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Navigating the New School Year: How to Spot Potential Learning Difficulties
September 15th 2024 / Assessments / By Randall Symes
Identifying and Addressing Learning Challenges
As the new school year begins in Alberta, parents and educators alike are filled with hope and excitement for the learning journey ahead. However, for some children, the first few weeks of school can reveal subtle signs of learning challenges that, if recognized early, can be addressed promptly to ensure better academic success.
At Randall Symes Psychological Services, we believe in the power of early intervention. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of identifying learning challenges early and provide a comprehensive guide on what to watch for during those crucial first weeks of school.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early identification of learning challenges is critical for several reasons. Timely intervention allows appropriate support to be put in place quickly, preventing the frustration and low self-esteem that can develop when a child struggles unnoticed. With proper support, children can develop strategies to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Moreover, early detection allows for tailored educational plans that cater to the child’s specific needs, maximizing their learning potential.
Signs To Watch For
As the school year unfolds, there are several key areas where learning challenges may become apparent. Let’s explore these areas and the signs to watch for in each.
Literacy Skills
Reading and writing are fundamental skills that impact all areas of learning. In reading, watch for reluctance to read aloud or participate in reading activities, trouble recognizing letters or connecting them to their sounds, difficulty sounding out simple words, slow reading pace compared to peers, or poor comprehension of what’s been read.
Writing challenges may manifest as an awkward pencil grip or difficulty controlling writing tools, inconsistent letter formation or sizing, trouble putting thoughts into written words, difficulty with spelling (even for simple words), or resistance to writing tasks.
Mathematical Abilities
Early math skills are crucial for future academic success. Be aware of difficulty recognizing and writing numbers, trouble with basic counting or number sequencing, inability to understand simple mathematical concepts like ‘more’ or ‘less’, struggles with simple addition or subtraction, or difficulty recognizing patterns.
Attention and Focus
While all young children can be easily distracted, persistent attention problems may indicate a deeper issue. Look for an inability to sit still for age-appropriate periods, frequent daydreaming or ‘zoning out’ during lessons, difficulty following multi-step instructions, being easily distracted by external stimuli, or consistently incomplete classwork or homework.
Memory and Recall
Learning relies heavily on memory. Watch for trouble remembering the alphabet, days of the week, or other sequences, difficulty recalling information from one day to the next, struggles with memorizing basic math facts, or forgetting instructions or routines.
Language and Communication
Social and Emotional Signs
Learning challenges can often manifest in social and emotional behaviors. Look for increased anxiety about school or specific subjects, avoidance of certain activities or subjects, low self-esteem or negative self-talk about abilities, difficulty making or maintaining friendships, or emotional outbursts or frustration during learning tasks.
Organizational and Motor Skills
Sensory Processing
Some children may have difficulty processing sensory information, which can affect learning. This might manifest as oversensitivity to certain textures, sounds, or lights in the classroom, difficulty sitting still or constant fidgeting, or trouble with personal space or physical boundaries.
What To Do If You Notice These Signs
If you observe several of these signs consistently over the first few weeks of school, it’s important to take action. Start by documenting your observations, keeping a detailed record of what you’re noticing, including specific examples and frequency.
Next, communicate with your child’s teacher. They may have additional insights or observations from the classroom. Many schools also have learning specialists or counselors who can provide initial screenings or advice, so don’t hesitate to consult with school support staff.
Throughout this process, maintain open communication with your child’s educational team to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
The Role of Professional Assessment
At Randall Symes Psychological Services, we specialize in comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents. Our team of qualified psychologists can conduct thorough evaluations to identify specific learning challenges, provide clear and concise diagnoses where appropriate, develop detailed recommendations tailored to your child’s unique needs, and suggest intervention strategies to support your child’s learning journey.
Conclusion
The first weeks of school offer a valuable window for recognizing potential learning challenges. By being observant and proactive, parents and educators can ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. If you have concerns about your child’s learning, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. At Randall Symes Psychological Services, we’re here to help you navigate this journey and set your child on the path to success.
Remember, every child has unique strengths and challenges. By identifying and addressing learning difficulties early, we can help each child reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.
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