How to Teach Slow Learning Kids

by Christiana Sayyah, 

Any parent or gaurdian who has a child who is a slow learner knows how frustrating teaching them something simple like their ABC's can be. It's not that the child has a retardation or learning disablility, but they are just slow learners. Everyone learns at their own pace, and I've found it easiest to associate fun things and things your child is interested in with what you are trying to teach them. If you peak their interest, they are more likely to retain the information faster. In this article, I will go through different methods of teaching your child so they can be on their way to a brighter future, faster.

Repetition

You can tell your child something until you're blue in the face and it usually doesn't seem to make a difference, but this is not the case when it comes to learning. The more you go over something, the more it will begin to make sense to your child.

For example, when I was a child, I was read to every single night. I got to the point where I had memorized the books that were being read to me and could fool people into thinking I was actually reading them (and this was at the age of four or five).

The more a child hears something, the more likely they are to retain that information. This requires a bit of effort on your part, however. Most parents these days are very busy and its hard for them to set aside time every night for something like reading a story to their child, but it is most important and will help them immensely once they get to school. The same is true for math, writing, and all other subjects. Repetition is key.

Make it Fun

By the time you've repeated 1 + 1 = 2 to your child 50 times and they still don't understand, not only are you frustrated, but so are they. They've probably also lost interest in what you're telling them long ago.

For math, use flash cards or actual objects. For example, use matches or crayons (something in abundance). Manifesting the numbers into objects will help the child understand more clearly what you are really saying. You could also use objects the child likes so they will pay attention longer. You could use mini candies and reward the child with one after each correct answer.

For ABC's and other memorization, making songs or singing the songs you already know will help a great deal. Songs are more fun for kids than simply reciting numbers, letters, or shapes. If you can't seem to make one up on your own, ask a friend, a spouse, or try to find cartoons that specifically teach these things through song. It's best if you try to make up the songs yourself, though, because your child will feel more special that you are taking the time to help them. They won't feel like they are learning; they'll feel like they are playing, but all the while your goals will be accomplished too.

Incentives and Positive Reinforcement

Children respond well to incentives and positive reinforcement. Although this may seem obvious, it is key to keep your child's interest and make them feel accomplished. Offering candies, hugs, apple slices, whatever works for you and your child for a right answer will keep them on task and inspire them to keep learning.

You need to congratulate your child on a job well done after every correct answer and at the end of each learning session. This will make them feel empowered and give them something to look forward to for next time.

Times to Teach

You definitely don't want to sit your child down for hours on end, as their attention spans are not that lengthy. 15-20 minutes sessions a couple times a day, or even once a day, won't burn you or your child out and will make this time you share together even more special. If you are including the positive reinforcement and incentives, your child will probably ask for this learning time every day.

You may want to have this learning time in between breakfast and lunch, if you can. If you are home in the evening, after dinner and before bed (though not right before bed) is also a good time. These are times when you and your child are both fed and alert. They won't be too sleepy and they will have plenty of energy.

Patience

Don't lose your cool. Remember, these children may not be giving you the answers because they don't want to participate, but because they just don't know. Go over the material every day until your child improves. It can be a long process, but your child will be thanking you for it someday.

Just remember, repetition, make it fun, positive reinforcement, times to teach, and patience and you and your child will begin to see fantastic results. Don't be afraid to break out of the norm and try new things. And when all else fails, remembering patience will come in very handy.