SLD stands for specific learning disabilities. SLD is the name of a special program for kids at school who are just as smart as everyone else, but for some reason they have a harder time with their school work than others in the class might.

These students have trouble processing information. Processing has to do with taking in information by looking or listening, interpreting and remembering the information, and then using it later; like listening to a teacher’s directions and then doing what he says, or reading a story and later answering questions about it. Processing affects your ability to remember, problem solve, use information you’ve seen or heard, your ability to do things within time limits, sound out words, understand what other people are saying or your ability to say what you mean or what you want to say.

Students with learning disabilities often have specific strengths and weaknesses within their overall performance. That means there might be some things that you can do really well and others that are really hard for you to do. For example, you might be very good at math but be a poor reader, or you might give very good answers to questions when the teacher asks you in class, but you might have a hard time writing that answer down on a test. It can be very frustrating because you might forget things that you already learned or have a hard time keeping yourself organized. For instance, you might know your spelling words on Wednesday at home but forget them on the Friday test.

Many kids have learning disabilities… You are not the only one!!!! See if these ideas are helpful to you:

• Have a schedule. Always do your homework at the same time and at the same place in the house as much as possible.
• Break homework into small segments. Use a timer or stopwatch to help you keep track and reward yourself when you finish something within a time limit!
• Talk with your teacher and find out what is most important to work on at home or study for the test and start with this.
• Get the Phone number of a classmate in case your forget to write something down or have a question about homework. Study together for tests or teach a younger child about what you are learning.
• Practice things in many different ways. For example, practice basic reading words on flash cards, in easy books, or using a computer. Use a “hands on” or game format. Making studying more fun will increase your interest. For example, for each question you answer right while studying for a test, shoot a basket.
• Keep track of how well you are doing. Post your grades or work you are proud of in your room or on the refrigerator.
• Take time to do the things you are good at (like sports, etc.) but don’t put off the things that are harder for you or take more time to get done. Especially if they are important!
• Use your resources wisely. Ask questions of teachers, parents and friends when things aren’t clear. Go back and check your work with a calculator or check your spelling with a dictionary.
• If you are good at using a computer, ask your teacher to do your homework on the computer. Play games that help you practice what you’ve learned (like trivia, or problem solving games).
• READ! Almost everything you ever want to know can be found in a book. If reading is hard for you, ask someone for help.
• Teachers love it when kids ask questions or ask for help… It is what they are there for!