Engage students in word games, such as simple knock-knock jokes that require repetition. This helps you discover early on whether learning difficulties involve an inability to retain and comprehend words and phrases.
Use songs or musical nursery rhymes frequently in teaching English-language learners. A familiar melody, even if they have not understood its meaning before, may engage their imagination on a different level and make it easier to learn. A younger student may respond to "Mary Had A Little Lamb," while a learner who is a few years older may begin immediately to sing along if you play a recording of "What A Wonderful World."
Get your students up out of their seats by adding simple dance steps to accompany the words of the song. Movements that depicts what the words describe helps many students with learning difficulties assimilate information by using muscle memory. The Hokey-Pokey is a perfect song and dance to use during an English lesson and is fun for all ages.
Observe your students thoroughly while using different methods involving repetition, singing, language and movement coordination and general attention span exercises in order to understand the difference between learning difficulties and learning disorders.