Every child can learn, and every child learns differently. While some children quickly grasp new concepts and ideas, others may need more time, different teaching approaches, or additional support.
Kenya Connect, in partnership with Dyslexia Organization Kenya, hosted a two-day training workshop on understanding different learning difficulties. Forty teachers and several Kenya Connect staff members attended the training.
Teachers were introduced to different learning difficulties, how to identify possible signs, and how these difficulties can affect learning. The good news was that early identification, support, and intervention can make a significant difference.
Teachers were also taken through differentiated teaching strategies to help them accommodate learners with different needs and ensure that every child has an opportunity to learn.
Classroom management was another key highlight of the training. Teachers learned simple but important ways to support children with different needs. These included involving learners in making classroom rules and establishing daily classroom routines. These strategies can help create a positive environment where every learner is able to succeed in school and later in life.
Teacher Zipporah reflected: “Although I teach learners in the upper grades, managing my classroom has been very difficult. At times, I have resorted to punishing learners. From today’s training, I have learned new strategies that I can use to accommodate and support all learners.”
Teacher Aaron shared: “The topic of learner management has carried the day for me. Every day, we meet learners with different learning needs. I am confident that, moving forward, my classroom will be better managed.”
I learned and gained a lot from attending the workshop. As I look forward to working on literacy interventions for children with reading difficulties, I am optimistic that I will be able to support them and create a positive learning environment where they can build confidence.
The training was supported through funding from a Rotary grant.
