Helping Children With Learning Porblem

Your child may resist being read to or joining with you in
the activities in this booklet. If so, keep trying the
activities, but keep them playful.

Remember that children vary a great deal in the ways that
they learn. Don't be concerned if your child doesn't enjoy a
certain activity that her friend of the same age loves. It is
important, though, to keep an eye on how your child is
progressing.

When a child is having a language or reading problem, the
reason might be simple to understand and deal with or it
might be complicated and require expert help. Often,
children may just need more time to develop their language
skills.

On the other hand, some children might have trouble
seeing, hearing, or speaking. Others may have a learning
disability. If you think your child may have some kind of
physical or learning problem, it is important to get expert
help quickly.

If your child is in school and you think that she should
have stronger language skills, ask for a private meeting
with her teacher. (You may feel more comfortable taking a
friend, relative, or someone else in your community with
you.) In most cases, the teacher or perhaps the principal
will be able to help you to understand how your child is
doing and what you might do to help her.

There is a law--the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA)--that may allow you to get certain services for
your child from your school district. Your child might
qualify to receive help from a speech and language therapist
or other specialist, or she might qualify to receive
materials designed to match her needs.

You can learn about your special education rights and
responsibilities by requesting that the school give you-- in
your first language--a summary of legal rights. To find out
about programs for children with disabilities that are available
in your state, contact the National Information Center for
Children and Youth with Disabilities.

The good news is that no matter how long it takes, most
children can learn to read. Parents, teachers, and other
professionals can work together to determine if a child has
a learning disability or other problem, and then provide the
right help as soon as possible. When a child gets such help,
chances are very good that she will develop the skills she
needs to succeed in school and in life.

Nothing is more important than your support for your child
as she goes through school. Make sure she gets any extra help
she needs as soon as possible, and always encourage her and
praise her efforts.