Parents’ involvement in school’s activity is one of our educational thrusts today.  The parents and teachers should work together in handling the slow learners.  They need to see the whole child as she reacts in her life at school, at home in order to provide proper guidance for her.

            Slow learning children find it impossible to keep up with the pace set in play by their brighter age-mates.  They soon find themselves left out or rejected as playmates and develop feelings of inferiority.  This makes them feel unhappy and damages their personal and social adjustments.

            Parents can help slow learners find playmates whose level of development is like their children, even if they are younger.  This is better than being with children of their own age who reject them. 

            In every play group in every school class, there are some slow learners.  These children should be encouraged when they first start to play with children outside the home, to seek the friendship of children of their own intellectual level.  Then they will not be psychologically damaged by feeling that they are different.

            Slow learners need to have an appropriate programs/activities suited for her.  The use of enrichment activities will help to broaden and deepen their range of experiences for the full development of their reflective and critical thinking, problem solving, creative thinking and expression, independent study and development of moral values. 

            In learning how to help children to learn, both parents and teachers must recognize the necessity of providing a warm, supportive climate at home as well as in school.  The child needs to perceive herself as personally important and capable of mastering new skills and new concepts.

By: Analiza P. Manlapid | Teacher I | Puting Buhangin Elementary School