We all want our students to do great. Sometimes learning feels hard. This is true for students with learning differences. We need to help them. We need to find ways to make things easier. This special help is called customizable accommodations. They let all kids join in and feel good about learning. Guess what? Even fun games like Gimkit can change to fit their needs.
Gimkit is a cool way to quiz. It makes learning a game. Games can get kids excited. But kids with learning disabilities need the game to be fair. They need it to be easy for them, too. This post tells you about Gimkit’s learning disabilities customizable accommodations. We will see Gimkit accommodations for dyslexia. We will look at Gimkit modifications for dysgraphia. We will even find Gimkit support for auditory processing disorder. Our goal is to show you how to make Gimkit a tool that everyone can use. This makes learning open to all. This is inclusive learning technology at its best. To learn more about all the features Gimkit has to offer, take a look at our overview
Seeing What Different Learners Need
It is super important to know that learning disabilities are not all the same. What helps one kid might not help another. Let’s quickly see what some kids might need:
Helping Students with Dyslexia
Kids with dyslexia often find reading hard. Words can look mixed up. It can take them longer to read. Reading smoothly can be tough. They might have trouble seeing words clearly. For more in-depth information about dyslexia, visit the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).
Helping Students with Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia can make writing hard. Kids might not write neatly. They might spell words wrong. It can be hard for them to put their ideas down on paper. Just writing can feel like a big job. You can find more resources about dysgraphia at the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD).
Helping Students with Dyscalculia
For kids with dyscalculia, numbers can be tricky. Math ideas can be hard to get. They might not know basic math facts. Doing math problems can feel tough. You can explore further information about dyscalculia on the Understood website.
Helping Students with Auditory Processing Disorder
Kids with an auditory processing disorder can hear okay. But their brains have trouble making sense of sounds. This can make it hard to follow what you say. It can be hard to learn by just listening. For more information on auditory processing disorder, the National Coalition for Auditory Processing Disorders (NCAPD) offers valuable insights.
Helping Students with ADHD (Often Happens Too)
ADHD can make it hard to pay attention. Kids might get distracted easily. They might act without thinking. As we discussed in our post about using Gimkit with students who have ADHD and autism, there are many overlapping strategies.
Using Gimkit Features to Help
The great thing is that Gimkit has some things built in. We can use these to give customizable EdTech for learning disabilities. Let’s see what we can do:
How Text Looks and How Easy It Is to Read
Gimkit might let you make the words bigger. Keeping the words on the screen simple is always a good plan. If you can copy and paste from Gimkit, you can use other assistive technology for learning disabilities. For example, you can use text-to-speech.
How Much Time Do You Get
In some Gimkit games, teachers can change or take away the time limits. This gives kids extended time. This is a common accommodation for students with IEPs. You can also make the games shorter with breaks.
How Questions Are Asked
Gimkit often uses questions with choices. This can help kids with dysgraphia. Picking from choices is easier than writing out answers. Using easy words in the questions and choices is also very important.
Using Pictures
If Gimkit lets you put pictures in the questions or answers, do it! Visual supports in education can make a huge difference for visual learners and students with auditory processing disorder. Creating your own visuals in tools like Canva can further support understanding.
Using Sounds (If There Are Any)
If Gimkit reads the questions or answers out loud, this can help kids with dyslexia. If kids have trouble hearing, make sure they can hear it again. You might need to give them the words in writing, too.
Ways to Help with Different Learning Needs in Gimkit
Now, let’s get to the details. Here are some Gimkit accommodations we can use for different learning needs:
For Dyslexia:
- If Gimkit lets you pick how the words look, try using a simple style. Some styles, like Arial, can be easier to read.
- Make the words bigger if you can. This can make it easier to see them clearly.
- Put less text on the screen at once. Break it into smaller parts.
- Tell kids they can use text-to-speech software with Gimkit. They can often copy the words from Gimkit and paste them into the software.
For Dysgraphia:
- Try to use Gimkit games where kids mostly pick answers. This means they do not have to write a lot.
- If the game makes them type, see if you can change that. Maybe there is another way for them to play.
For Dyscalculia:
- If it helps them learn, let kids use calculators or things they can touch to count during Gimkit.
- Ask questions that help them understand the ideas, not just do quick math in their heads.
- Use pictures to show math ideas in the questions.
For Auditory Processing Disorder:
- Make sure all the important stuff in the Gimkit game is shown in words or pictures. Do not just say it.
- Try to keep the classroom quiet when kids are playing Gimkit.
- If Gimkit talks, let kids hear it again if they need to. Maybe give them the words in writing, too.
Good Gimkit Games That Can Change Easily
Some Gimkit games are easier to change than others. To see all the different ways you can play Gimkit, explore the various game modes.
Classic Mode with Changes
Classic Mode is often a good choice. You can change how much “money” they need to earn to finish. You can also give them more time if they need it.
Team Mode with Friends Helping
In Team Mode, kids work together. You can put kids together who can help each other. Maybe a good reader can help someone who has trouble reading. This way, they learn together.
Making Your Own Gimkit Games to Help
The best part about Gimkit is that you can make your own questions. When you do this, think about your kids with learning disabilities. Use easy words. Make your sentences short. Give them simple choices for answers. When you make your games easy to use, you are already giving them lots of support.
Why Using Gimkit with Help Is Great
When we help kids with learning disabilities in Gimkit, it does so much good:
- Everyone Feels More Excited and Wants to Join In
- Kids Get to Feel Successful and Believe in Themselves
- They Can Practice Things Again and Again Without Feeling Stressed
- It Can Make Learning Differences Feel Less Like a Big Deal
- It Lets You Change Things to Fit Each Kid’s Needs
Tips for Teachers Using Gimkit to Help
Here are some ideas to help you use Gimkit in the best way. For teachers new to Gimkit, remember it takes time to learn all the features. Also, avoid common mistakes when getting started with Gimkit.
Talk to Other Teachers Who Help
The special education teachers and other helpers in your school have great ideas. Ask them for their advice.
Look at Each Kid’s Learning Plan (IEP)
These plans tell you exactly what each student needs to help them learn.
Ask Your Students What Helps Them
Your students know themselves best. Ask them what makes learning easier for them.
Let Kids Have Choices When You Can
Giving kids some say in how they learn can make them more excited.
Watch How Your Students Are Doing and Change Things If You Need To
What works one day might not work the next. Be ready to try different things.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Gimkit a good choice for students with learning disabilities?
Yes, because it can be changed in many ways to fit different learning needs. It can make learning fun and less stressful for them.
How can I help students with dyslexia read better in Gimkit?
Try to make the words bigger in the game. Use simple fonts that are easier to read. See if your students can use software on their devices that reads the text out loud to them while they play Gimkit.
What’s the best way to help students with dysgraphia in Gimkit?
Use game modes where students mostly pick their answers from a few choices. This way, they don’t have to write out long answers, which can be really tough for them.
Can I change the time limits in Gimkit for students who need more time to process questions?
Yes, in many Gimkit game modes, you can adjust or even turn off the time limits. This gives students the extra time they might need to think and answer without feeling rushed.
Where can I find out what specific help my students need to succeed with Gimkit?
The best place to start is by looking at each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. These plans will tell you the specific accommodations they require. Also, talk to special education teachers and, most importantly, ask your students what helps them learn best.
Conclusion
Making sure all students can learn is what we care about most. By seeing what kids with learning disabilities need and using the ways Gimkit lets us change things, we make learning fair and fun. Do not be afraid to try different things with Gimkit. Every little bit of help can make a big difference. It helps all your students learn without limits. Discover how Gimkit can revolutionize your quizzes and assessments.
Have you used Gimkit to help students with learning disabilities? What did you do? What worked well? Share your ideas in the comments below! Your tips can help other teachers make Gimkit a great tool for all their students!
