Academic Problems Worsen if Your Child Learns Differently

Mid-year struggles are a common time for learning differences to become more apparent as academic demands increase. Shifting focus to a strengths-based approach can reduce the child’s anxiety and rebuild the self-esteem often lost during academic challenges. 

Note, 3D Learner has helped thousands of parents whose kids learn differently, with a combination of school-based tips and outside interventions.

 

Note, if your child learns differently and especially if your child is a visual-spatial learner, school-based interventions may help but may not be sufficient to help your child reach his or her full potential. In our blog post, we share 5 Benefits of Transformational Strength-based Parenting – that leverages your child’s strength and puts you in control of your child’s future success.

Note, the term visual-spatial learner describes a student who learns best when they see and experience information.  If you suspect this might be your child, we encourage you to download our “Is my child a visual spatial learner”.  Answer the questions and then ask your child the same questions.  Their answers may surprise you

Note, others may use the terms visual learner, kinesthetic learner, or right-brain learner to describe the same child.

Identifying Your Child’s Strengths

To shift from what is “hard” to what is “natural,” use these observational and interactive strategies:

• Identify Interests & Preferences: Note activities that make your child smile, get excited, or stay focused longer than usual. Ask them about their favorite assignments or what fascinates them.
• Observe Learning Styles: Pay attention  to what your child is doing and when learning “clicks.” Does it happen during hands-on activities (kinesthetic), while looking at pictures (visual), or when listening to a story (auditory)?.
• Look for Non-Academic Strengths: Valuable traits often overlooked include high empathy, creative problem-solving, resilience, strong “big picture” thinking, and leadership in group play.
• Maintain a “Strengths Journal”: Record moments of success, persistence, or unique insights to share with teachers during planning meetings. 
• Share a list of your child’s strengths and challenges with your child’s school.

Mid-Year Action Steps for Parents

• Request an Evaluation: If struggles are consistent, a psychoeducational evaluation can provide clarity on how your child’s brain processes information and recommend specific strategies.  
• Normalize “Different” Learning: Talk openly about learning differences as a matter of biology, not intelligence. Model this by sharing your own learning challenges and how you overcome them. It’s very possible that there are things your child can do easier than you- or learn in a completely DIFFERENT WAY. Make sure that is not only OK but celebrated!!!(‘You always know which way to go when we are in the car: I’m always getting turned around. I depend on you to direct me.”)
• If your child has an IEP (i.e. an Individualized Education Program) and your child is not making the desired progress, you can call for an Emergency IEP, to reset goals.
• Collaborate with the Teacher: Schedule a meeting to discuss mid-year adjustments. Ask for their observations on what your child enjoys or where they excel socially to bridge those strengths into their schoolwork.
• Implement “Chunking”: Reduce frustration at home by breaking homework into small, manageable “bitesize” steps with frequent breaks.
• Use Assistive Tools: Encourage the use of audiobooks, speech-to-text software, or visual organizers to bypass mechanical struggles like handwriting or spelling

Whether your child is a visual-spatial learner or not, you may want to discuss school-based actions or a strength-based approach.

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