Signs of Learning Struggles to Look Out For

Kids with learning struggles benefit from early intervention. Research studies have found that the sooner students receive support, the better their educational outcome.

It’s vital to identify learning struggles as quickly as possible so your student can get the help they need. Some students who are struggling may be diagnosed with a specific learning disability, while others just require more support.

Depending on their needs and diagnosis, support might involve specialised classes, an individual learning plan and differentiated activities.

While students experience a wide range of learning problems and there are many reasons they struggle, there are several common signs to look out for.

Lack of Knowledge and Skills

Kids who are struggling may have no interest in reading, writing or maths. They often have difficulty remembering what they’ve recently been taught. They can also be easily distracted and need to have instructions explained multiple times. They tend to make the same errors repeatedly.

Identifying learning issues can be tricky because some students can verbally explain their ideas, but they are unable to transfer their thoughts into writing. A lot of struggling students lack motivation because learning is not a satisfying experience for them, but others are diligent workers who can’t keep up with their peers despite their best efforts.

Inability to Complete Tasks on Time

Time management is a common problem for kids who are experiencing learning difficulties due to their issues remembering and following instructions. It takes them longer to process information and act on it. Sadly, this can be misinterpreted by teachers and parents as wilful disobedience.

One of the best ways to gauge your student’s time management skills is to observe them completing homework. Do they take longer than they should and become easily frustrated? Do they also struggle to get ready for school on time and complete simple everyday tasks?

Negative Attitude Towards School

Due to their bad experiences at school, struggling students often have a negative attitude towards it. This can manifest as reluctance to go to school and behaviour issues and anxiety in the morning. Some students have nightmares or experience insomnia.

Learning issues can seriously affect a child’s self-esteem and cause them to become withdrawn. This may in turn lead to problems socialising and making friends, contributing to their dislike of school. It’s important to pay attention to how your child speaks about school as this can help you identify issues quickly.

How to Help with Learning Struggles

If you suspect your child has learning issues, we recommend the following steps:

Meet with teachers to discuss what they’ve observed in class.
Find out what supports are available through the school.
Seek a specialist diagnosis if you think your child has a learning disability.
Keep the lines of communication open by talking with your child regularly about how they’re feeling.
Let your child know you’re there to support them and offer plenty of positive praise for their efforts.
Focus on your child’s strengths and talents to build their self-esteem.
Research assistive technologies such as text-to-speech software and speech recognition software which may help your student.

How a Tutor Can Assist Struggling Students

Students with learning issues often need tasks to be broken down into smaller steps. They perform much better when learning materials are adapted to cater to their learning style and needs.

Tutoring is an excellent option for students with special needs because a tutor’s role is to design a learning plan and select materials to meet the specific requirements of each child.