Even though a person may have a lag in their mental growth, it does not mean he or she is incapable of learning. Each mentally challenged individual is different. One may grasp a concept within a few minutes or hours, while others may take several weeks or longer to grasp it. Avoid the assumption that a mentally challenged person will not get the concept at all. Make an attempt first.
It may take more time for the mentally challenged person to grasp a concept or an idea than it would take a "normal" person, but with patience it can be done. Avoid getting frustrated if you have to go over something several times. Be persistent in your teaching. If the student gets frustrated, find another way of explaining the idea. Some mentally challenged individuals thrive when they have structure. Being consistent -- instead of jumping from one teaching method to another -- can help promote faster learning.
If you give a mentally challenged person a task that is complicated for him, it can still be accomplished. Break the assignment down into smaller steps that are easy to follow. This will keep him from feeling overwhelmed. For example, if the task is to clean a bedroom or area of the classroom, break the room up into different sections. Let her work on one area of the room; when that section is clean, have her move on to the next.
It may be easier for a mentally challenged person to see what you are trying to tell him. If you are explaining a concept in words and the person is having difficulty understanding, use a chalkboard, pen and paper or another tool to communicate a visual explanation. Getting your point across does not have to be elaborate; keep it clear and simple.
Avoid using complex words. Explain the concept you want the person to understand in simple terms. If you're giving instructions for the student to follow, make sure the instructions are short and to the point for each step.
It is best to teach an individual with a mental challenge in a quiet place. Turn off any unnecessary equipment such as televisions or telephones. Make your teaching environment a place where the person can focus solely on you and the activity.
It is especially important to give praise to the mentally challenged person when she grasps a concept or finishes an assignment correctly. Let her know when she does a great job, and reward her by letting her do her favorite activity or giving her a gold star or other fun sticker that she can collect. If you are a parent teaching your child at home, reward him with a new toy or a favorite snack.