Help.
Any ideas on how to improve a SLP auditory LD student with expressive and receptive language issues as well as weak written skills (slow writer/neatness/punctuation). Responding to test questions, book reports and typical 4th to 6th grade items demand a more fluent expression level and faster written communication. The grades are showing the problems and no solutions. Comprehension scores are average and not a major factor in the written problem.
Re: Written Expression
Hi
My son also has problems with writing. I just purchsed “Jump Start Typing” for the computer. My son is in the 4th grade. He just started learning key-boarding. He really likes the program. His teachers are willing to let him type some of his school work.
If I were the parent of this child, I’d let him dictate his answers to me while I typed them up. If he got stuck for a word or got frustrated, I’d offer the word or help write the book reports or other homework he might be working on.
That would help his grades around homework to improve and decrease his sense of frustration.
To bolster receptive language, I’d read outloud whenever possible. I’d listen to books on tape in the car and let him watch television (!) with good language for him to listen to.
In school, if possible I’d look into a laptop computer or an Alpha Smart. I’d ask for his written assignments in school to be reduced to enable him to take the time his learning style needs. I’d ask for extended time on tests or alternative assessments such as projects that would more fairly allow him to reflect what he knows.
Check out a book called Educational Care by Mel Levine. It should good suggestions for you.
Good luck.