Have you played the videogame Super Mario? If you have, then you will remember how persistent the little red man was to reach his princess. Little Mario is the perfect example of a highly motivated person. We need motivation to complete tasks and, at times, even to just get out of our beds. It is motivation that keeps us going even during the most difficult times.
Children with learning difficulties may face hindrances on a daily basis and hence consistently boosting and motivating them becomes extremely important. Here are a few ways in which we can keep our Little Marios going:
Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement means to encourage children to continue certain behaviours by rewarding them. All of us like to receive rewards and appreciation. It builds our confidence and further boosts our efforts. Children with learning difficulties often refuse to do certain tasks like writing, reading aloud in class, and so on. They may come across as stubborn or lazy. However, these behaviours may be stemming from a low self-esteem as they are unable to complete certain tasks as easily as their peers. Thus, reinforcing every attempt they make is important. For instance, a point system can be introduced at schools and homes. Children should be given a well-defined goal and the reward they will receive upon achieving the said goal. These rewards could be coloured clothes pass for school, extra screen time, getting a snack of their choice or anything that the child may enjoy. Visual reminder of the same goes a long way. A colourful magnetic board put up on the refrigerator at home or online applications can make the process enjoyable.
Using Multiple Sensory Modalities: Children with learning difficulties find it hard to learn and express themselves using restricted sensory modalities which are largely auditory and visual in most settings. A mix and match of modalities, depending on what each child is most comfortable with, will help provide a conducive environment for learning. It motivates children by providing them with a sense of autonomy. With online projects becoming a norm during the pandemic, it was observed that children with learning difficulties executed creative presentations using images, colours, and a host of other slide formats that best expressed their ideas. The fact that they could move beyond the written and oral content gave them a sense of independence. They enhanced their skills and used it to understand the content better.
Making Connections: Associations with real life experiences helps us remember things better. Children with learning difficulties look at making connections not just as a way of recalling information, but also to understand the relevance of the same in their daily lives. The relevance motivates them to understand information and makes paying attention easier as their concepts grow like creepers, in a link. For example, teaching a child the working of an electric circuit will involve multiple complex concepts. However, asking them to change batteries in a remote control will not just help them understand the concept, but also increase its relativity. As a famous quote goes, ‘The number one factor in engagement is relevance, because relevance drives out resistance.’
Recognizing Strengths: While playing group games as children, we always wanted to play it from a position that best suited our strengths. Similarly, children with learning difficulties want to use their strengths to the best of their abilities. These strengths need to be identified and honed. There was a child with learning difficulty who often forgot to turn in his homework. However, it was learnt that he enjoyed researching topics that were discussed in class. He loved reading background stories and related facts. Research tasks were assigned to him, and he was given an opportunity to share with his peers any information that he found interesting. Verbally expressing himself was his strength and it was used to engage him in class. He was also motivated to come to class as he felt appreciated and recognized for something he was good at. Recognizing the strengths of a child would need one to spend a considerable amount of time with them. Another child confessed her love for cooking delicious food. So, when the class learnt about a balanced diet, her strength was put to use. She elaborated on the contents of her dishes while the class calculated the nutritional value of each dish.
Including People Who Matter: Appreciation is the sweetest when it comes from people who matter the most. Children with learning difficulties are often aware about the areas they need to work upon. They may lack confidence and enthusiasm to participate in tasks. They need a support system that encourages them to participate without worrying about the result. They often look at their parents, teachers and peers for this support. Hence, wherever possible, individuals who are important to the child should be made a part of the process. A classmate the child likes can be paired with them while working on projects. Parents can be sent a note appreciating their child. An achievement of the child can be announced during school assembly. The child would thus feel heard and recognized by people they love and care about thereby motivating them further.
All of us have little Mario moments in our lives. All we need to remember is to keep our spirits high, jump over the cacti and keep hitting the golden bricks on our way to the princess.
Author: Akshada Kulkarni
Teaching Faculty – Junior School, The Aditya Birla Integrated School
If you think your child is in need of special learning, please contact one of top special schools in Mumbai.
The Aditya Birla Integrated School,
162-164, D.N. Road, Opposite CST Station.
Fort. Mumbai – 400 001.
Contact No.: +91 8828860611
Office Timing: 9:30am – 12:30pm
E-mail: tabis.info@abet.co.in
Also read: How to manage ADHD students in an online learning environment
Factors to consider while looking for a special learning school in Mumbai
