LD OnLine

The world's leading webside on learning disability and ADHD



Research on school climate and connectedness has found that it's important to assess and enhance social and emotional conditions for learning. For students with LD and related conditions, the social environment of school can be as much of a concern as academic achievement. Learn how teachers can help students feel safe for their new school year.


What's New

Creating a Welcoming, Literacy-Rich Classroom

Sometimes it's the subtleties that make all the difference in creating a welcoming classroom space. Within this cache of resources, you'll find advice on arranging the furniture in a classroom, designing a classroom library, and ways to reach out to parents of English language learners.

Are You the Charismatic Adult in a Child's Life?

There's a notion in the classroom climate literature about charismatic adults: an adult from whom a child or adolescent "gathers strength" and who assists that child in becoming more hopeful and resilient. Sometimes it's a bus driver, the school secretary, or a teacher with whom a child has a special bond. Dr. Bob Brooks, an international speaker on topics of resilience, self-esteem, motivation, and family relationships, describes creating therapeutic environments that can help kids with LD.

LD News

10.01.13

Clinician Observations of Preschoolers' Behavior Help to Predict ADHD at School Age
Medical Xpress

JAMA Article Teaches Doctors About Learning Disabilities
Medical Xpress

Special E-Readers for People with Dyslexia
Education Week

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More Highlights

Advice: What tools can help my son with LD learn a foreign language?

Question: My 15-year-old son has a language-based learning disability. He has now started taking required foreign language classes and is struggling with vocabulary, verbal exercises, and exams. Are there any technology tools or software programs that might help him?

Answer: Learning a foreign language can be frustrating for a student with a language-based learning disability. Many of the same elements that may have posed problems in English (letter sounds, decoding, spelling, grammar), can cause difficulties in foreign language learning. (read more)

Glossary Term: Paraprofessional Educator

Also known as instructional aides and teachers' aides, these individuals provide assistance to teachers in the classroom. They do not provide primary direct instruction but may help clarify material to students through home language or other supports.

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