Why Some Students Struggle and How We Can Help?

Friday, March 31, 2023

 


English Language Arts is a critical subject that lays the foundation for communication, critical thinking, and analysis. However, some students may struggle in this subject due to various reasons, such as language barriers, learning disabilities, lack of interest, or lack of foundational skills. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why some students struggle in English Language Arts and what teachers can do to help them succeed.


One of the primary reasons why students struggle in English Language Arts is because of language barriers. Students whose first language is not English may face challenges with reading, writing, and speaking in English. They may struggle with understanding idiomatic expressions, metaphors, and other literary devices that native speakers take for granted. Teachers can help these students by using strategies such as providing bilingual materials, breaking down complex language into simpler terms, and giving extra time for students to complete assignments. Moreover, teachers can use techniques such as storytelling and visual aids to help students understand the content better.


Another reason why students may struggle in English Language Arts is due to learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD. These students may have difficulty with tasks such as reading comprehension or essay writing. Teachers can help these students by providing them with accommodations such as audio books, extra time, and graphic organizers. Teachers can also work with learning specialists to develop specialized strategies that cater to the needs of these students.


Additionally, some students may struggle in English Language Arts because they lack foundational skills such as grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. These students may find it challenging to read or write effectively due to poor sentence construction or lack of vocabulary. Teachers can help these students by providing remedial work that focuses on foundational skills such as grammar and vocabulary. Furthermore, teachers can use technology such as educational software and online tools to help students develop these skills.


Furthermore, some students may struggle in English Language Arts due to a lack of interest or motivation. They may not see the value in learning English Language Arts or may not be passionate about reading or writing. Teachers can help these students by making the content relevant and interesting. They can use strategies such as using real-world examples or current events to make the content more engaging. Furthermore, teachers can use creative and interactive teaching methods such as games and role-playing to make the class more enjoyable.


Clearly, some students may struggle in English Language Arts due to various reasons such as language barriers, learning disabilities, lack of foundational skills, or lack of interest. Teachers can help these students by using a variety of strategies such as bilingual materials, accommodations, remedial work, technology, and engaging teaching methods. By providing these students with the support they need, teachers can help them overcome their challenges and succeed in English Language Arts.


Works Cited


“Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties: What Every Teacher Should Know.” Reading Rockets, 2019, www.readingrockets.org/article/dyslexia-and-reading-difficulties-what-every-teacher-should-know. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.


“Strategies to Support English Language Learners.” Reading Rockets, 2017, www.readingrockets.org/article/strategies-support-english-language-learners. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.


Tomlinson, Carol Ann. “Differentiating Instruction in Response to Student Readiness, Interest, and Learning Profile in Academically Diverse Classrooms: A Review of Literature.” Journal for the Education of the Gifted, vol. 29, no. 4, 2006, pp. 404-429.

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