How to Teach Learners with Learning Difficulties in the ESL/EFL Classroom

How to Teach Learners with Learning Difficulties in the ESL/EFL Classroom

Teaching English to learners with learning difficulties is both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires empathy, flexibility, creativity, and a deep understanding of how students learn. In many ESL/EFL classrooms, teachers face mixed-ability groups that include learners with dyslexia, ADHD, slow processing, memory difficulties, or other learning challenges. With the right strategies, however, every learner can thrive and make meaningful progress in English.

This article explores practical, classroom-tested methods to support learners with learning difficulties, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy learning English.

 

1. Understanding Learning Difficulties in the Language Classroom

Before planning instruction, teachers need to understand what “learning difficulties” mean. These challenges vary widely in type and severity, but some of the most common in ESL/EFL settings include:

● Dyslexia

A reading-based learning difficulty that affects decoding, spelling, and processing written language. Learners may struggle with phonics, reading fluency, and remembering new vocabulary.

● ADHD

Learners with ADHD may have difficulty focusing, organizing work, sitting still, or completing tasks. They may be impulsive or easily distracted.

● Slow Processing Speed

These learners understand concepts well but require more time to think, read, or respond.

● Working Memory Difficulties

Learners may forget instructions, struggle to retain new vocabulary, or lose track of multi-step tasks.

● Specific Language Impairment

These learners have difficulty with grammar, vocabulary development, and sentence construction.

Understanding these challenges helps teachers plan lessons that reduce cognitive load and provide clearer pathways to success.

 

2. Create a Supportive and Inclusive Classroom Environment

A welcoming environment is the foundation for teaching learners with difficulties. Here’s how to establish it:

● Build a culture of empathy and respect

Normalize different learning styles and let students know that needing extra help is okay. Avoid comparing students or pressuring them to keep up with others.

● Give predictable routines

Learners with difficulties benefit from clear, consistent routines—warm-ups, class procedures, and assignment structures that stay the same. Predictability reduces anxiety and increases confidence.

● Provide clear, simple instructions

Break instructions into smaller steps and check for understanding. Pair verbal instructions with written or visual versions so students don’t rely on one mode only.

● Allow movement and flexible seating

Some learners focus better while standing, sitting on a cushion, or taking short breaks.

 

3. Use Multisensory Teaching Techniques

One of the most effective ways to help learners with difficulties is to engage multiple senses simultaneously. This makes learning more memorable and reduces reliance on a single skill (such as reading).

● Visual Support

Use:

• Pictures
• Charts
• Mind maps
• Color-coded grammar
• Illustrated vocabulary flashcards
  Visual aids make abstract language more concrete.

● Auditory Input

Read aloud, use songs, chants, and rhythm to teach vocabulary and pronunciation. Repetition through sound helps students with weak reading skills.

● Kinesthetic Activities

Allow students to:

• Act out vocabulary
• Use real objects (realia)
• Move around stations
• Spell words with letter tiles
  Movement anchors memory and reduces restlessness in learners with ADHD.

● Tactile Tools

Use textured flashcards, sandpaper letters, or writing in sand trays. These help students who benefit from touch-based learning.

Multisensory input reinforces learning pathways and boosts retention.

 

4. Differentiate Instruction for Diverse Needs

Differentiation ensures that each learner has access to content based on their level and needs, without feeling left behind.

● Adjust the difficulty, not the content

All students can study the same topic, but tasks can be:

• Shorter
• Simplified
• More structured
• Supported with examples

● Offer choices

Allow students to choose between:

• Writing a paragraph
• Recording a voice message
• Creating a simple mind map
• Acting out a scene

Choice increases motivation and reduces frustration.

● Provide scaffolded support

Break tasks into manageable steps:

1. Model the task
2. Do it together
3. Practice with a partner
4. Do it independently

Scaffolding builds confidence and gradually develops independence.

 

5. Teach Vocabulary in Small, Manageable Chunks

Learners with memory and processing difficulties often struggle with large amounts of new words. Smaller chunks help prevent overload.

Strategies include:

• Teach 4–6 words per lesson, not 12.
• Use repetition through games (matching, bingo, charades).
• Review words every lesson for several weeks.
• Connect new vocabulary to real-life examples and personal experiences.
• Teach words in categories or visual groups.

Spaced repetition is particularly effective for learners with memory challenges.

 

6. Support Reading and Writing for Dyslexic Learners

Dyslexic learners need specific support to succeed in reading and writing English.

● Use dyslexia-friendly fonts

Fonts with clear shapes (such as OpenDyslexic or Arial) reduce letter confusion.

● Avoid text-heavy worksheets

Break text into short paragraphs with wide spacing.

● Teach explicit phonics

Help students decode words by teaching sound–letter patterns step by step.

● Allow alternative methods of expression

Instead of writing long paragraphs, let learners:

• Use voice-to-text tools
• Record audio responses
• Use sentence starters or fill-in-the-blank writing

● Encourage proofreading strategies

Teach students to read sentences aloud, use color coding for grammar, and check one aspect at a time (spelling, punctuation, verb forms).

 

7. Support Attention and Focus for Learners with ADHD

Learners with ADHD need structure and movement-friendly activities.

Practical strategies include:

• Short, varied tasks.
• Clear time limits (e.g., “You have 3 minutes for this activity”).
• Frequent brain breaks: stretching, breathing, quick movement games.
• Hands-on tasks: sorting cards, matching pictures, building sentences.
• Task organisers: checklists, visual schedules, timers.

Minimizing distractions (for example, placing the student near the teacher) also helps maintain focus.

 

8. Use Technology to Enhance Learning

Technology is a powerful support tool when used purposefully.

Helpful tools include:

• Text-to-speech apps for reading support
• Speech-to-text for writing
• Interactive worksheets with audio support
• Educational games that repeat vocabulary in engaging ways
• Digital flashcards (Quizlet, Anki) with spaced repetition

Video lessons, animations, and interactive tasks benefit students who learn best through audiovisual input.

 

9. Use Assessment for Learning, Not Judgment

Assessment should motivate students, not discourage them.

Use alternative assessment methods:

• Portfolios
• Oral presentations
• Checklists
• Project-based tasks
• Pair work activities

Give constructive feedback

Focus on effort, improvement, and specific areas of progress—never on failure.

Avoid penalizing difficulties that students cannot control

For example:

• Don’t grade handwriting for dyslexic students.
• Don’t expect timed tests from slow processors.

Assessment should build confidence and show learners they are capable of success.

 

10. Work with Parents and Specialists When Possible

Collaboration is essential. Parents can provide insight into:

• What strategies work at home
• What triggers frustration
• How the child prefers to learn

Specialists (psychologists, special educators, speech therapists) can offer professional guidance and recommend tools tailored to each learner’s needs.

 

11. Final Thoughts: Every Learner Can Succeed

Teaching learners with learning difficulties is not about simplifying English; it is about making learning accessible. With multisensory methods, differentiated tasks, supportive routines, and patience, every student can progress meaningfully in English.

A classroom that embraces diversity becomes a richer, more compassionate learning community. When learners with challenges feel supported, they develop confidence—not just as English learners, but as individuals capable of growth and success.