Learning is the process of gaining new knowledge, new skills, behaviors, thoughts, preferences, values, attitudes, or talents. Humans possess the ability to learn voluntarily; animals, plants, and some machines learn through selective training. For humans to learn something they must attend to the instruction provided by their learning tools. The world is full of learning devices, from television to radio to books to the Internet.
People learn new things every day. Some learn languages more easily than others. Some people learn visually, while others learn through auditory, tactile, or kinesthetic means. Some people learn through reading, while others attend workshops or seminars to learn new information on a daily basis.
Most people learn through repetition. They repeat instructions until the lesson has been completely absorbed, then repeat it again until the concept or lesson is clear in their minds. Other people are visual learners; they learn visually, by looking at an object, spelling out the word, or listening to an explanation. Then there are also those who learn through touch, taste, smell, or even tactile stimulation.
A learning disability does not have to be debilitating or difficult. With the proper help, people learn anything, especially on subjects that interest them. Some people learn better with music or video, while others are visual learners, able to learn only by actually seeing or touching an object. Those who suffer from learning disabilities can learn any way they want to, as long as the method is successful. The key is to keep trying.
Children who learn in the primary grades tend to learn faster than their peers. It is important to get your child involved in all of the activities so they learn what they are supposed to learn. This may mean helping them with their homework, helping them select books they want to read, or choosing the book they will read on their own. You might also consider having your child read aloud to them or show how they should write a particular word or phrase. Your child needs to learn how to read, write, spell, and speak in order to function in society and to feel comfortable in their surroundings.
It is important for older children and adults to be aware of learning disabilities. There are many different ways to teach a child or adult the skills they need to learn. There are many different classes, materials, and programs available, depending on the age and ability level. It is helpful if everyone involved knows what they are doing; this can make it easier to incorporate new ways of teaching, learning, or even being taught.
It is OK for children to learn their native language, even if that language is hard to learn. It may take longer, but they will get there. In the United States, English is our official national language, so there is no reason why a child who speaks English at home, should not learn it. The same goes for children who may live in other countries and have to learn a foreign language.
If your child has learning disabilities, it does not mean that they cannot be successful. Learning disabilities do not mean they cannot learn. In fact, the opposite is true. Even very bright people with learning disabilities can be extremely successful. As long as they have access to the right resources, they can learn and succeed.
It is also important to remember that children who learn from home, at school, or with a teacher, are still experiencing learning, even though they are not attending classes. They still are growing. It is best to approach learning with this in mind. Give them the tools, materials and activities they need to learn with as much enthusiasm as you would when you are present during class.
Children who do not have the opportunity to learn with others are less likely to learn anything. Do not make the mistake of thinking that because a child is self-contained, he is any less capable of learning. Again, give them the same resources. Make sure they know where and how to get help if they need it. This will make it much easier for them to learn more in a structured environment, even if they are surrounded by others who may be distracted or doing something else.
Of course, it is not all about structure. You do not have to spend countless hours sitting in front of a computer or TV. There are other forms of learning which you can also introduce into your child's life. These include musical instruments and art, for example. When used in conjunction with cognitive and expressive learning disabilities, musical instruments and art can serve to enrich and deepen their experience of learning.
