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Effective Teaching Strategies to Help Children with Learning Disabilities

By Elizabeth Erwin, Ed.D.

Montclair State University

And Leslie Soodak, Ph.D.

Pace University

There are many theories about helping children with learning disabilities. Some are based on research that shows a particular strategy to be effective on groups of children. Other theories may seem helpful or promising, but have not yet been studied carefully and are therefore more controversial.

Deciding which teaching strategy is right for your child is not always easy, but there are some guidelines you can follow:

1. Beware of simple solutions.
   Because children learn in a number of different ways, there is no single method for helping all children with learning disabilities. Good teaching is intentional, systematic, and takes time.
2. Ask questions.
   It is important to know whether the strategy you are considering has been effective with other children. Some of the questions you may want to ask are:
   • Has the strategy been studied?
     Qualified researchers who will not profit by the results should conduct the study. The results should appear in respected magazines or journals, not as advertisements.
   • Who has been helped by this strategy?
     The strategy should be helpful to children with learning disabilities of the same age, sex, and ability as your child.
   • Can this strategy be harmful to my child?
     Consider whether the strategy will make your child feel comfortable and more independent or whether using it will make her feel embarrassed and different.
3. Trust your instincts.
   Many people may offer suggestions for helping your child, including teachers, therapists, and other parents. Listen to what others suggest but remember that you know your child best. Gather information, ask questions, and then use those strategies that seem to be most appropriate for your child.

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