Learning difficulties- The potential challenges you may face at home and our top 10 strategies to help you navigate them.
Highlights
It's essential to acknowledge the challenges you may encounter when your child has a learning difficulty. Read more.
Having a child with a learning difficulty just means they learn differently and it’s about working out what ‘different’ looks like for your child. Read more.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Hey Inspired SEN parents, carers and guardians! The realities of supporting your child with special educational needs (SEN) at home are far from plain sailing.
Every parent of a child with learning difficulties has a different experience and you should not compare your journey to another’s. Your story is unique and you need to explore strategies that will help yours and your child’s experience, taking into account your physical and emotional wellbeing.
As a special educational needs (SEN) expert, I have spoken to hundreds of parents in my role as a special educational needs coordinator, a senior leader, a special educational needs case worker for multiple local authorities, as an advisor for UK Fostering and a special educational needs consultant.
I understand the unique challenges you face, and I'm here to offer some insights and strategies, I use with my clients, to make your journey a little easier.
The Challenges You can Face at Home
First and foremost, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges you may encounter when your child has a learning difficulty. These challenges can be both emotional and practical, and they can vary depending on your child's specific needs.
Being stress and frustrated is natural. These feelings can occur as a result of your child struggling academically or the daily pressure of being organised and finding a routine that works for you and your child(ren). It is no doubt you want the best for your child, and seeing them face difficulties can be emotionally and physically taxing.
Whether you’re on a waiting list or dreading the months you will have to wait when you are finally placed on, not knowing what you will be told once you you’re your initial assessment; a lack of resources continues to be one of my parents biggest challenges. Limited access to specialised resources and professionals can make it difficult to provide the right support at home. You can feel like you are constantly guessing or reading the internet trying to find solutions to the problems you face.
Keeping your child motivated and engaged in learning, especially when they're finding it tough, can be a daily battle. When they struggle with reading, writing and/or communication and they don’t feel they are being heard or understood, it will be difficult maintaining motivation both at home and at school.
Check out our blog 'Unlocking Potential: 10 Creative Ways to Support Your Child with Moderate Learning Difficulties at Home', for different ways to motivate and engage your child with their learning.
Juggling your child's needs with your own responsibilities, work, and family life can be overwhelming. Is there such a thing as balancing it all? It can feel like you never quite get there! Then you see all of these Instagram and Facebook reels of parents who have it all together and you feel like you have failed… News Flash, it has taken approximately 100 takes and hours of editing to get that one post.
Then there are the communication challenges. Some children with SEN may have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding instructions, making communication a struggle. Have you ever been kicked, punched, hit, scratched, screamed at? You are not alone. Understanding your child’s triggers can take time and can change at different stages of their lives.
Strategies to Help you Navigate Learning Difficulties
It’s not all doom and gloom, having a child with a learning difficulty just means they learn differently and it’s about working out what ‘different’ looks like for your child.
Whilst on that journey, here are some practical strategies that can help you navigate your way through the challenging moments and create a supportive learning environment at home:
Patience and Empathy: Start with patience and empathy. Understand that your child's journey might be different from what you expected. Celebrate small victories and be there to comfort them during setbacks.
Routine and Structure: Children with SEN often thrive in a structured environment. Create a daily routine that includes specific times for learning, breaks, and relaxation.
Visual Aids: Visual aids, like charts and diagrams, can be invaluable in helping your child understand and follow instructions. Use them around the house, to break down tasks and make information more accessible. These work really well when creating your daily routine.
Tailored Learning: Whilst at school teachers will be adapting their teaching methods to suit your child's learning style; you can do the same at home. Some children learn best through hands-on activities, while others benefit from audio or visual aids. How does your child enjoy learning?
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to motivate your child. Praise their efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small. This will boost their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
Collaboration: Don't hesitate to collaborate with your child's teachers and therapists. They can provide valuable insights and resources to support your child's needs.
Utilise Technology: Yes, we are often told that screen time is bad, but when used efficiently, it can help your child thrive. Explore educational apps and websites designed for children with SEN. These tools can make learning more engaging and interactive.
Advocacy: Be an advocate for your child's needs within school. If you don’t feel your child is getting what they need, book an appointment with your SENCo and request the support they are entitled to. Make sure you check in with the SENCo a few weeks later to ensure that the next steps from your meeting have been actioned.
A Parent’s Voice is so important; you know your child best. Stay informed about your child's rights and the support services available to them. Remember, if you don’t fight for your child, who will?
9. Celebrate Progress: Document your child's progress and celebrate their achievements. A sense of accomplishment can boost their self-esteem and motivation. You could use a visual reward chart with a larger prize after collecting a certain number of stickers.
10. Self-Care: Most important, remember to take care of yourself too. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups. A well-rested and emotionally balanced parent is better equipped to support their child. Check out our Instagram Reel on creating yourself a ‘Calm Box’.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to supporting a child with SEN. Your love, patience, and dedication are already invaluable. By implementing these strategies and adapting them to your child's unique needs, you'll be on the path to creating a nurturing and empowering environment at home.
Every step you take brings you and your child closer to success, and I applaud your unwavering commitment to their well-being. You are doing an amazing job! Keep helping them to shine, they will reach their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I do at home with my child who has SEN?
Here are three activities you can do at home with your child who has SEN:
1. Sensory Play: For younger children, engaging in sensory play activities can be both fun and educational for children with SEN. Create sensory bins filled with various materials like rice, sand, water beads, or even buttons. Let your child explore these textures with their hands. You can also incorporate scents like vanilla or lavender for an added sensory dimension. Sensory play helps improve fine motor skills, promotes language development, and enhances sensory processing.
2. Visual Storytelling: Visual storytelling is a creative way to improve communication and comprehension skills in children with SEN. Create simple visual stories using pictures or drawings. You can use these visuals to help your child understand and retell a story. Encourage them to add their own elements to the story, fostering creativity and language development. This activity can also be adapted to suit your child's age and cognitive abilities.
3. Cooking Together: Cooking can be a fantastic learning opportunity for children with SEN. Choose simple recipes and involve your child in the cooking process. They can help with measuring ingredients, stirring, and following step-by-step instructions. Cooking not only teaches practical life skills but also reinforces math concepts, sequencing, and executive functioning skills. Plus, the end result is a delicious treat to enjoy together. Children love quality, undivided time with their parents.
Remember that every child is unique, so it's important to tailor these activities to your child's specific needs and interests. Be patient, provide plenty of positive reinforcement, and make learning a fun and engaging experience.
Can you give me a list of specific learning difficulties?
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