Many
children with special educational needs (SEN) take a longer time to learn than
their peers. Many of them are visual
learners and for them it is useful to present information using drawings or
illustrations. Diagrams, mind maps, and sketches can be useful in improving
understanding and are easier to remember than reading the text alone.
The use
of colours to create appeal is another technique that has proven useful. Where possible ask the child to help you
colour the drawings or highlight text. Make it fun and where possible
intersperse the activity with movement.
For example, do a bit or colouring and then ask the child to identify an
item in the house that has that colour. Hop,
skip, jump and dance around until you find the item, prompting the child where
necessary.
Information
is hard to remember if it does not make sense. Once your child starts to read
you should avoid complicated sentences – keep it simple. Say, for example, “the baby is crying”. Feel free to make faces to show what is meant
by crying, don’t be afraid to look stupid.
It is useful
to classify your sessions into themes grouping areas that relate to each
other. For example, my little girl is
learning about “Royalty” at school at the moment. She is being taught about the Queen of
England and her great grandchildren – Prince George and Princess Charlotte. In
exploring that topic I introduce other vocabulary such as the castle, the guards,
the jewels, the colour of the princess’ dress, etc. Widen the vocabulary around the particular
theme you are trying to explore.
It is
easier to remember well organised information. Try to find a meaningful
structure for the information, identifying the significant areas and breaking them
down ideas into sections. If necessary make a mindmap (for yourself) to plan ideas.
It may be easier to remember one series of connected ideas rather than a lot of
separate points. This may be more useful in assisting children of secondary
school age and young adults who may be subject to assessments in their educational
institutions.
The Pocket Learner Educational System is useful in enabling children with SEN to test their learning. Active
revision (using the material) is said to be more effective than passive
revision (eg: reading and copying). Bring your revision activities to life by
creating opportunities for the child to “do” rather than to “say”. Let them demonstrate understanding by
doing. For example: for younger children learning basic words let
them label items in the house with the written words.
Make the
information more memorable by using sounds, images or gestures to go with the words. Children with SEN understand information more
easily if they learn the relevant signs even though they are able to use spoken
language.
Finally,
create opportunities for learning on a daily basis. Speak to your child often introducing new
vocabulary and exploring concepts. Even if they do not seem to be understanding, do persevere, for they will, if only we exercise patience. A life
without learning is empty. Help your children to live and thrive by encouraging
them to keep learning.
