Inclusive education is instrumental in nurturing the potential of every child, regardless of their learning abilities. Particularly, children with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, require specialized education techniques to help them excel academically and socially. We researched which autism schools Calgary has to offer to come up with the following options.
Understanding Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities encompass a variety of disorders that affect a child’s capacity to acquire, retain, comprehend, or utilize verbal or nonverbal information. Despite demonstrating average intellectual capabilities, these children often struggle with specific academic skills. The nature and severity of learning disabilities can significantly vary, resulting in diverse accommodation needs in an academic setting.
It’s crucial to understand that learning disabilities often remain concealed unless disclosed. This can lead to misperceptions about the child’s competence and result in them being stereotyped or treated differently. Therefore, fostering an inclusive environment that supports the unique learning styles of these children is essential.
Davis Learning Strategies: An Effective Approach
One of the most effective education techniques for children with learning disabilities has been developed by Ronald D. Davis, author of The Gift of Dyslexia. Known as Davis Learning Strategies, this approach aims to provide teachers with unique strategies to augment their reading instruction efficacy and aid children in developing robust reading fluency and comprehension skills. Calgary’s Rocky Point Academy is a provider of these learning disabilities services.
Through five years of pilot studies in several classrooms, it was discovered that the Davis methods enhanced reading abilities in all children, not only those with learning disabilities. These methods helped in preventing special education placement in later school years and even increased the number of students qualifying for gifted education. The implementation of Davis methods benefit all students, irrespective of their learning styles or reading levels.
Embracing the Challenges: Strengthening Self-Worth
Children with learning disabilities often face unique challenges that require a robust support system to overcome. By providing consistent love, encouragement, and support, parents and educators can ensure that these children develop a strong sense of self-worth and resilience. The focus should be on enabling the child to work through challenges themselves, rather than attempting to ‘cure’ the learning disability.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping a child’s perspective towards these challenges. A positive attitude can instill hope and confidence in the child, reinforcing the belief that they can improve and succeed. It’s essential for parents to keep things in perspective, become their child’s advocate, and focus on their child’s strengths rather than weaknesses.
Identifying Learning Styles: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic
Understanding a child’s unique learning style is key to formulating effective education techniques. Children can be categorized as visual learners (learn best by seeing or reading), auditory learners (learn best by listening), or kinesthetic learners (learn best by doing and moving). By identifying their primary learning style, effective steps can be taken to reinforce this type of learning both in the classroom and during home study.
Davis Dyslexia Correction: A Theoretical Insight
The Davis Dyslexia Correction method is based on the theory that dyslexic individuals are picture thinkers who experience perceptual disorientations affecting their senses of time, vision, hearing, balance, and coordination. This disorientation can result in distorted perceptions, affecting the child’s reading and comprehension abilities.
When dyslexic individuals encounter an unrecognized stimulus, it can trigger a feeling of confusion, leading to disorientation and consequently, reading or spelling mistakes. Thus, managing this disorientation is pivotal to enhancing their learning abilities.
Phonics and Dyslexia: A Complex Relationship
Traditional tutoring for dyslexia heavily relies on intensive instruction in phonemic awareness and the phonetic code. However, for many students, this process is arduous, often resulting in slow progress that hinges on repetition and “overlearning”. Therefore, alternative education techniques are required that cater to the unique learning style of dyslexic children.
Ensuring Life Success: Beyond Academic Achievement
Success in life extends beyond academic achievements and depends on a healthy sense of self, the willingness to ask for help, resilience, the ability to form healthy relationships, and other quantifiable qualities. Fostering these broad skills can significantly contribute to the life success of children with learning disabilities.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Children with learning disabilities can significantly benefit from adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a nutrient-rich diet. These habits not only contribute to their physical well-being but also enhance their ability to focus, concentrate, and work hard.
Prioritizing Self-Care for Parents
Parenting a child with a learning disability can be challenging, often leading to stress and exhaustion. It’s paramount that parents take care of their physical and emotional needs to provide a healthy and supportive environment for their child. This includes keeping open lines of communication with family and friends, joining a learning disorder support group, and learning effective stress management techniques.
Communicating Effectively with Family and Friends
Open communication about the child’s learning disability can prevent misperceptions and ensure the child receives necessary support. It’s equally important to reassure the siblings who may feel overlooked or neglected due to the additional attention and support required by the child with a learning disability.
In conclusion, equipping children with learning disabilities with the right education techniques can significantly enhance their learning experience and outcomes. By understanding their unique learning styles and integrating specialized strategies, we can help these children overcome their challenges and unlock their full potential.