8 Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher to Identify Potential Learning Difficulties
As a parent, it can be tough to shake the worry that something might not be quite right with your child’s learning. Maybe they seem to be falling behind, or perhaps they’re struggling with tasks that should be easier by now. If you’ve noticed any red flags, one of the best places to start is by having an open conversation with your child’s teacher. Teachers see your child in the classroom context every day, and they may have valuable insights about your child’s strengths and struggles.
Questions to Identify Learning Difficulties
Here are some thoughtful questions to ask that can help you and the teacher work together to identify any learning difficulties early enough to intervene before they become too extreme:
1. “How is my child doing compared to their peers?”
This question can help you get a sense of where your child stands in relation to classmates. While every child learns at their own pace, significant gaps may be a sign of a learning difficulty. If your child is consistently struggling in certain areas, it may indicate a need for further evaluation or support.
To get even more specific, you can drill even deeper into areas like…
- Does my child finish assignments faster, slower, or on par with peers? Slow processing speed can be a major factor in learning difficulties, causing students to either work slower than peers or rush through without adequately processing (and making careless mistakes)
- Is my child reading as confidently as he/she should be? Reading problems that start early rarely resolve without targeted intervention, so as soon as you notice a struggle, it’s important to dig deeper.
Read more: Action Steps if Your Child is Reading Below Grade Level >>
2. “Have you noticed any changes in their behavior or focus?”
Teachers are often the first to observe changes in behavior or attention in the classroom. Maybe your child is zoning out, having trouble following directions, or becoming frustrated easily. These could be signs of underlying learning struggles, such as difficulty processing information, focusing on tasks, or keeping up with the material.
3. “Are there any specific subjects or skills where my child seems to struggle?”
Learning difficulties can be subject-specific or more generalized. Asking this question will give you clarity on whether your child is having trouble with reading, math, writing, or other skills. If there’s a particular area where they seem stuck, it might be time to look into additional support or evaluation.
Read More: Tutoring vs. Brain Training: Different Solutions to Different Problems >>
4. “How does my child participate in class activities?”
Participation in class is a good indicator of how engaged and confident your child feels about their learning. If your child is quiet, avoids group activities, rarely raises their hand, or appears disengaged, this could be a sign they are struggling to understand the material. This question can help you gauge if your child is withdrawing due to learning difficulties.
5. “Are there any accommodations or support strategies you’ve already implemented?”
Teachers often use different strategies to support students who need extra help, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps or providing additional time. If these accommodations are already happening, it might indicate a need for further, more formalized support. On the other hand, if strategies are in place but aren’t making much of a difference, it could signal the need for a more in-depth evaluation.
6. “How does my child handle transitions between tasks or activities?”
Children with learning difficulties often struggle with transitions, especially when they have to switch between tasks that require different skills. If your child has a hard time moving from one activity to another, it could be due to challenges with executive functioning, which involves planning, organizing, and completing tasks.
7. “How does my child respond to feedback or correction?”
Some children with learning difficulties may become easily frustrated or discouraged when they receive feedback or are asked to correct mistakes. This can be a sign that they’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to keep up with their peers. Asking this question can give you insight into how your child’s teacher is approaching learning challenges and how your child is coping.
8. “What can I do at home to support their learning?”
This question shows that you’re invested in your child’s success and opens the door to collaboration between home and school. Teachers can offer practical suggestions tailored to your child’s specific struggles, such as reinforcing certain skills through games, reading together, or practicing math in a fun, low-pressure way.
Digging Deeper into Learning Difficulties
A cognitive assessment is a helpful tool to help you understand where classroom struggles may be originating from. Almost all challenges with learning are rooted in cognitive deficits, and knowing exactly where your child is lacking provides an avenue for targeted support to build their skills and confidence.
