Children with learning disabilities such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have trouble focusing in class because of pent-up energy. Physical exercise is both enjoyable for children, and effective in relieving some of the tension children feel when confined to a classroom. Consider activities like swimming or group sports, which children can enjoy with their peers. Regulate the activity to ensure the children have an outlet for activity without leaving the children too tired to participate in the classroom.
For children who have difficulty reading and easily identifying objects, making decorative labels is both useful and enjoyable. For example, when working with lab equipment, provide the children with adhesive labels and markers. Stand at the front of the classroom and explain the function of each piece. Give each child a close-up look of the equipment. Then ask the children to design a label that will help them quickly identify each piece of equipment and adhere it to the side of the equipment. They should write the name of the equipment on the label, along with symbols and colors to help them easily identify the equipment.
Children who have trouble communicating in written language may benefit from a different style of answering questions. Instead of expecting a written report from the children, ask them to answer questions using illustrations. This will extend the amount of time spent on tests and homework, but it is an enjoyable way for students to better answer the questions you pose. Host a conference with the children one at a time so they can explain the information in their illustrations, ensuring they answered the question properly.
Despite your best efforts, children with learning disabilities can still feel overwhelmed and distracted in a classroom. Work visors help children focus on the task. Use pieces of cardboard that wrap around the front and sides of the desk, cutting off the children’s view from anything other than their desk. Allow the children to decorate the outside of the visor, but leave the inside blank. Decorations on the inside of the visor will cause just as much trouble as the rest of the classroom. Ask the children to erect their visors during testing or other tasks that require strong individual focus.