Are you concerned that your child struggles to learn, or takes much longer than expected to complete basic homework? Have you been told they have slow processing speed? Are these challenges holding them back at school or contributing to low self-esteem?
Fit Learning may be your answer. Key aspects of Fit’s unique teaching technique make it a particularly good match for learners with slow processing speed. Fit takes a personalized approach to learning. But does it work? Absolutely. In fact, the average Fit learner improves one or two grade levels after 40 hours of instruction.
So, what exactly is slow processing speed?
Simply put, slow processing speed (SPS) refers to how long it takes a person to take in new information, make sense of it, and respond to it. For learners with SPS, it takes more time for information to get into their “working memory.” This causes delays and makes it harder to perform cognitive tasks. Therefore, a student may fall behind more easily in school.
It’s important to note that SPS is not correlated with a person’s intelligence. In fact, gifted students oftentimes have SPS. Regardless, SPS can have wide-ranging effects. It often impacts a child’s ability to make decisions, learn and remember new material, hold conversations, and follow directions.
In school settings, SPS commonly affects a learner’s performance in core areas such as reading, writing, and math. That, in turn, can lead to stress and anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and even social difficulties on the part of the learner.
Is there anything that can be done to help with slow processing speed?
Occasionally, SPS corrects by itself with maturity. Unfortunately, that just isn’t usually the case. However, there are measures that can be taken to help improve working memory and make tasks more “automatic” (or routine) for these learners. Some of these include using both verbal and visual channels, repeatedly practicing specific skills, and reducing distractions.
It also helps to increase the level of supervision. This way, the learner’s progress can be closely watched. In addition, allowing periodic breaks and reducing (or eliminating) busywork helps learners feel less stressed and overwhelmed. And, finally, providing lots of support and encouragement is key to help motivate learners, minimize frustration, and make learning an overall positive experience.
How Fit Learning Can Help
Fit’s unique precision teaching style uses these practices. This makes it an excellent match for learners with SPS. Fit uses research-based learning and behavior science technologies to improve learners’ visual and auditory processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning. All of these factors are critical in helping learners with SPS. Here are just a few examples.
Best practices for learners with slow processing speed |
Fit Learning’s method |
|---|---|
Use both verbal and visual channels. |
Fit takes an interactive, multi-modal approach.
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Repeatedly practice specific skills. |
Fit trains skills to fluency.
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Increase the level of supervision. Monitor learner’s progress. |
Fit personalizes and tracks learning.
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Minimize busywork (and homework, if possible). Provide periodic breaks. |
Fit focuses on learning.
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Offer lots of support and encouragement. Provide incentives for completed work. |
Fit makes learning fun and engaging.
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Even beyond academics, Fit’s alternative learning method boosts students’ overall self-esteem and confidence. The joy and sense of accomplishment that comes with successful learning paves the way for tackling more complex material. Your student is then set up for success throughout the academic journey.
Tutoring and Academic Services Offered at Fit Learning St. Louis
Fit offers instruction in the areas of reading, expressive writing, math, logic, and kindergarten readiness. There is also a program designed for homeschoolers. Furthermore, our learning coaches even offer an option for those who prefer to learn online instead of coming into our learning lab in Creve Coeur, MO.
And because of Fit’s customized approach, the method works well for all kinds of learners, including those:
- who have SPS, learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD/ADD, or autism
- are average or gifted
- are struggling in class
Maybe you’re looking to start a Fit program to help a child who has fallen behind to catch up. Or, maybe you’re just taking this step to help your child remain caught up. Either way, Fit’s approach will accelerate and transform your child’s learning … all while having fun.
Better Than Tutoring: Get Effective Help in the St. Louis Area for Learners With Slow Processing Speed
Have you tried tutors before and just felt like your child’s academics barely improved? Is your child trying their best but just not making progress? Fit Learning is different from traditional tutoring programs. For more information on how Fit Learning’s alternative teaching and learning methods can help improve slow processing speed, contact Janice Smith, director of the Fit St. Louis learning lab. We help students from throughout the St. Louis area in our Creve Coeur learning lab. Additionally, our learning coaches can help students from more rural parts of Missouri, Illinois, or other parts of the Midwest with online tutoring.
Additional resources on slow processing speed:
- https://www.understood.org/articles/en/can-processing-speed-ever-improve
- https://www.understood.org/articles/en/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-child-with-slow-processing-speed
- https://www.understood.org/articles/en/working-memory-what-it-is-and-how-it-works
- https://www.verywellmind.com/helping-a-child-who-has-adhd-and-slow-processing-speed-20822
- https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/understanding-diagnosing-and-coping-with-slow-processing-speed/
- https://www.additudemag.com/slow-processing-speed-adhd-interventions/