Every child learns at their own pace, and for some, schoolwork and learning can be a challenge. Whether due to learning differences, a lack of confidence, or external factors like stress or distractions, struggling with learning is common, and there are plenty of effective strategies to help kids overcome these obstacles. If your child is having difficulty in school, don’t worry—there are many ways you can support them to succeed. Here are some of the best strategies to help kids who struggle with learning.
1. Create a Positive and Supportive Learning Environment
The environment in which a child learns plays a huge role in their ability to concentrate, absorb information, and feel motivated. Creating a positive, distraction-free space can help your child focus better and reduce feelings of frustration.
How to implement:
- Designate a study space: Choose a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit area for homework or learning activities. Minimize distractions such as TV or noisy areas.
- Use positive reinforcement: Encourage your child with praise and rewards when they show effort or achieve small milestones. Celebrate their progress rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
- Maintain a consistent routine: Kids who struggle with learning often thrive on structure. Having a consistent daily schedule helps set expectations and reduce anxiety.
2. Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps
Children who struggle with learning may feel overwhelmed by large tasks or assignments. Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can reduce anxiety and make the work feel less daunting.
How to implement:
- Create a to-do list: Help your child break assignments into smaller parts with clear, achievable goals. For example, instead of saying "Finish your math homework," try "Complete 10 problems, then take a 5-minute break."
- Use visual aids: Tools like charts, checklists, and visual schedules can make tasks feel more tangible and provide a sense of accomplishment as your child checks off each completed step.
- Take breaks: Allow for short breaks between tasks to help your child recharge. It’s important not to expect kids to work for long periods, especially if they’re struggling.
3. Use Multisensory Learning Techniques
Kids who struggle with learning may benefit from engaging multiple senses—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—when approaching new concepts. Multisensory learning can help reinforce ideas and improve memory retention by making the learning process more interactive.
How to implement:
- Incorporate hands-on learning: Use physical objects like flashcards, counters, or building blocks to explain concepts. For example, you can use blocks to help explain math problems or letters to build words.
- Read aloud: Have your child listen to you read aloud or use audiobooks. Hearing the information can help solidify learning.
- Use interactive tools: Educational apps, games, and activities that involve moving, touching, or drawing can enhance your child’s engagement and understanding of the material.
4. Promote Self-Advocacy and Independence
As your child works through challenges, it’s important to foster a sense of independence. Encouraging your child to ask questions, request help, and seek out resources builds self-advocacy skills and helps them take ownership of their learning.
How to implement:
- Teach them how to ask for help: Empower your child to ask questions when they don’t understand something. Role-play scenarios where they practice asking for clarification from a teacher or peer.
- Encourage problem-solving: Instead of immediately offering a solution, guide your child to think critically and problem-solve. Ask leading questions like, “What do you think might work?” or “What’s another way we can approach this?”
- Celebrate effort, not just results: Recognize your child’s effort and determination to work through challenges, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. This reinforces the idea that learning is a process.
5. Adapt Teaching Strategies to Their Learning Style
Every child has a unique learning style, and understanding how your child learns best can make a huge difference in how they engage with material. Whether your child is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, adjusting teaching methods to their preferred style can increase their ability to retain and apply information.
How to implement:
- Visual learners: Use diagrams, charts, and color-coded notes to help them understand concepts. Visual learners benefit from seeing information presented in organized, structured ways.
- Auditory learners: Engage your child with oral explanations, songs, rhymes, or podcasts. Discussing ideas aloud and talking through problems can help them process and absorb information.
- Kinesthetic learners: Incorporate movement, touch, and hands-on activities into their learning. These kids may learn best by physically doing things, like building models, role-playing, or using tangible objects in lessons.
6. Provide Consistent and Clear Feedback
Children who struggle with learning often need additional guidance to understand where they’re succeeding and where they can improve. Clear, constructive feedback helps build confidence and ensures they know what to focus on.
How to implement:
- Be specific: Instead of just saying "Good job," point out exactly what your child did well. For example, “You did a great job of organizing your ideas in this essay. Let’s work on adding more details to support your argument.”
- Provide constructive criticism: When pointing out areas for improvement, offer actionable suggestions. For instance, "You answered most of the math problems correctly. Let’s focus on the multiplication tables to help with the ones you missed."
- Balance praise and feedback: Ensure your child receives plenty of positive reinforcement while also receiving specific feedback on how they can improve.
7. Collaborate with Teachers and Specialists
If your child continues to struggle despite your best efforts, it’s important to work closely with teachers and other professionals, such as special education teachers or learning specialists. These experts can provide additional insights and strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs.
How to implement:
- Schedule regular meetings: Have open, ongoing communication with your child’s teacher to monitor progress and identify potential learning barriers.
- Seek additional assessments: If you suspect your child has a learning difference, such as dyslexia or ADHD, ask for an assessment to determine if any underlying conditions are contributing to their struggles.
- Explore tutoring or therapy: A tutor or therapist can provide one-on-one support in areas where your child needs extra help, whether it’s reading, math, or social skills.
8. Encourage Growth Mindset
Fostering a growth mindset—believing that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort—can help children view learning struggles as opportunities for growth rather than signs of failure.
How to implement:
- Emphasize effort over innate ability: Remind your child that success comes through practice and persistence. For example, instead of saying "You’re just not good at this," say "It takes time to get better at this, but you’re making progress!"
- Model resilience: Show your child how you tackle challenges in your own life, demonstrating that setbacks are part of the learning process.
Conclusion: Every Child Can Learn
Helping a child who struggles with learning requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to try different approaches. By creating a supportive environment, breaking tasks into smaller steps, using multisensory techniques, and collaborating with teachers, you can help your child overcome learning challenges and feel more confident in their abilities. Remember, with the right support, every child has the potential to succeed and thrive academically.
