Tips for teachers of children with learning disabilities

Learn as much as you can about the different types of learning disabilities. The resources and organizations at the end of this document can help you identify specific techniques and strategies to support the student educationally.

Seize the opportunity to make an enormous difference in this student’s life! Find out and emphasize what the student’s strengths and interests are. Give the student positive feedback and lots of opportunities for practice.

Review the student’s evaluation records to identify where specifically the student has trouble. Talk to specialists in your school (e.g., special education teacher) about methods for teaching this student. Provide instruction and accommodations to address the student’s special needs. Examples include:

• breaking tasks into smaller steps, and giving directions verbally and in writing;
• giving the student more time to finish schoolwork or take tests;
• letting the student with reading problems use textbooks-on-tape
• letting the student with listening difficulties borrow notes from a classmate or use a tape recorder; and
• letting the student with writing difficulties use a computer with specialized software that spell checks, grammar checks, or recognizes speech.

Learn about the different testing modifications that can really help a student with learning disabilities show what he or she has learned.

Teach organizational skills, study skills, and learning strategies. These help all students but are particularly helpful to those with learning disabilities.

Work with the student’s parents to create an educational plan tailored to meet the student’s needs.

Establish a positive working relationship with the student’s parents. Through regular communication, exchange information about the student’s progress at school.

Useful Links:

Tips for parents of children with learning disabilities

What are the signs of a learning disability?