Study strategies for LD (dysg/dyscalc/low processing speed)--middle & high school

[Anonymous]

What are some helpful study strategies (or places / resources to find tools) that could help us help DC study for tests (8th grade).

Thinking traditional multiple choice and vocab (across all disciplines). We review quizlets (either ones that the teacher creates, or that I do) and general quizzing on notes but wonder if there's more effective tactics out there. We turn class PowerPoints into Speechify (recommendation from the neuropsych) but looking for the "active studying" part. Through the years, his school has shared suggestions (e.g. Cornell notes).

His performance varies--ranges from As-Ds, and often times it falls apart at the test itself--missed question/not following directions/overthinking--but also know there must be a more effective way for his profile.

We are not in the DC area but would also be open to virtual classes.

[Anonymous]

Something that helped a bit was flashcards, and keep recycling the ones they struggle with so maybe you'll show them one they're struggling with, then an easy one, then the same hard one, and two easy ones and then the same hard one to help things solidify.

Or look up how to use memory palaces or pictures and mnonics
. Here's one for the order of the State's that signed the Constitution: imagine a very delicate plate (Delaware) pierced through with a pencil (PA). Then King George (Georgia) is standing on the pencil. Have your kid repeat the sequence each time you add one.

[Anonymous]

My AuDHD son also had dysgraphia, dyscalculia and very low processing speed. A few thoughts:

1. It sounds like test prep is not the problem, but content mastery. He needs in-depth tutoring because there are obviously some knowledge fragments he doesn't control and it increases anxiety and disorganization during the test.

2. Does he have extra time? My son had 50% extra time at first, and then the school upped it to 100% extra time. His processing speed was measured at the 4th percentile, so it was sorely needed.

3. Does he have ADHD and is he medicated for it? My son needed to take his meds every school day to focus appropriately. If he misses questions and doesn't follow directions, then he might be inattentive and could benefit from meds.