Learning Challenges
If the child…
- struggles to understand lessons
- struggles to understand directions
- easily forgets information
- gets tired easily
- takes more time to process information
- has a slower response time
Reading Challenges
If the child…
- has difficulty decoding words
- has extreme difficulty with spelling
- has difficulty scanning/reading
- does not enjoy reading
- has difficulty remembering
what he/she read
- gets confused/lost while reading
Try these strategies:
 Present information visually and verbally
 Break down directions and show what you want the
learners to do
 Allow the child extra time to complete activities
 Do not rush the child to finish task
 Ask a student to summarize the point at the end of a
lesson step
 Ask the child to repeat back instructions
 Ask children to re-explain instructions to each other
 Encourage peer support/learning buddies
 Teach math concepts using manipulatives
 Provide a “challenge task” for children who complete
an assignment early, so that there is limited
disruption for children who are still working
Try these strategies:
 Ask the child to follow along with a finger when reading
 Break long passages into smaller segments
 Provide a piece of paper and ask the child to uncover
one sentence at a time
 Teach the child memory tricks (ex: “the capital letter ‘H’
looks like two people shaking hands”)
 Let the child read something that interests him/her
 Always write clearly and in large letters on the
chalkboard (ensure writing stands out)
 Do not rush the child
 Provide take-home reading assignments for extra
practice
 Focus Challenges
If the child is…
- easily distracted
- struggling to stay on task
- having difficulty focusing
Behavior Challenges
If the child…
 is disruptive in class
 has trouble seeing consequences of
actions
- has difficulty taking turns
- does not communicate or relate
well to others
Try these strategies:
 Seat the child away from distractions (window,
door, etc.)
 Always say the child’s name when speaking to
him/her
 Seat the child at the front of the classroom
 Seat the child next to a more focused student
 Stand closer to the child during lessons
 Plan activities that build on the child’s interests
Try these strategies:
 Identify what the child is trying to gain or avoid with the
behavior, and encourage an acceptable replacement
behavior that achieves the result for the child
 Reinforce and reward positive behavior
 Identify triggers of bad behavior and try to avoid them
 Work with learners to establish and enforce class
behavior rules
 Always use the child’s name when speaking to him/her
 Seat the child near the teacher
 Ask the child to assist with classroom tasks (ex. pass out
papers)
 Speak to the child’s parents and agree on consistent
responses to bad behavior
 Language Skills
If the child…
- does not speak the language
of instruction
- does not fully understand the
language of instruction
Try these strategies…
 Encourage leaners to mix with their peers to
learn the language of instruction
 Assign a buddy who speaks the language of
instruction to support the learner
 Incorporate vocabulary instruction into your
lessons to help the child develop the second
language
 Using gestures and visuals to explain key
points
 Encourage the parents to assist children to
speak the language of instruction, if possible

Physical Challenges
If the child… Try these strategies:
-has difficulty moving independently  Make adaptations (shift furniture) to ensure
-has weak muscles the child is physically able to access the
classroom and bathrooms
 Ensure child can participate in classroom
activities
 Encourage child to ask for help if needed
 Encourage collective efforts for other learners
to help the child
 If child has weak hands/fingers, encourage fine
motor skill practice or use of pencil holders
 Refer to the doctor or special needs specialist if
necessary
 Hearing Challenges
If the child…
- struggles to hear
- does not respond when spoken to
- has difficulty understanding speech
- pronounces words incorrectly
- raises head to one side to hear better
Visual Challenges
If the child…
- struggles to see
- squints at writing
- holds papers close to eyes while reading
- has tearing eyes or keeps rubbing eyes
- bumps into objects
- has difficulty distinguishing shapes and colors
Try these strategies:
 Refer child for hearing screening
 Encourage child to use hearing aid (if applicable)
 Speak loudly and clearly
 Eliminate unnecessary background noise
 Ensure student can see teacher’s face while
speaking (for easy lip reading)
 Seat the child where he/she can see clearly and hear
 Use hand gestures when speaking
 Write or draw key points on the board and use
visual aids
 Check that the student understands what is said
 Assign the child a learning buddy to assist
 Speak with the child’s parents and peers to learn
how the child communicates at home
Try these strategies:
 Refer child for vision screening
 Encourage child to wear his/her glasses (if
applicable)
 Ensure that the classroom has good lighting
 Seat the child where he/she can see best
 Try to provide materials in large, bold,
and/or raised print
 Orient the child to the classroom
environment, and give clear directions
when movement is necessary
 Assign the child a learning buddy
 Write in large print on the chalkboard