“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn” – Ignacio Estrada
LEARNING SUPPORT AND STUDY SKILLS
The therapists that provide learning support and study skills have a background in teaching and education and are also qualified mental health professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as either a Registered Counsellor or Educational Psychologist. This gives them valuable understanding of the emotional component of learning, including the impact of confidence, anxiety, emotional regulation, and motivation, for example.
Learning support
Children have different learning styles, strengths, and abilities. Learning support aims to bridge the gap between a child’s current academic performance and the level that he or she is required to be on. The focus of the sessions is to support the child to manage or adapt to any barriers that he or she may be experiencing. Sessions will be tailored according to the specific needs of the child. Sessions may focus on specific subjects or components within a subject, such as English literacy, phonological awareness, reading comprehension, mathematics, or geometry. The sessions can also include support in learning-related skills, such as planning, organisation, and summarising.
Study skills
Studying effectively is a skill that can be developed. Study skills is made up of study techniques and habits that impact the effectiveness of studying. Study skill sessions offered support learners to develop both the techniques (such as summarising, making mindmaps) and habits (planning, time management, stress management) and will be tailored to meet the client’s specific need.