Language Comprehension

Difficulty with language comprehension is a learning difference that often goes undiagnosed. Parents and teachers often see students with this profile as simply “not paying attention,” or “not listening.” However, difficulty with oral and/or written language comprehension can seriously impede a student’s ability to understand what is required in order to complete assignments involving writing. This is true for not only specific instructions for any given assignment, but it is also the case for the actual instruction on how to write at all.

WritingKey™ is perfect for students who struggle with language comprehension. First, Andrew has extensive experience working with students with this learning profile. The language he uses is clear and easy to understand for any learner. In addition, students will gain lifetime access to the WritingKey™ program, allowing them to watch, and rewatch videos as many times as they need in order to fully comprehend the content. If they have trouble remembering something from a specific video, they can easily navigate to that spot and quickly be able to move forward with their writing.

Language comprehension is fundamental to academic success, particularly when it comes to writing. Students who struggle in this area not only struggle with comprehending language, but also with language expression. This is one reason writing can be such a challenge for them. Not only are these students struggling to understand what they read and hear, but they also struggle expressing their thoughts and ideas. It is particularly difficult for students to develop strong language expression skills when they do not understand language well enough to use what they read and hear as a model for their own expression. WritingKey's solution is two-pronged: it emphasizes front-end planning for what students want to say, and it builds incrementally from basic to complex language expression.

WritingKey’s Two-Pronged Approach to Building Language Skills

First, the WritingKey program teaches students that writing becomes much easier when certain work has been done on the front-end. When this work has been completed, the actual step of putting the words down on paper in the form of sentences is one of the easiest aspects of the process. It is when this front-end work has been neglected that students can find themselves sitting in front of a blank sheet of paper, not knowing where to even begin. Second, the WritingKey program begins with the absolute basics of written expression. The program first has students master the ability to write short, but grammatically correct, sentences, and then builds on that skill to form more complex, mature language in their writing. It is perfect for students who struggle with language comprehension.

The Link Between Learning Differences and Language Comprehension

Despite this, understanding and using language can be a significant challenge for many students. More often than not, language comprehension difficulties are a by-product of another learning difference, thus making it difficult to combat. Nearly all other learning differences students can be diagnosed with lead to difficulties with language comprehension. Students with dyslexia can struggle with it, as they also struggle with decoding, leading them to focus less of their mental capacities on comprehending what they are reading. Those students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD can struggle with it, as they also struggle with maintaining their attention on external focal points long enough to have gathered all there was to read or hear. Regardless of the specific diagnosis, difficulties with language comprehension can accompany them all, and these difficulties can have a direct impact on written expression.

Undiagnosed Difficulties: When Language Comprehension Goes Unnoticed

It is not only students with learning differences who struggle with language comprehension. Difficulties in this area of academics can often go unnoticed, and as a result, undiagnosed. Specific strategies for how to comprehend language are not always taught, thus allowing students who are not otherwise diagnosed with learning differences to also struggle in this area. Often, assignments require students to comprehend what they have read, but rarely offer students the tools necessary to understand "how" to comprehend language. It is simply a skill that is rarely taught, but instead is one students are simply expected to have mastery of. Because of this, there are often far more students who struggle with language comprehension than professionals realize.

How WritingKey Helps Students with ADHD

Breaks Down Complex Tasks
Turns the writing process into short, achievable steps so students never feel overwhelmed.
Offers Structured Visual Aids
Provides clear, repeatable frameworks that free up working memory and help students organize their thoughts.
Encourages Focus and Motivation
Short, targeted lessons are more engaging for students who struggle with sustaining attention, reducing procrastination.
Builds Self-Confidence
Gives students a clear path to follow, reducing anxiety and boosting their belief in their own abilities.
Promotes Better Organization
Teaches practical methods for brainstorming, structuring paragraphs, and refining ideas so students can tackle writing systematically.
Enhances Editing Skills
Guides students through a streamlined process to check their work for errors, reducing frustration and improving final results.
Allows for Consistent Progress
By applying the same core strategies to various types of writing, students see ongoing, measurable improvement over time.

Language Comprehension FAQs

How does WritingKey specifically help students who struggle with language comprehension?

WritingKey helps by using clear, easy-to-understand language designed for students who have difficulty processing oral or written instructions. Students have lifetime access, allowing them to watch and rewatch lessons as often as needed, ensuring full understanding before progressing.

My child often gets stuck when starting a writing assignment. Can WritingKey help overcome this?

Absolutely. WritingKey emphasizes doing important planning work upfront, so when students begin writing, they're prepared with clear ideas. This approach helps students avoid feeling overwhelmed and makes the writing process much easier to start and complete.

Can WritingKey support students with undiagnosed language comprehension difficulties?

Yes! Many students struggle silently with language comprehension even without an official diagnosis. WritingKey directly teaches foundational skills—starting from simple sentences and gradually advancing to complex expression—making it beneficial for all learners needing extra support in understanding and expressing language effectively.