Academic and skill learning
Learning requires the combination of attention and concentration, language, memory, problem solving, organisation, and the ability to plan and sequence thoughts. When learning is challenging for a child, the most immediate indicator is often perceived poor behaviour with avoidance or rapid and extreme disengagement.
Children who have difficulties with learning can struggle with:
- Maintaining attention resulting in them being easily distracted
- Using appropriate behaviours resulting in challenging behaviours (or avoidance)
- Recalling skills that have been learnt previously
- Applying the knowledge that has been learnt, or using the same skill but in a new way or in a new situation
- Understanding new concepts
- Remembering concepts/consistent memory
- ‘Seeing’ the similarities between tasks or concepts
- Using or applying information from one task or activity to another
- Getting their thoughts on paper, even though they may be able to ‘talk it out’
- Using language in an ordered and logical way to give instructions, tell a story, to re-count an event or express ideas and thoughts.
- Learning to read, write and spell (e.g. get stuck on the same sight words for a long time)
- Organisational skills (awareness of time frames, materials)
- Learning from their mistakes
- Collecting the materials needed for school or play activities
- Appearing interested (they might even be accused of being lazy or rude)
- Seeing the ’big picture’ of a task or situation and instead getting very fixed on small details
- Predicting what might be going to happen next
- Planning out a story or school project (eg essay)
How RISE can help:
Our Occupational and Speech Therapists are trained to help children build a strong foundation of the skills that allow learning to occur in all its different forms, by breaking down these skills into manageable steps. This includes physical, language, play, attention/concentration and behaviour. Through repetition and development of these skills you will see children gain confidence in their ability to learn and becoming more engaged in their classes.
