Classroom Modifications for Students Struggling with Slow Processing Speed

This article provides helpful classroom modifications for those kids that struggle with slow processing speed. Free printable included below. Integrated Learning Strategies (ILS) is a learning and academic center. As a reminder, ILS is not a health care provider and none of our materials or services provide a diagnosis or treatment of a specific condition or learning challenge you may see in your child or student. If you seek a diagnosis or treatment for your child or student, please contact a trained professional who can provide an evaluation of the child.

Children that struggle with slow processing speed in the classroom may have difficulty remembering tasks and instructions in the classroom. Slow processing speed can also prevent kids from retaining important details for homework and tests.

Sometimes, these children are labeled “dumb” or “lazy” when they are often very intelligent, but don’t process information as quickly as their classmates.

If your child has difficulty with slow processing, you may notice the following signs:

• Unorganized, often loses or forgets homework
• Rarely completes tests on time and leaves multiple questions unanswered on timed exams
• Can’t perform simple math problems, sequences or calculations
• Turns in incomplete homework because the child did not understand the instructions
• Needs a quiet area to study and is often distracted by background noise

You can identify children with slow processing delays if they demonstrate personality characteristics that look like the following:

• “Chill Kids” (lazy or take it easy)
• “Anxious Kids” (always nervous)
• “Daydreamer Kids” (lost, withdrawn)

Benefits of Classroom Modifications

Some may say providing classroom modifications for kids with slow processing trouble is cheating or giving them an edge over the other students. However, providing adjustments and modifications removes any barriers the child may experience and provides them with additional ways to be as successful as their peers.

Benefits of classroom modifications can be recommended by teachers, therapists or parents. They can support the child’s processing needs by adapting lesson plans, assignments, tests, chores and other tasks in a way that helps children with slow processing.

If your child or students struggle with slow processing speed, the benefits of implementing classroom modifications include the following:

Classroom Work

Providing kids with extra time to complete assignments and tests allows children with slow processing speed to fully comprehend the materials and retain the information presented. It can also help kids feel less stressed, overwhelmed or even give-up when they can’t follow-through with the tasks given. Teachers may even decide to break-up the tasks and assignments so the child can complete the homework or tests in pieces.

Emotions and Behaviors

Another benefit of adjusting certain tasks in the classroom for kids with slow processing speed is it can improve behavior and emotions. Kids with slow processing speed tend to “not care” or seem like they are “bad kids” because their brain can’t keep up with all that is happening in the classroom. They often act out behaviorally or emotionally to compensate for their inability to complete tasks in the same way as their peers. As adjustments or modifications are made in the classroom, teachers can see improvements in the chid’s behavior and emotional development because it removes the pressure of getting tasks done the same way as the other students.

Learning Benefits

Making adjustments or modifications can help struggling students feel more accomplished and successful with their studies in the classroom. If the child feels “dumb” or “behind,” they may lack the self-confidence to continue trying, which can create larger gaps in learning. Adding modifications to the child’s classroom routine allows the child to perform at a higher level and improves their ability to process important information. It also supports higher learning and cognitive skills along with short-term and long-term memory. Ultimately, it’s a way to keep kids engaged so they can enjoy learning without it feeling laborious or “unattainable.”

Classroom Modification Chart

For some recommendations of adjustments or modifications that can be made in the classroom, complete the form below to get a copy of our Classroom Modifications Chart for Slow Processing Speed. This chart breaks down ideas into three categories that can help students in different situations and environments. After completing the form, check your email in box or junk/spam folder to download the free printable. If you don’t see the link to download the chart in your email inbox, please email us at info@ilslearning.com.

Reference Materials

Goldstone, L., Ressa, V. A., Lazarus, S., Hinkle, A. R., & Rogers, C. (2021). Extended time: Research (NCEO Accommodations Toolkit #6a). National Center on Educational Outcomes, University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration. https://publications.ici.umn.edu/nceo/accommodations-toolkit/extended-time-research

Brown, T. E., Reichel, P. C., & Quinlan, D. M. (2011). Extended time improves reading comprehension test scores for adolescents with ADHD. Open Journal of Psychiatry, 1(3), 79–87. https://doi.org/10.4236/jsemat.2011.13012

Antalek, E. E. (2005). The relationships between specific learning disability attributes and written language: A study of the performance of learning disabled high school subjects completing the TOWL-3 (Publication No. 3154958) [Doctoral dissertation, Clark University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. https://www.proquest.com/docview/305006698

Alster, E. H. (1997). The effects of extended time on algebra test scores for college students with and without learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 30(2), 222–227. https://doi.org/10.1177/002221949703000210

Integrated Learning Strategies is a Utah-based center dedicated to helping mainstream children and children with learning challenges achieve academic success. Our services provide kids with non-traditional tutoring programs within the Davis County, Kaysville, Layton, Syracuse, Farmington, and Centerville areas. Areas to find Integrated Learning Strategies include: Reading tutors in Kaysville, Math tutors in Kaysville, Common Core Tutors in Kaysville, Tutors in Utah, Utah Tutoring Programs