By Lisa Walker

If your child has a learning disability and is struggling in school, he or she may feel alienated from peers, confused or angry at the inability to grasp what seem to be simple topics. According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, 2.3 million students are diagnosed with learning disabilities and receive support in school for them.

It’s crucial to identify strategies that work for kids when they are young. Many adults were not diagnosed when they were in school and still struggle with literacy, math, socialization, speech, and time management skills. Activities such as drawing, playing music, and crafting help children with learning disabilities find a footing in an otherwise confusing academic world. Ruh Global Impact invites you to read the following three ways in which you can guide your child to better engage in his or her own learning process.

1. Determine the Child’s Strengths and Weaknesses in Learning

A learning disability affects your child’s ability to succeed in school, and it may also interfere with the rest of his or her life. For example, dyscalculia affects children in the math classroom, but the inability to innately grasp mathematical concepts can also lead to future difficulties. Adults with dyscalculia often have trouble managing time, budgeting money, and making statistical presentations.

A child with dyscalculia may find music engaging for its natural relaxation benefits and the joy that comes with developing a new ability, but it can also teach math skills. In this 2020 study, musical training was found to improve the math competency of children diagnosed with dyscalculia. 

2. Decide Upon Appropriate Activities

While attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not a learning disorder, it is often accompanied by dyslexia, dyscalculia, and at times a nonverbal learning disability. Children with ADHD may have a difficult time concentrating in class and engaging in activities that do not interest them. Learning through art, crafting, or performing may help children with ADHD engage and retain more of the material they’re taught in the classroom.

3. Consider Expanding Your Outreach to Other Families

Parents who have a love of teaching and a knack for engaging children with learning disabilities may decide to begin volunteering at organizations that focus on teaching piano, dancing, painting, or other arts and crafts-related subjects. In fact, many parents have turned their love of helping those with learning disabilities into small businesses and organizations. Although this isn’t a decision you should make lightly, your love of teaching and helping others could lead you on a completely different career path.

When you’re first getting started, it’s best to take a more budget-minded approach. Think about using a spare room or basement in your home as an art, music, or dance area for your students so you have a dedicated space for work. This area could also raise your home’s value should you decide to sell it.

Whether you decide to teach only your children, instruct a small group of neighborhood kids, or start a business under a professional name, know that your work is appreciated by these children and their families. It’s not always easy to connect with and help those with disabilities succeed in a learning-based environment, but engaging in art-related fields can help them find a passion, identify their strengths and grow to love learning.

Ruh Global Impact strives to help non-profit organizations, businesses, government entities, and academic institutions become leaders in diversity inclusion. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Listen to the article here: https://www.ruhglobal.com/3-ways-to-help-children-with-learning-disabilities-engage-in-arts-education/

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About the Author: Lisa Walker created JobDreamTeam.com as a passion project to reach a wider audience and share information that will help her readers find, land, and succeed in their dream job.