Organized Study Skills for the LD Child

Overcoming Difficult Textbooks Despite Reading Disability

Oct 10, 2009 Lynn Moore

Reading the chapter in a textbook can be overwhelming for the child with special needs. Creating an information web can help the child organize the information.

Many students with learning disabilities struggle to read a basic textbook. When they must learn the content of the information, they are frustrated and overwhelmed. Use this visual strategy to capture the gist of the information without reading the lesson or chapter word for word.

Create a Basic Web for Visual Organization

Basic webbing techniques can help the student understand and remember the information. Begin with a sheet of computer paper that is turned in landscape. Write the title of the chapter (or lesson) in an oval in the center. Then, add secondary ovals for each subtitle. From each subtitle, add additional ovals with definitions and examples.

Explain the Key Concepts to Check for Understanding

If the student can explain each of the ovals on the web, he has a clear picture of the information.To make the web even more user-friendly, color code each round of ovals. (For example, the title oval could be traced in red. The subtitle ovals could be traced in blue, etc.

Follow up With Review Questions and Vocabulary

Take the information in the chapter one step further. Look in the back of the lesson for review or comprehension questions as well as for a vocabulary list. Read through each to make sure that the student understands this information. Much of it should be the same as the information that was webbed.

Read the Text With a Buddy System

Most students are ready to approach the content reading when they have completed the above steps. Take ten to fifteen minutes a night to read small sections of the chapter aloud. If the student is still struggling with the text, take turns reading a paragraph or a page. Remember to discuss the important concepts and the examples after each section is read. Also, find the information on the web and on the vocabulary list.

Make Flashcards for the Final Practice

After all of the study steps above have been completed, create study cards for personal quizzing. Put the cards that are easily answered in one stack. Keep the ones that need more attention in a separate stack for more attention later.

Having a visual system of study can help the child or teen with a learning disability overcome the challenge of reading a textbook. Practicing the visual steps together will build strong study skills that the child can use throughout school. By beginning this habit in the elementary years, students will be proficient when they reach high school.

The copyright of the article Organized Study Skills for the LD Child in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Lynn Moore. Permission to republish Organized Study Skills for the LD Child in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

LD Kids Read Textbooks