by Brother Allan Netto for BISMumbai

Friday, 23 October 2020 was 'staff capacitation' for the teachers & management of Bosco Boys' Home Borivali. The theme was 'Identifying and Understanding Children with Learning Difficulties', animated by Father Ajoy Fernandes-Director, Prafulta Don Bosco Youth Counselling Services [DBYCS] Matunga.

Through explanation and animated group discussion, powerpoint presentation, short video clippings, Father Fernndes helped the participants to understand various behaviours and learning patterns observed in children - Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia. Various remedial measures are followed to guide and help children with such difficulties.

Sharing and discussion were based on:

• What kind of learning difficulties do we notice among the children we teach?

• What kind of feelings do children with such difficulty evoke in us as teachers, guides?

• How do the teachers, guides react to children with such difficulties?

Children from different backgrounds have an understanding problem with language, due to their context which poses difficulties. They also find it tough to adjust and follow rules and regulations, are slow learners and graspers, impatient, distracted, disinterested in academics, and are yet very adaptable to practical exercises.

This was a simple and enjoyable session which each one appreciated and was happy for the additional knowledge.