In: Psychology
What can teachers and parents do to assist a child with a learning disability to develop a strong self-concept?
A learning disability is a neurological disorder, as a result of a child's brain being wired, differently. Children with learning disabilities face immense difficulty in reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and organizing information when they are left to understand concepts independently or comprehend things in conventional ways.
A learning disability cannot be cured and prevails for a lifetime. So, parents and teachers can help children with learning disabilities by identifying and encouraging their strengths in unconventional manners and erasing their weaknesses. Parents and teachers can learn about strategies, that can help in dealing with specific difficulties. They can comprehend the current educational system and identify special schools, which can cater to the needs of children with learning disabilities. Parents and teachers can work with professionals to know more about learning disabilities.
Positive reinforcement can work in favour of a child with a learning disability. Positive reinforcement can foster a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. Children with learning difficulties can be provided concrete comments on what they are doing well. They can be praised to nurture desired behaviours, increase self-esteem and a positive self-concept. Children with learning disabilities can be told stories about people with similar disabilities, who overcame their problems and achieved success in life. This can motivate the child with a learning disability to pursue what he or she is capable of. They can even be told stories concerning the fight against prejudice or unfairness. To bring about cognitive development in children, parents and teacher's can raise a curiosity in them and provide the framework for thinking and questioning. Children with learning disabilities can be trained in clear structuring of time and space. To structure space, visual aids can be utilized. For structuring time, comprehensible and reinforced routines can be created. Thus, supporting children with learning disabilities can help them to develop a positive self-concept.