If you have children or students who have recently been diagnosed with slow processing speed, it is extremely important to help them understand what this means. And if you want to teach children about something in the 21st-century, one of the ways to do it is through an informative and entertaining video.
It’s unfortunate that many children and teens with slow processing speed define this as a sign of inadequacy and a lack of intelligence. While slow processing speed can affect how efficiently kids learn, many affected by the disorder simply need more time to use their other cognitive resources effectively. When they understand that they are not alone, that there are other smart kids like them who just need extra time, they can begin to change how they feel about themselves and about school in general.
Slow processing speed is a complex topic, and even the experts – psychologists, neuroscientists, and neurologists – do not fully understand the causes and mechanisms of slow processing speed in children. We do know that slow processing speed is biological in nature and may even be hereditary. We also know how important it is to understand the ways that slow processing speed impacts learning and working so that it can be accommodated. Helping children to improve processing speed and recognize when they might need to ask for extra time and assistance can change their attitude about school and help them put forth the effort necessary to overcome slow processing speed.
Our team at LearningWorks for Kids has created a list of videos we believe can help kids better understand slow processing speed and compensate for this difficulty. For those for whom videos are your favorite tool for learning, we’ve included a list of videos for parents and teachers who want to understand slow processing speed better.
For Kids and Teens
What Is a Slow Processing Speed & How it Can Affect Students – An engaging video that sheds some light on how slow processing speed can be observed in students in a classroom. Great for adults, teens, and older children.
Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up: Clay Center – A great video that follows three students affected by slow processing speed and explains how they get along in the classroom and the challenges they face. Great for children and teens to watch with their parents.
Slow Processing Speed – A very casual video of a mom and daughter discussing slow processing speed and how it affects learning. Great to watch with your child to spark a conversation.
For Adults (so they can explain more to their children and students)
Your Brain Sucks at Video Games – This video describes the relationship between brain processing and video games. For adults and teens.
Processing Speed: Activities to Improve – An informational webinar that explains three detailed activities to help improve processing speed.
Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up – An in-depth examination of processing speed and how it can affect kids’ learning from Ellen Braatren, an expert in the field. Great for adults to watch with their teens and for teachers.
Understanding Children with Learning and Behavioral Challenges – Another informative and interesting video from expert Ellen Braaten for parents and teachers to watch and understand how processing speeds might affect children in the classroom.
Webinar: Processing Speed and the Brain – Produced by Understood.org, this is an excellent but lengthy webinar that shows many aspects of processing-speed issues.
