Supporting Students
The first opportunity to support students’ learning is often at home.
Families and caregivers play a critical role in the educational journey of their students at every level. They are often the first to listen to their child’s needs, try new learning strategies at home, and seek out screening to target specific needs.
This page provides some guidance on how to begin offering the support students need to thrive.
Set an Encouraging Tone
It is not uncommon for students to develop a negative attitude toward learning if they are struggling and not getting the help they need. Families and caregivers can help a child have a positive relationship with learning.
Things to avoid:
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asking, “What did you learn today?” (The answer will often be “nothing.”)
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increasing workload without increasing support
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comparisons to siblings
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words like "lazy" and phrases like "just try harder"
Good places to start:
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learn about language-based learning differences
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ask your student specific questions about their day (academic topics, interactions with peers, what feedback the teacher offered, etc.)
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listen to your student’s feelings and help them to attach language to emotion
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celebrate your student’s strengths (academic areas, arts, sports, hobbies, etc.)
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meet with your student’s teachers (and tutors) to set attainable goals
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communicate those goals to your student including why these are appropriate goals
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offer consistent encouragement on effort, not just results
Depending on your student’s specific needs, Slingerland Screening or even diagnosis of a learning difference may be advisable to ensure your student gets the help they need.
Screening
Screening tests help teachers identify the learning strengths and weaknesses of students.
The purpose is to gather a variety of data that indicates a student’s ability to learn through the three main modalities and particular foundational literacy skills.
Screening tests are designed to reflect actual classroom tasks. Throughout the screening teachers record observations of how students process language and make special note of patterns or performance frequently associated with language processing difficulties (potential indicators of a language-based learning difference, like dyslexia).
​Slingerland screenings can be administered beginning in kindergarten and continue through high school and beyond. The screenings can be administered in full class groupings, as well as in small groups, or one-on-one. Tutors, teachers, and clinicians often use the Slingerland screenings as part of comprehensive assessments.
Visit our Tutors page to find out if Slingerland Screenings are available in your area.
