Slower processing speed in children can impact their ability to quickly absorb, process, and respond to information. While it may not be possible to increase processing speed directly, there are several strategies that parents can implement at home to help reduce the impact.
By making adjustments to the way tasks and learning activities are approached, parents can create a supportive environment that accommodates the child's needs, without them feeling overwhelmed or pressured.
Understanding Processing Speed Issues
Understanding processing speed issues involves recognising that children with slower processing speeds may take longer to complete tasks and process information. Here are a few things to consider when learning that a child has slow processing speed.
Tips
It Just Takes a Bit Longer
A lower processing speed score simply means that a child may need more time to complete tasks or respond to questions. This isn’t necessarily a reflection of their intelligence or potential but rather an indication that they need to work at a slower pace.
Allow Extra Time
Be generous with time allowances for tasks. This reduces pressure on your child and gives them the space to process information at their own pace.
Be Patient and Encouraging
Avoid expressing frustration if tasks take longer than expected. Instead, offer encouragement and praise for their effort and progress.
Involve the Whole Family
Make sure everyone in the family understands the child's needs regarding processing speed.
Home Learning Adjustments
There are a few things you can do in the home to help make adjustments for children who struggle with processing speed:
Tips
Set Realistic Expectations
Discuss with the child the need for extra time and realistic outcomes. This ensures they understand that taking longer to complete tasks is okay and helps them avoid unnecessary stress.
Create a Relaxed Environment
Encourage a calm and patient approach to learning at home. Avoid pressuring the child to complete tasks quickly, and instead, focus on steady progress. It's a delicate balance with slower processing, to make sure the child is making progress and not being burnt out.
Communicate with Teachers
Regularly communicate with the child's teachers to align home learning with classroom accommodations. This consistency will help the child feel supported both at school and at home.
Chunking: Breaking Down Tasks
Chunking is a strategy where large tasks or pieces of information are broken down into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach helps children with slower processing speeds by reducing the cognitive load and making it easier for them to focus on one thing at a time. At home, chunking might be a strategy to use when doing homework.
An example
Let’s see how to use chunking in action, with a parent guiding the process.
Charlotte has an English task where she needs to review a text and write a summary. To help, her parent uses chunking and a visual checklist. Together, they break the task into smaller sections.
First, the parent helps Charlotte focus on reading the introduction and summarising it. Once that’s done, they tick off the introduction on the checklist. Next, they move on to the first half of the main body, summarise it, and tick it off as well. After a short break, they repeat the process with the second half and then the conclusion.
The checklist helps visually track progress, keeping Charlotte motivated while reducing the cognitive load by focusing on one chunk at a time.
Using Chunking for Homework Help Process
Step 1
Break the task into smaller parts. Identify manageable sections to focus on one at a time.
Step 2
Use a visual aid, like a checklist or chart, to track progress. This helps keep everything organised and gives a sense of accomplishment.
Step 3
Complete the first part, then take a short break to rest and reset before moving to the next chunk.
Step 4
Repeat the process for each section until the entire task is completed, marking off each step along the way.