5 Ways to Help a Child Who Learns Differently-Without Making Them Feel Different

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Queens mom and Catholic school teacher share practical strategies that can help more children succeed in the classroom.

What helps a child who struggles with reading, language, attention, transitions or other learning needs — without constantly separating that child from classmates?

At Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy in Queens, parent Deanna Losinno, a former public-school special education teacher, and teacher Ivanka Rodriguez have seen simple strategies make a meaningful difference. Their experiences offer practical ideas parents and educators can use to help children with different learning needs succeed.

1. Make routines visual.

When Losinno’s son needed help navigating the school day, his teacher created a picture board showing classroom routines. Instead of disappearing at the end of the year, it followed him to his next teacher, who adapted it as his needs changed.

2. Break big tasks into smaller victories.

Rodriguez worked with an English-language learner who was embarrassed by his difficulty forming sentences. Using simple word cards and one-on-one and small-group practice, she helped him build sentences step by step. Eventually, those skills carried over into his writing and classroom conversations — along with greater confidence.

3. Change the instruction, not the expectation that a child belongs.

Flexible groups, learning centers, tiered activities and choice boards allow children to work at different levels without labeling one group as the students who “need help.”

4. Carry therapy strategies into the classroom.

Losinno says her son’s teachers collaborate with his speech and occupational therapy providers so strategies aren’t limited to a therapy session. Teachers reinforce them throughout the school day, giving him more opportunities to practice and grow.

5. Remember that different learners need different things.

Visual aids, peer collaboration, small groups and multiple ways of demonstrating knowledge can support a child who is struggling — while also giving another child greater independence or challenge. Inclusive teaching doesn’t have to mean lowering expectations; it can mean creating more ways to reach them.

These strategies are part of a broader approach taking hold across the Catholic Schools of Brooklyn and Queens through a Mother Cabrini Foundation-supported Inclusive Learning Initiative. Educators are receiving coaching, professional development and classroom resources to better support students with IESPs and 504 Plans, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, speech and language needs, multilingual learners and children who simply learn differently.

With approximately 18,000 students, including 1,800 with documented IESPs, Catholic Schools leaders say the goal is to make inclusive learning part of everyday classroom culture — rather than something reserved for a particular group of children.