Note: I choose to use the term Learning Differences over Learning Disabilities because the word Disabilities suggests a person cannot learn, and the word Differences suggest s a person can learn - and learns in a different way.
Here is what I believe kids with learning differences need support in.
1. Becoming a self advocate: Teaching kids to understand how they learn is the foundation to being a self advocate. Once a student understands how they learn, they can understand what strategies work best for them.
2. Becoming an efficient learner: Kids with learning differences are wired differently than their neurotypical peers. They need tools to help them be efficient in their tasks. Often when a challenging task is approached in a way that feels inefficient, students give up. For example, if the challenge is reading, and the task requires a student to read a large amount, the student with an LD in reading will not attempt it because it takes too long and it feels pointless. Knowing and using tools both technological, and otherwise (graphic organizers and word banks, for example ) to find workarounds for road blocks, sets the conditions to become confident and independent learners.
3. Becoming Confident Learners: When students understand how they learn best, and have the tools to help them navigate their learning, they grow in confidence. Confidence leads to resiliency, and empowerment. Students who feel empowered, are enjoying learning.
