Teaching students with learning disabilities (LDs) may come with unique challenges, but with the right strategies and mindset, educators can make a huge difference in a student’s learning journey. Learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and ADHD don’t reflect a student’s intelligence, they simply mean the brain processes information differently.
Here are practical, easy-to-apply tips for teachers who want to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with LDs.
1. Familiarise Yourself with Each Student’s Needs
Not all learning disabilities are the same, even if two students share a diagnosis. Some may struggle with reading comprehension, others with short-term memory, focus, or written expression. Learn about your student’s specific strengths and areas of difficulty.
Ask students what helps them learn best and observe how they respond to various stimuli. You’ll be surprised by how much insight they can offer.
2. Break Instructions into Easy Steps
Students with LDs often get overwhelmed by long or complex instructions. Breaking tasks into smaller, clear steps can help them stay on track and understand what’s expected.
For example, avoid providing an assignment like this:
“Write a report about your favorite animal, using five sources and crediting them.”
Instead, break it distinct sections such as:
“Step 1: Choose an animal. Step 2: Find one book or article about it. Step 3: Write three facts about that animal in your own words.”
3. Teach Through Engaging the Senses
Students with learning disabilities particularly benefit from lessons that engage several or all of the five senses. Don’t rely solely on reading or listening, but also incorporate visuals, hands-on activities, videos, or movement. For example:
- Use letter tiles for spelling practice
- Use charts, color-coding, and diagrams in math
- Act out scenes from a book or historical event
These methods help reinforce learning and cater to different learning styles.
4. Provide Extra Time and Flexibility
Timed assignments or tests can be stressful and unfair for students with LDs. It may be a great idea to provide extra time and consider alternative assessments if circumstances allow.
The latter could take the form of oral presentations, recorded answers, or visual projects, all of which can serve as effective substitutes to traditional written exams.
Flexibility doesn’t mean lowering standards; it’s about adjusting the way students effectively demonstrate their understanding.
5. Encourage the Use of Assistive Technology
There are many tools available to support students with learning disabilities:
- Text-to-speech software helps students who struggle with reading.
- Speech-to-text tools help those with writing difficulties.
- Organizational apps like reminders or digital planners assist with time management.
Introduce students to these tools and allow their usage in class if it helps create a more conducive learning environment.
6. Promote a Positive and Supportive Environment
Students with LDs may often feel frustrated during the learning process, especially in circumstances where they’re visibly lagging behind their peers. Be mindful of how you respond to mistakes, and create a classroom culture that values effort, not just results.
Praise specific achievements and progress, no matter how small. This builds confidence and resilience.
7. Partner with Parents and Support Staff
Open, ongoing communication with parents or guardians is essential. They can share what strategies work at home and help reinforce learning outside the classroom. If you’re able to, your teaching efficiency can greatly benefit from collaborating with special educators, school psychologists, or speech therapists who can provide relevant insights and resources.
References
LDA (2025) Successful Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities [Accessed 7 August 2025] Available at: https://ldaamerica.org/info/successful-strategies-for-teaching-students-with-learning-disabilities/
Chandra Williams (2023) Multi-Sensory Teaching Approaches for Diverse Learners [Accessed 7 August 2025] Available at: https://www.studentachievementsolutions.com/multi-sensory-teaching-approaches-for-students-with-learning-disabilities/
American Psychological Association (2024) Top 20 Principles for Students with Disabilities [Accessed 7 August 2025] Available at: https://www.apa.org/ed/schools/teaching-learning/top-twenty/disabilities/thinking-learning