Back to School Tips for Parents
The temperature is still hot, but it's time for new pencils, new classmates, and a brand new school year! While the start of school can bring excitement, it can also trigger anxiety for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. Here are some helpful back-to-school tips for parents to ensure a smooth transition into the new year, including how academic language therapy can make a significant difference.
1. Stay Positive!
Maintaining a positive attitude is essential when supporting students with learning disabilities. If your child feels confident and comfortable, they are more likely to succeed. However, students with dyslexia or other learning difficulties often feel insecure. As parents, becoming your child's "Chief Encouragement Officer" (CEO) is crucial. Acknowledge their hard work and progress, rather than focusing solely on outcomes. Academic language therapy can provide the necessary support to build their confidence, ensuring long-term success.
2. Set Up Accommodations
For students who are below grade level in reading, accommodations are vital. They help children with dyslexia access grade-level content in subjects like math, science, and social studies. Accommodations, such as receiving lecture notes or extended time on tests, provide essential support. If your child has not yet received formal accommodations like a Section 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP), academic language therapy and a discussion with teachers can help you advocate for your child’s needs effectively.
3. Get Specialized Help
It is essential for your child to receive the right kind of specialized support. Struggling readers benefit from targeted interventions, while children with dyslexia require academic language therapy tailored to their specific needs. Our academic therapists provide intensive, research-based interventions that address reading, writing, and spelling challenges. If your child feels improvement, they will remain engaged in their learning journey. With the right help, they can overcome learning obstacles and develop skills necessary for long-term success.
4. Assistive Technology
Assistive technology plays a significant role in helping students with learning disabilities. Tools like audiobooks and voice typing can make a difference in your child's ability to keep up with peers. Teaching your child how to use assistive technology is essential for effective language development. Combined with academic language therapy, assistive technology creates a strong foundation for your child’s growth in reading, writing, and comprehension.
5. Get Organized
Staying organized is key to supporting your child’s progress. Keep track of important documents, including testing reports, dyslexia screening results, and progress reports. This documentation will help when discussing your child’s needs with academic therapists, teachers, or specialists. Academic language therapy can play a crucial role in helping students who need extra support with language development and learning disabilities. By staying organized, you can ensure that your child receives the best possible support throughout the school year.
These back-to-school tips, combined with academic language therapy and other forms of support, will help ensure your child starts the new school year on the right foot. For additional assistance, consider consulting an academic therapist or exploring options for speech and language therapy to enhance your child’s learning experience.
