The teaching of foreign languages to children with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) presents a series of peculiar challenges that require a targeted and innovative teaching approach. The recent focus group conducted by Omnis at the Lingua Più center as part of the Focus project, highlighted these difficulties and proposed effective strategies to overcome them, offering a valuable starting point for educators. The participation of ten experienced teachers, both native and bilingual, guaranteed a rich and detailed discussion.
During the discussion, several common difficulties emerged in teaching foreign languages to children with SLD:
- Discrepancy between phoneme and grapheme: The difference between pronunciation and writing of words creates confusion and difficulty in memorization. As highlighted by an article by Gavin Reid, an international expert on SLD, this discrepancy can severely hinder language acquisition if not addressed with specific methodologies.
- Vocabulary memorization: SLD students often struggle to remember new words, especially when they are not placed in a meaningful context. Reid suggests the use of visual association techniques and practical contexts to facilitate memorization.
- Anxiety related to evaluation: Students with SLD may find it difficult to accept that certain mistakes will never be completely eliminated, negatively affecting their self-esteem and motivation. Joan Wink, known for her work on critical pedagogy, emphasizes the importance of constructive and positive feedback to keep students motivated.
- Distraction and disruptive behaviors: Lessons that are too difficult can lead students to become distracted or exhibit disruptive behaviors. According to Reid, it’s crucial to keep lessons engaging and tailored to students’ learning paces.
Teachers shared several effective strategies for overcoming these challenges:
- Use of uppercase characters: To prevent reading difficulties, especially in the early stages of learning. This simple but effective trick can greatly reduce the frustration of reading.
- Digital technologies and games: During the lockdown, these tools proved to be particularly effective in motivating students and facilitating learning through fun. However, some skepticism persists on the part of parents regarding their use. Studies by Gavin Reid show that the responsible use of technologies can be extremely beneficial for students with SLD.
- Total Physical Response (TPR) Method: The integration of songs, rhymes, and physical movement helps overcome shyness and insecurities, making learning more engaging. Joan Wink highlights how physical involvement can significantly improve students’ resentment and interest.
- Personalized Educational Plans (PDP): The personalization of the educational path is essential to respect the learning rhythms of students with SLD, reducing stress and frustration. PDP planning allows for an individualized approach that can make a big difference in teaching effectiveness.
Continuous training of teachers in pedagogy and in the use of new technologies is crucial to improve the effectiveness of teaching. It is also crucial to create a positive and inclusive learning environment, where every student feels valued. Collaboration with families plays an equally important role, ensuring continuous and consistent support both at school and at home. Reid and Wink agree on the importance of an integrated approach, involving teachers, students, and families to achieve the best educational outcomes.
From the focus group it became clear that teaching foreign languages to children with SLD requires an inclusive and structured approach, which respects individual learning rhythms and reduces stress. The adoption of educational technologies and active methodologies, such as the TPR method, can significantly improve the effectiveness of teaching. Only through an integrated and holistic approach, as suggested by experts of the caliber of Gavin Reid and Joan Wink, is it possible to guarantee a quality and inclusive education for all students with SLD, making the learning path rewarding and personalized for each individual.
