Many modern parents begin to worry if their child is slow at learning. To start with, parents and teachers need to refrain from negative comments such as labeling the child as ‘dumb’, ‘loser’, or any such absurd monikers. Consider the question “Is your child a slow learner”.
Children are super-sensitive and they depend on feedbacks from grownups to set their little lives in order. Your negativity further affects the child’s learning process as they begin to believe in their inability to learn.
In This Article
- Who are ‘Slow Learners’?
- Characteristics of Slow Learners
- Difference Between ‘Learning Disabled’ and ‘Slow Learners’
- Why is My Child a Slow Learner?
- The Key Issues that Affect the Concentration of a Child
- 5 Tips to Deal and Help Slow Learners
- Autism in Slow Learners
- Watch the Environment
Who are ‘Slow Learners’?
Slow learners are children taking a little more time than others do to grasp a concept. This child will hit the basic developmental stages just like their peers, but at a significantly slower rate. Nevertheless, this development will be relatively even.
Characteristics of Slow Learners
Slow learners may exhibit any or all of the below-mentioned characteristics:
1. Developmental
The child may have some speech problems or underdeveloped language patterns. S/he may also have poor memory and might take a number of repetitive sessions to learn something.
2. Social
Such children may be seen hanging around with younger age groups. Immature social behavior, a sense of poor judgment, being to themselves, and inability to express are also observed.
3. Personal
A slow learner may get frustrated easily and may display emotions, anxiety, aggression, lower self-esteem, and emotional instability.
4. Learning
Slow learners take time to process information and sometimes grasp concepts only when linked to old ones. They show proficiency and focus in some subjects or tasks, but may require additional practice to learn and practice new skills.
Difference Between ‘Learning Disabled’ and ‘Slow Learners’
A child who is a ‘slow learner’ may be significantly slower in reaching milestones for their age. However, their development will get even. They will exhibit thinking capacities that are lower than children their age, but will have proficiency over certain tasks and skills.
A slow learner – under an able guide, the parent, or a teacher can show significant improvement. On the other hand, a child who has learning disabilities will exhibit specific difficulties making the learning process difficult.
There will be a gap between the child’s potential to achieve and his actual achievements. These children need a conducive environment along with the right help to grow and develop appropriate academic levels.
Why is My Child a Slow Learner?
There can be several reasons why your child is finding it difficult to understand the subjects that others pick up easily. Parents and teachers must have the patience of repeating the idea clearly as many times as required for the child to understand. Maybe, it’s something at school or at home that is affecting your child’s concentration.
The Key Issues That Affect the Concentration of a Child
The key issues that affect the concentration of a child include:
- A childhood tragedy
- Medical issues such as a brain injury
- Sibling issues
- Open arguments between parents; domestic violence
- Pampering
Once you are able to find the problem affecting the concentration of your child, take the steps to resolve it. Parents may have compatibility problems. But always take measures to take the arguments out of sight of the child.
Your little boy or girl may be sad because of a friendship issue. It is important for parents to establish trust and friendship with a child.
In addition, you must not make the mistake of trying to force study lessons. You have to be careful, sensitive, and caring to help your child keep up with the same pace as others.
5 Tips to Deal and Help Slow Learners
If you are dealing with a slow learner, the below tips could prove helpful to you:
1. Praise and Reward
At every accomplishment, however small that may be to you, praise the child and offer rewards on certain difficult achievements.
2. Allow Crutches
Allow your child to use crutches – like post-it on the desktop, calculators, reminder slips, taped read along and markers.
3. Be Oral
Be more verbal and oral with your child, give them assignments that are easy and in tune with his competency.
4. Realistic Expectations
As a parent, one expects a child to shine in everything he does. Humanly, that is not possible. There is nothing wrong with expecting, but they should be realistic enough.
5. Chat With the Teacher
Teachers have a major role to play in raising kids with slow thinking. Talk to the teachers so as to effectively sync in the school and home-teaching methods.
Autism in Slow Learners
Many doctors also love to diagnose ‘autism’ in slow learners. Yes, some children do have trouble coping up with the real world. However, that can be simply because your child does not find the real world fascinating! Autism is a medical condition and slow learners need not have this issue.
Watch the Environment
Maybe, parents should ask themselves whether they do their best in creating an encouraging environment for their child. Do you argue heavily in front of your little one? Did your little child have to witness domestic violence from a very young age? Do you pamper your child a little too much? The answers to these questions may help you find a solution to why your child is a slow learner.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive world, schools, place huge importance on grades. However, good parenting involves taking away the stress of competition from their little heads. Always allow a balance of recreation and studies. Do not insist your child study all the time.
It is crucial to encourage your kid to go out and play! For short breaks, you can arrange video games as a reward system. Tell your kid that you will allow them to play the game if they complete the homework fast. Such incentives always work wonders!
Read Also: How To Deal With A Child Who Has ADHD
