Suggestions for Helping Students Who Process Language Slowly
· Establish eye contact before addressing student
· Prime student-Give them a “heads up” about what you will be asking (e.g.: “think about what they saw at the zoo, because when it’s your turn I’m going to ask you”)
· Use a slower rate of speech with the student and shorter sentences/questions
· Pause and check for understanding
· Use visual cues/concrete materials along with verbal directions
· Do not rush-Give student time to respond
· Do not allow other students to interrupt or talk over the student
· Reduce pressure whenever possible
· Observe the child as much as possible to ensure that understanding is in check (ask the group or an individual student to repeat what they are to do)
· Always, always be supportive
· Let all students know it is okay to ask for help or to say they don’t understand
· Don’t tell your students “listen, because I’m only going to say this one time”-this just increases the anxiety of the slow processing student and makes it harder for them to follow what you are saying
· Allow extra movement for kinesthetic learners-some kids learn better when they are moving. If you don’t want them moving, give them something to hold onto like a spiral rubber keychain (we call these “fidgets” and they actually help some kids focus more)
· Change activities frequently-a child can only give his/her full attention for approximately his/her age plus two minutes (5-7 minutes for a typical preschooler; shorter for a student who has difficulty processing information)
· Use a visual picture schedule for your class and/or individual students so they know what is happening next
· Cut down on external noise by closing doors and windows, using rugs on floors, turning off fans, etc.
· Rather than asking open-ended questions, give students a choice of responses