how would I know if my child has a learning problem.?

Question

My daughter is turning five in September, Shes at an early learning center. They teach them to read and write. In most cases when she has to write she cries. She is colour blind and I believe as a girld she should't be. She can't write but she talks a lot even the things they do in class she explains them. You will think shes a clever kid by looking at her, hearing her speech.

Answer 1

They can test for that in grade school, unless you need it sooner, I think you have to pay for it your self, your pediatrician should be able to direct you in the right path

Answer 2

I could be wrong, but I think color blindness is a separate issue. (Really, though, I could be wrong about that.)

Kindergartens and schools can test for learning disabilities.

In the meantime, she may just be a lively little kid who doesn't like to have to sit in one place and be expected to try to write. Sometimes children who are not given a certain level of structure at home (such as "no jumping on the sofa" or "no bringing your food into the living room" or "while we're in the bank please just stay near me and don't run around") aren't accustomed to being expected to sit down and do something that someone else wants them to do. They're not used to it. Add a high energy level, and you could have a child who talks all through class and doesn't like being asked to learn to write. I'm not saying I have the ability to guess about your little girl, but I do know this kind of thing happens.

Finally, since she's still just four and not yet five; consider that she may not quite be ready to sit down and try to learn to write. I would think this time next year you can have a better reading on whether she may run into difficulties in school. Between now and then, maybe you could just once in a while you could just get out some milk and cookies, sit with her at a table, and try to show her how to make the letters in her name - one at a time. It may also help if you play "Do you know what this letter is?" with her, and draw the letters. Not only would this help her learn her letters, but it would give her the chance to see that sitting down and doing "games" with letters can be kind of fun.

I'm not presuming you haven't tried this, but just thought I'd mention it anyway. Between now and next year you are the one who can help get her ready for the things that will be expected of her in school - learning letters, sitting and drawing, sitting and looking at books that she likes, etc. If you take her to places like the bank or post office or other business places ask her to please not speak to you while you're, say, counting your money or writing out an envelope, etc. If you've already been doing this then do it more than you have been. This might give her practice in knowing that there are times to not speak out and then times to speak as freely as she wishes.

Just some ideas.

Answer 3

It doesn't sound at all that abnormal to me. My son who just turned 5 used to complain about having to write. Have you tried pre-writing activities? All children need to do pre-writing before they do actual letters. There are exercises that you can try where she just draws shapes and lines before asking her to do actual letters. Discovery Toys has some excellent resources for that. I have a pre-writing activity from Discovery Toys where my son used to draw curvy lines, straight lines, circles etc. with a crayon. He then erased with a damp sponge. It doesn't have to be from Discovery Toys, but go to an educational toy store and ask a consultant what kinds of activities you can do. Have you heard of Leap Frog? Their products are also great because they are also self-correcting. These products will help her with her colours as well. Remember, the more hands-on activities, the easier it is for a child to learn. Workbook type exercises may be a bit too daunting for her at this point. In Canada we have Juniour Kindergarten, which gives a lot of kids a head start. My son attended JK and he progressed in his letter writing quite rapidly over the past year. Remember also to praise all of her writing efforts. Her fine motor skills will come in time. Spend some time with her each day helping her. Play literacy type games. Reading to her daily for 20 minutes also helps because she learns to recognize letters. Get some colourful books from the library. Eric Carle has some good children's books which are very colourful and teach colours, such as "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" "Brown Bear, Brown Bear."

Early learning activities are just as important as running around outside to play. In the first 6 years of life, the brain is growing rapidly. It's been proven that children who have a good foundation now will have an easier time in school later on. Important fundamental connections now have an impact on cognitive skills, including language, and problem-solving ability.

Answer 4

I'm one of the parents that don't belive in too much learning at such a young age - my opinion, until they start school, they should be playing outside and runing around, not learning how to read and write. Which is propably your problem - she's still little too young to tell if she'll have learning problem, if you have her testet, most likely they'll tell you yes, but that doesn't mean she can't outgrow it till next year. If she's not all that interested, pick a different daycare, where they just don't push them and let her be a kid, she'll have enough learning soon in school.

Answer 5

Well if you think girls can't be colorblind you should get tested with her...but if she doesn't like to write and she is colorblind. You have a great Army kid. United States need soldiers like her before China takes over the world. She could see through the enemy camouflage. United States love color blind people.

Answer 6

If the idea of writing is making her cry, change schools now!!! early education is supposed to be fun and create a love of learning. she not even 5 yet, writing will come.
wait til she is in grade school, and if the teacher thinks she has a problem, they will help you to get her assessed. Right now id be asking why she is getting upset? has someone teased her? has a teacher pushed her too hard?? she should be enjoying learning, not crying about it

Answer 7

She's five. Give her a break. Why does she have to read and write today? She cries because it's too much pressure for a five year old. Do you ever let this kid just play?

Some girls are color blind, too.

Answer 8

your daughter is far too young to have been at a 'learning center.' Her needs are emotional and social. She should NOT be learning to write. She should be playing with playdoh, coloring, making crafts.

I'm sure she is totally clever and she is in a situation that will make her feel dumb.

Answer 9

Talk to your doctor they have a questioner they can give you and the teacher to find out if she has a learning disability.

Answer 10

Get her tested and then, whatever the outcome, accept her as she is. Accentuate her stong points, like her obvious verbal skills.