English is considered the universal language. It is spoken in many parts of the world as the primary language or as a second language. It is taught in schools and institutions as an essential subject.
Children with learning needs find it challenging to learn the language. However, with the proper guidance, they can learn English and use it as a communication tool.
Understanding Learning Needs
Children with learning needs require specialized attention to learn new languages. The learning needs refer to difficulties encountered when learning. The difficulties can be in perception, memory, attention, and reasoning.
Children can experience learning needs in different areas, including reading, writing, and speaking. English being a language, it can be challenging for children with learning needs to learn.
Strategies to Teach English to Children with Learning Needs
Teaching children with learning needs requires a lot of patience and expertise. Strategies are developed to provide the children with the best learning experience.
In teaching English to children with learning needs, several strategies are deployed, including:.
- Using visuals- pictures, videos.
- Repeat and practice- providing ample time for repetition, writing, and speaking.
- Group and individual learning- creating sessions for group and individual learning.
- Breaking down instructions into small parts.
- Using songs and rhymes- incorporating singing into the lesson plan.
- Providing a quiet and conducive environment.
Benefits of Teaching English
Teaching English can have numerous benefits for children with learning needs. One of the benefits is communication. English being a universal language, children can use it to communicate with people from different regions.
The children can broaden their communication skills and use them to make friends. Additionally, English can help the children to enhance their cognitive abilities and become better at problem-solving. It can improve their memory, reasoning, and creativity.
Therefore, teaching English is of great benefit to children with learning needs.
Challenges Faced in Teaching English to Children with Learning Needs
Teaching English to children with learning needs presents numerous challenges. The challenges include:.
- Attention span- Children with learning needs may have a short attention span. Their lack of concentration can hinder learning.
- Memory- Children with dyslexia and other learning needs may have difficulty remembering words and phrases. Their memory retention may be slow.
- Comprehension- Children may have difficulty comprehending new words and phrases.
- Stress and frustration- Children may feel stressed and frustrated when they cannot express themselves in English or understand the language.
Conclusion
Teaching English to children with learning needs may seem challenging, but it is possible. With the right strategies in place, children can learn the language and use it as a communication tool.
Teachers and parents should provide a conducive learning environment and utilize the available resources to make learning fun and engaging. The benefits of teaching English to children with learning needs are vast, making it an essential subject to teach.