Intelligent students who usually have difficulty with written language skills often perform well in areas of verbal or experiential learning. Whenever possible, the curriculum and school work requirements need to be adapted to their unique learning abilities. The following suggestions will help these students learn more successfully:
- completing art projects
- building three-dimensional modes or projects
- demonstrating and/or discussing hobby
- reduce reading requirements
provide tapes of content area textbooks
do not require student to read aloud- reduce written work assignments
substitute oral reports for written
accept work dictated by student and written by parent or tutor
- give only one step at a time
- ask student to repeat; make sure he/she understands
- give examples; allow student to rehearse each step
- encourage student to ask questions; treat each question patiently
- break assignments into small steps
- allow a "buddy" to write down assignments
- help schedule long-term assignments
- allow student more time to think
- Post visual reminders or examples
- provide matrix charts
- allow student to tape record lectures and test reviews
- grade verbal performance more than written
- give credit for effort and time spent
- test student orally whenever possible
- encourage parents to read student's homework to him/her
- designate a regularly scheduled time and place
- teach student how to keep up with homework
- make parents aware of need for structure in student's daily life
- encourage parents to provide opportunities for student to discover and develop his/her unique talents
- help parents develop a positive attitude and understanding of their child's worth
(Copyright 1984, Margaret T. Smith and Edith A. Hogan. Permission to duplicate for Texas public school use only. All other rights reserved.)