She Gains Ground in Intervention — Then Loses It All the Moment Support Is Removed
Have you ever felt like you’re watching your child take two steps forward in their reading or math intervention program, only to see them take three steps back when the support is removed? You’re not alone. Many parents have been in your shoes, and it’s heartbreaking to see your child struggle despite the progress they’ve made. The common advice given to parents in this situation is that their child simply needs more time, more practice, or perhaps a different intervention strategy. But what if this advice is not only unhelpful but also misguided?
The truth is, learning struggles are often the result of complex interactions among multiple cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors. Providing temporary support without addressing these underlying weaknesses can lead to a cycle of progress and regression. It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg – it might look like it’s working for a while, but eventually, the problem will resurface. As a parent, it’s frustrating and devastating to see your child struggle, and it’s even more frustrating when you’re not given the right tools or guidance to help them.
But there is hope. By understanding the latest research in neuroplasticity and the multi-system nature of learning differences, you can empower yourself with the knowledge to help your child build a strong foundation for learning. This article will delve into the bold, science-backed truth about learning interventions and provide you with the insights you need to break the cycle of progress and regression. You’ll learn how to move beyond mere compensation strategies and focus on building a robust foundation for learning through targeted, research-backed interventions.
TL;DR
- Traditional approaches to learning struggles often focus on temporary support, leading to a cycle of progress and regression.
- Understanding the complex causes of learning struggles and addressing underlying weaknesses is crucial for long-term success.
- Parents play a vital role in helping their children overcome learning struggles by providing targeted support and embracing a growth mindset.
Every child has the potential to succeed, but it’s up to us as parents and educators to provide the right support and guidance to help them reach their full potential.
“ – Laura Lurns
Introduction to the Problem
The common approach to helping children with learning struggles often focuses on providing temporary support without addressing the underlying cognitive and processing weaknesses. This can lead to a cycle of progress and regression, where children may show improvement while receiving support but struggle once it is removed.
Understanding the Misconception
The misconception that children simply need more time, practice, or a different intervention strategy is widespread. However, this approach overlooks the complex interactions among multiple cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to learning struggles.
The Bold Truth – Neuroplasticity and Multi-System Causation
Research in neuroplasticity and the new IDA definition of dyslexia highlights that learning struggles are not solely the result of phonological deficits or other single-system issues. Instead, they are the outcome of complex interactions among multiple cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors.
The Importance of Addressing Underlying Causes
Targeted, early intervention can fundamentally alter the trajectory of a child’s learning development. By recognizing and addressing the underlying causes of learning struggles, parents and educators can help children build a strong foundation for learning.
The Role of Parents in Addressing Learning Struggles
Parents play a crucial role in helping their children overcome learning struggles. By understanding the importance of addressing underlying causes and providing targeted support, parents can help their children develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
Concrete Strategies for Parents
Parents can start by identifying their child’s strengths and weaknesses, and then develop a personalized plan to address areas of struggle. This may involve working with educators and other professionals to develop a comprehensive approach that incorporates visual, auditory, kinesthetic, spatial, and mindset strategies.
Embracing a Growth Mindset
It is essential for parents to adopt a growth mindset, recognizing that their child’s abilities can be developed through effort and practice. By focusing on progress, not perfection, and celebrating small wins, parents can help their child develop a love of learning and a resilient mindset.
As an education expert, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that targeted, early intervention can have on a child’s learning development. By addressing the underlying causes of learning struggles and providing targeted support, parents can help their children build a strong foundation for learning and reach their full potential.
Key Takeaways
Learning struggles are often the result of complex interactions among multiple cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors.
Targeted, early intervention can fundamentally alter the trajectory of a child’s learning development.
Parents can help their children develop a love of learning and a resilient mindset by adopting a growth mindset and focusing on progress, not perfection.
By embracing a growth mindset and focusing on progress, not perfection, we can help our children develop a love of learning and a resilient mindset that will serve them well throughout their lives.
“ – Laura Lurns
Conclusion
By understanding the complex causes of learning struggles and taking a proactive, multi-system approach to addressing them, parents can help their children overcome obstacles and achieve success. By embracing a growth mindset and working collaboratively with educators and other professionals, parents can empower their children to reach their full potential.
