While it is important to know how to decode words, spell correctly, and count numbers, it is equally crucial to know how to APPLY these skills to solve real-life problems and express oneself. Academic applications include:
- Reading comprehension. Many children know how to break words apart but find it quite difficult to understand what they have read. This can include making inferences about the text.
- Written expression. Writing is a powerful way to share one’s thoughts, opinions, and ideas. Students may struggle with how to share their ideas in an organized way that is both sophisticated and understandable.
- Math reasoning. People have to be able to use math for real life problems. Students may struggle with using money, telling time, figuring out percentages, and working out patterns.
- Academic Fluency. Some students struggle with processing speed and often benefit from extended time on assignments and especially standardized testing.
Understand the Possible Causes
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyscalculia
- ADHD/Executive Functioning
- Visual Processing Disorders
- Auditory Processing Disorders
Support Services: What do you do?
Understanding why a child has mastered basic skills but cannot apply them to real world settings or higher level thinking is important. MindWell typically recommends an assessment to understand what is causing the problem and identify how to remediate it.