Tips for kids with learning differences

 Yesterday, in Biology Co-op, the kids were learning how to do a classification exercise with dichotomous keys.  The first key has 15 images.  Several kids have learning differences in this Co-op class. I set a minimum of completing six images.  Everyone else worked until the last group completed keying six organisms.  I picked six images because it should be enough for all of the kids to master the idea of keying or classifying organisms.  Some of the groups completed all of the organisms.  If I see the groups who only did six still need more practice, I have extra images available.  This strategy works for math, too.  The kids do not need to complete all of the problems.  They need to do a sufficient number to master the concept and demonstrate proficiency on a test.  If they botch the test, you can assign more problems and retest.  Fewer problems can really help a kid with learning differences.  Too many sets, worksheets, or problems can overwhelm the kid and he shuts down.  Try fewer.  You can always do more.