How to Help Your Child With Learning Differences Succeed in Middle School

As a former special education teacher, I have learned from my students and parents that middle school is extremely tough for individuals with learning differences. The last ten years of my teaching career, I felt it was so important for my students to understand their learning difference. I gave my students the exposure to their IEP (Individualized Education Plan), their goals, and accommodations.  I also gave them opportunities to meet successful adults with learning differences to help them understand that they are not alone and can be successful.  I collaborated with my parents, students, co-teachers, and administration to make sure I was able to give the best opportunities for my student’s success. I truly believed that developing relationships with my students was key! I continue to keep in contact with some of my former students to this day. They have come to me for advice, support, or just to catch up. I am very grateful that I was able to make an impact on their lives.

Here are some of my suggestions to help support your child to be successful in middle school:

School

• Communicate with your child’s school about their learning difference and any accommodations that may be necessary for them to succeed in the classroom.  

• Important to develop a relationship with one teacher (case manager) - ask questions and work together 

• Middle school teachers expect more independence and your child may not be ready for that (collaboratively work with staff).

• Graphic organizers for writing 

• Allow your child to use a word processor with a spell checker - www.grammarly.com - free spell check  & grammar 

• Encourage your child to read regularly and find books that are interesting and engaging to them. This can help improve their reading skills and build their confidence. Encourage your child to work their teachers about use of audiobooks. Learning Ally

Home

• Start by explaining what a learning disability is in age-appropriate terms. Help the child understand that a learning disability is a difference in the way the brain processes information, and that it does not affect their intelligence or worth as a person.

• Find websites to help you understand & educate yourself on your child’s learning difference www.iamablefoundation.org/resources 

• Encourage the child to ask questions and express any concerns they may have about their learning disability. Listen to their concerns and try to address them in a positive and reassuring way.

• Help the child understand that having a learning disability can sometimes make school work more challenging, but that with the right support and accommodations, they can still be successful.

• Talk to the child about the accommodations and support that are available to them at school, and explain how these can help them in the classroom.

•  Let the child know that they are not alone and that many successful people have learning disabilities. Share examples of people with learning disabilities who have achieved great things in their lives. www.iamablefoundation.org/sharemystory 

• Support your child’s emotional well-being by encouraging them to talk to you about their challenges they may be facing. Let them know you are there to listen and help them through difficult situations with no judgments.  You are there to empathize and listen.   

• Help your child develop good study habits, such as finding a quiet and comfortable place to work, breaking up long study sessions into shorter ones, and using effective studying techniques such as summarizing or creating flashcards or study with a classmate, using assistive technology.

• Understand that developmentally your child will still need the support of reminders to turn in assignments and organizational skills (executive functioning skills) 

• Expose your child to opportunities to explore their extracurricular activities (strengths) to help build confidence and foster relationships 

• Help your child stay organized by providing them with a planner or calendar (Google calendar or other App) to help keep track of assignments, tests, and other important dates.

• Use timer - phone to help with time management with homework or reading 

• Your child might need breaks in between homework 

• Focus on praising your child’s effort than results 

• Limit game playing near bedtime

• Make sure your child is getting enough sleep.  Middle schoolers start staying up later and usually on social media or gaming.  

• Find opportunities for a role model

• Talk to your child about the importance of time management and prioritizing their tasks. Encourage them to start working on assignments as soon as they receive them.  Getting started on assignments can be overwhelming.  You might try helping them get started.  

• Try to maintain a positive attitude with your child. Remember that middle school can be a challenging time, but with hard work and determination, they can succeed.

• Be your child’s advocate