A slow learner is a child who learns at a pace a little behind others of their age and grade level. Slow learners do not necessarily have a learning disability and may have ordinary lives outside the classroom. However, academic subjects are a challenge for them. To help slow learners, take various approaches to teach important subject matter. Get support for the students inside and outside the classroom. Most importantly, encourage slow learners by patiently working with them and celebrating their successes.
Make your child’s learning part of your family life.
Show how important your child’s progress is by looking through their work as a part of your daily family routine. Ask them to sound out long words, do the times tables on car trips, and link any family activities to what they are currently learning at school.
Provide homework help for your child. Your child will benefit from support with studying and subject-specific lessons. Don’t do their schoolwork for them, but sit with them, help them organise their work, and walk them through tricky problems.
Ask their school teacher about any school resources and ask their teacher if your child might be eligible for any small-group teaching or support on subjects they struggle with. Sign up for any extra reading or study skills sessions the school offers.
If you are hiring a tutor, hire a qualified teacher to ensure they are encouraging and positive and praise their efforts and successes.
Get the child assessed for learning disabilities, as some slow learners may also have learning disorders. A diagnosis of a learning disability should also entitle your child to greater support at school. Slow learners tend to learn evenly across all subjects at a rate behind their peers, whereas learning-disabled students often have uneven strengths and weaknesses.
While it may seem counterintuitive, focusing on learning strategies rather than speed can lead to faster and more effective learning, even for someone who considers themselves a slow learner. Here are some tips to enhance learning efficiency:
Break down tasks: Divide learning material into smaller, manageable chunks. This will make it easier for your child to understand and retain information without feeling overwhelmed.
Use multiple senses: Engage various senses (e.g. seeing, hearing, touching) when learning new information. For example, try reading aloud, drawing diagrams, or using flashcards.
Repetition and practice: Practice is crucial to mastering any skill or concept. Reviewing material regularly reinforces learning and improves retention.
Active learning: Actively engage with the material by asking your child questions, making connections to prior knowledge, and seeking clarification when needed. This fosters deeper understanding and retention.
Find a learning style: Experiment with different learning methods to find what works best for your child. Whether it is visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, or a combination, tailor your approach to suit your child’s learning style.
Set realistic goals: Break down your child’s learning objectives into smaller, achievable goals. Slow learners can often live in the present moment; your child may not see the point of school if they are not being rewarded in their academic lessons. So help your child set longer-term goals and celebrate their progress along the way to stay motivated.
Stay organised: Keep track of your child’s learning progress, schedule study sessions, and create a conducive learning environment free from distractions.
Use technology and resources: Use educational resources such as online courses, videos, apps and interactive tutorials to supplement learning.
Support your child’s social life. Encourage them to ask friends from school over and get to know their friends’ parents.
Give your child the opportunities to excel in non-academic activities, e.g. sports, drama, and art. Make sure you ask your child what they love doing, work out with them what they are good at, and then fill their time with this.
Stay positive and persistent: Embrace a growth mindset and believe in your child’s ability to improve over time. Stay persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, knowing that progress is possible with dedication and effort.
Read this short story to your child.
