Practical tips for supporting students with LDs in the classroom

Introduction

When we think about creating an inclusive classroom, it’s easy to imagine advanced technology, sweeping reforms or major investments. But often, it’s the little things, the small, thoughtful adjustments, that make the biggest difference, especially for students with learning disabilities (LDs).

As an educator, you don't need to tear everything down or have a complete system overhaul to make a difference in the life on these students. A few practical changes can transform their learning experience and give them the confidence they need to excel.

This doesn't counter the fact that certain students would need further attention to help them thrive, but this serves as a suitable starting point.

Here are actionable tips that you can start using right away:

Adjust Materials for Accessibility

For students with LDs, classroom materials can serve as a huge barrier to learning. Here’s how to make them more accessible, without breaking the bank.

Use bold markers: Write on the board with bold, high-contrast markers to improve visibility for students with dyslexia or visual processing challenges. If all your markers are faint, purchase new ones or get the ink required to make this sharper.

Print on cream-coloured paper: While the plain white A4 papers are much cheaper, getting a cream or off-white coloured paper instead helps reduce glare and make text easier to read for students with dyslexia. Remember, it's about making the necessary improvements to help kids thrive.

Explore alternative formats: Audio-books, enlarged text, and digital resources can make content more engaging for students with different learning needs.

Provide Clear, Multi-Modal Instructions

Most students process information best when it’s presented in more than one format.

Say it, write it, and demonstrate it: For example, when assigning homework, speak the instructions, write them on the board, and show examples. Providing this further context makes things more understandable to the students.

Use visual aids: Charts, diagrams, and images can help clarify concepts that are harder to understand through text alone. So get the charts to show them what you're saying about the human body. Get a diagram to explain the solar system. These visual aids make it easier to understand things.

Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Children are stereo-typically very energetic meaning their classrooms can be quite chaotic and noisy. However, for some students, the classroom setting can feel overwhelming. A few small adjustments can make a big difference:

Designate a quiet corner: Provide a calm space where students can take sensory breaks when needed.

Minimize distractions: Keep the classroom uncluttered and limit unnecessary noise.

Communicate and Collaborate

As an educator, our work isn't just to dish out lessons, but to invest our time and our talent to the development of our students/pupils. Collaboration between teachers, parents, and students is key to creating an inclusive classroom.

Check in with parents: Keep lines of communication open to understand a child’s unique needs and strategies that work at home. Constantly follow up to know if progress is being made and provide updates to parents as much as possible.

Build trust with students: Pull them aside for one-on-one conversations to understand their challenges and help them feel seen and supported.

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results

Students with LDs often feel discouraged when they don’t achieve traditional milestones as quickly as their peers. This is where we come in.

Focus on growth: He couldn't read this before and now he can? She couldn't spell this before and now she can? Celebrate these little wins. Celebrate when a student masters a small part of a challenging concept. And encourage them as they grow.

Normalize mistakes: This isn't a call to romanticize it, no. But as we grow, certain mistakes in reading, spelling or other classroom activities will be made. Find better ways to correct them and create a culture where errors are seen as part of learning, not as failures. Make sure to discourage any form of bullying from the other children.

Conclusion

The process of inclusion doesn't always require these dramatic changes, but begins with the simple thoughtful actions that show students that they are seen and we are rooting for them and their success.

For students with learning disabilities, these adjustments can mean the difference between feeling left behind and realizing their potential.

Let’s re-imagine classrooms as spaces where every child, regardless of their learning style, has the tools they need to thrive.