Helping Children With Learning Problem
Your child may resist being read to or joining with you in the
activities in this booklet. If so, keep trying the activities,
but keep them playful.
Remember that children vary a great deal in the ways that they
learn. Don't be concerned if your child doesn't enjoy a certain
activity that her friend of the same age loves. It is important,
though, to keep an eye on how your child is progressing.
When a child is having a language or reading problem, the reason
might be simple to understand and deal with or it might be
complicated and require expert help. Often,children may just
need more time to develop their language skills.
On the other hand, some children might have trouble seeing,
hearing, or speaking. Others may have a learning disability. If
you think your child may have some kind of physical or learning
problem, it is important to get expert help quickly.
If your child is in school and you think that she should have
stronger language skills, ask for a private meeting with her
teacher. (You may feel more comfortable taking a friend,
relative, or someone else in your community with you.) In most
cases, the teacher or perhaps the principal will be able to help
you to understand how your child is doing and what you might do
to help her.
There is a law--the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA)--that may allow you to get certain services for your
child from your school district. Your child might qualify to
receive help from a speech and language therapist or other
specialist, or she might qualify to receive materials designed
to match her needs.
You can learn about your special education rights and
responsibilities by requesting that the school give you-- in
your first language--a summary of legal rights. To find out
about programs for children with disabilities that are available
in your state, contact the National Information Center for
Children and Youth with Disabilities.
The good news is that no matter how long it takes, most children
can learn to read. Parents, teachers, and other professionals
can work together to determine if a child has a learning
disability or other problem, and then provide the right help as
soon as possible. When a child gets such help, chances are very
good that she will develop the skills she needs to succeed in
school and in life. Nothing is more important than your support
for your child as she goes through school. Make sure she gets
any extra help she needs as soon as possible, and always
encourage her and praise her efforts.