The Shut Down Learner

by Richard Selznick

The Shut-Down Learner is based on the author’s clinical experience as director of a program in the pediatrics department of a large teaching hospital that assesses and treats a broad range of learning problems. He has consulted with thousands of families, explaining complex data in straightforward terms understandable to the parents. He coined the term “shut-down learner” to describe children who thrive with hands-on tasks requiring visual and spatial abilities, but who become discouraged by their difficulty mastering core academic skills such as reading and writing.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Parenting

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 25, 2008

About the author

Dr. Selznick is a psychologist, a nationally certified school psychologist, and a graduate school professor. As the Director of the Cooper Learning Center at Cooper University Hospital (www.cooperlearningcenter.org), he oversees a program that assesses and treats a broad range of learning and behavioral problems in children. The Cooper Learning Center is the leading program in its region, offering not only assistance with children, but also parent and teacher training programs.

Dr. Selznick also functions as a school consultant, and throughout the year he speaks to numerous parent groups, schools, and regional conferences on topics such as dyslexia, parenting, and ADHD. He strives to offer parents and teachers practical strategies to help children with academic problems. A native of Staten Island, New York, Dr. Selznick lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey. He can be reached through email Selznick-r@cooperhealth.edu. For more information on the Shut-Down Learner, go to www.shutdownlearner.com.

Reviews

[Pamela Goldberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY, a book that gives a name to many of the kids I've worked with over the years! A must read for ALL teachers. The book provides insight into understanding the psyche of these "shut-down" kids. A must read for parents of struggling readers - the earlier the better! Strategies and interventions for parents to help their kids before they completely "shut-down". This down-to-earth book is written with honesty, sensitivity and a little humor and most importantly HOPE for these academically discouraged kids.

[J L's Bibliomania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a local practitioner who runs a successful reading clinic. While the anecdotes shared were informative, and the insights about the relationship between undiagnosed learning disabilies and shutdown learners are useful, the argument is weakened by overgeneralization and too many absolutes in non-reciprocal situations. For example, while many of the “shut-down” learners with reading difficulties he described are highly visual “Lego kids” it does NOT follow that many or even most highly spatial “Lego kids” will have the sort of reading weaknesses that he describes. Similarly, there are many other socioeconomic factors that might yield a “shut-down” learner with similar affect in the classroom in addition to the specific learning disabilities described here. On a quick read, the book is more useful as an example of a specific practitioner’s insight than as a guide to how can I best help my child.

[Tiffanny Bernsee · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not offering solutions and steps, the book provides insight and case studies citing examples so parents can better understand their child. A good beginning for parents and teachers looking to research some avenues to further explore with their children.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like the author generalized too much, as if every kid who struggles with reading is really good at visual stuff. My kid is a different type of shut down learner than what is described in the book. There were still some points that seem helpful to remember.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book that explores the nature of a SDL in-depth, why they act the way they do (it's not always just a "lack of motivation"), and how to help these students slowly crawl out of and change their SDL characteristics (more than just taking meds!, but actual targeted interventions).

However, I think it is important to note that there are a vast number of students who are very shut down, like those described in the book, but who also struggle with all areas of learning - including visually orientated tasks. These students also struggle with reading and writing, but also maths, science, art etc. They struggle in all areas, and like in the book, also need those targeted interventions to help develop these skills.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book I found fascinating because they seemed to describe my kid perfectly. While the book provided some interesting insight it didn't provide much in helpful solutions. And I was mystified by the author describing many situations that sounded like a student with dyslexia but he didn't use that term. Maybe because of misconceptions about the use of that word? Oddly enough most of his solutions include reading programs that are use to help dyslexic students so I felt maybe he was skirting part of the issue of using the term "dyslexia." I see that this book is almost 10 years old so maybe its just the age of the book?

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes my son very well. I appreciated the way the author portrayed kids with learning disabilities. He helps to give unique perspective on how they are feeling. In doing so, it helps parents, caregivers and teachers gain understanding and insight towards possible ways to give these children some successes in/out of the classroom.

[Debbie .skylark. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is highly recommended. Everyone knows someone who does not love book learning/classroom settings/organization or paperwork. This clarifies how that person ticks. It is great for anyone who wants to understand people better. Of course it's instructive for anyone working with children or in the education world. Parents will especially benefit from this. Quick, easy read. Practical.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this book for the perspectives it gave on the strengths of children with reading and comprehension difficulties and ways they can receive help from parents.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every teacher, parent...anyone working with kids and education NEEDS to read this!

[Lenore Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I am on the topic of education let me continue if you don't mind. We learned College Girl has ADD in her first year of College. I learned of my own issue with dyslexia as a senior in High School. So I was wondering why did it take so long to learn of these issues. Could it have been noticed sooner. I think so.

My friend and neighbor, Nessa, has two very smart children. But they are also noticing some issues while in middle school. We have looked closely at grades, behavior and routines to see if there was ways to help them out. One of the things we have found that has helped in this endeavor is the book "The Shut-Down Learner" by Richard Selznick, Phd. We loved finding someone who could mirror our thoughts, get it you know, and also not label the children. But instead was able to give insight on what may be the issues and how to help. In reading examples of others peoples experiences we saw some of our own.

I borrowed the following from his web site, www.shutdownlearner.com:

SHUT-DOWN LEARNER SIGNS
The following typically start to emerge in the upper elementary grades, becoming much more pronounced by high school:

• A sense that the child is increasingly disconnected, discouraged, and unmotivated (shut down)
• Fundamental skill weaknesses with reading, writing, and spelling, leading to lowered self-esteem
• Increased avoidance of school tasks such as homework
• Dislike of reading
• Hatred of writing
• Little to no gratification from school
• Increasing anger toward school

You can also download the first chapter for free at his web site. You may find that you see your own child, or yourself, or a friend. But it is great to know that in simple language there is ways to help so learning is not a chore but a gift. I do wish to thank Paul J. Krupin for sending me Dr. Selznick's book. It is written with direct language while being full of techniques that can be used my most parents.

[Jenny Davidson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A how to book with no real solutions, a real waste of time. Everything I read was stuff that I have already done--duh. How about some resolutions for now not just talking to adult shut-down learners!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it good if you are just starting your journey to find answers to help your child. It's not very informative for anyone who is already well on the journey, and already getting the appropriate help for their child.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I will pass it on to some of the parents of my students.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading/Multisensory methods/high spatial and low verbal learners. I will pass it on!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to help educators and parents look at ways to encourage students who have been let down in their education.

[Jennifer Dinsmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an okay book, but not what I was looking for...

[Ida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for parents who are frustrated with their child.