.
Memory Tips for Student Success:
Sort information
Frequent review
Use of humour or exaggeration
Colour code
Visual aids
Rehearse aloud
Make it physical
Turn memory practice into a game
Source:
www.ldonline.org
Provides tips, strategies, teaching tools,and parental support
for students who haveLearning Disabilities
http://www.ldonline.org/http://www.ldonline.org/
