The best teaching for dyslexia involves Structured Literacy, particularly methods like Orton-Gillingham, focusing on explicit, systematic, cumulative, and multisensory instruction (using sight, sound, touch, movement) in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, supported by assistive technology like text-to-speech. Key elements include multisensory techniques, explicit phonics, breaking down information, visual aids, and accommodations like audiobooks and extra time.
The Orton–Gillingham Method
This popular method has long been used to teach children with dyslexia how to read. By focusing on the connection between letters and their sounds, children can assign more meaning to the language and develop better overall comprehension.
How can teachers make classrooms dyslexia-friendly?
Many people - including dyslexic individuals - prefer practical, hands-on teaching methods and learn more efficiently if they are using all sensory pathways. Sitting for long periods just listening is often not an effective way of delivering information!
Typically, dyslexic students do best with multisensory approaches such as the Orton-Gillingham system or The Wilson Method. You'll want to inquire about the teachers' backgrounds and qualifications in the area of dyslexia.
Look for a curriculum that uses an explicit, systematic, and cumulative approach, like Orton-Gillingham, to build a solid foundation. Prioritize multisensory learning: Children with dyslexia learn best when they engage multiple senses.
Read to Students
While dyslexic students may struggle to read independently, they benefit greatly from someone reading to them. While they may be reading below grade level on their own, their listening comprehension is usually equal to or above that of their peers.
Understanding and supporting individuals with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Dyspraxia is essential for fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment. These disorders can also coincide with other conditions such as ADHD and Autism, requiring a comprehensive approach.
Teachers can help students with dyslexia in the classroom by creating a supportive and accessible learning environment that meets students where they are. Two impactful approaches include Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning.
Dyslexic pupils are placed near to the front of the class within easy view of the teacher. 4. Dyslexic pupils are positioned so that they have a clear view of the board. 5. Dyslexic pupils have sufficient space to accommodate their work, particularly left handers.
Spelling Accommodations
Traditional ways of teaching spelling don't work with dyslexic students. While we teach them spelling in a different way, we ask that you: Do not grade spelling tests and do not let student spend hours practicing spelling.
The recommended seven hands-on learning strategies that can promote learning and support for struggling readers during literacy instruction include Build the Words, Feel the Words, Whole Body Letters, Five Finger Retell, Sight Word BINGO, Elkonin Boxes, and Word Swat.
For example, Orton-Gillingham is a multi-faceted approach that was created specifically for dyslexics. It teaches reading, writing, and spelling by using auditory, visual, and tactile measures. Many other reading and writing programs utilize the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Use peer-mediated learning.
The teacher can pair peers of different ability levels to review their notes, study for a test, read aloud to each other, write stories, or conduct laboratory experiments. Also, a partner can read math problems for students with reading problems to solve.
Methods of teaching
There are four types of dyslexia in common those are; Phonological dyslexia, surface dyslexia, rapid naming deficit, and double deficit dyslexia.
Think multi-sensory. Using as many of the senses as possible at the same time. By using multi-sesnsory teaching methods, you are tapping into more areas of the brain so learning and memory can really take place.
Provide additional practice activities. Provide over learning activities to embed learning. This could include instructional games, peer teaching activities, self-correcting materials, computer software programs, and additional worksheets.
They may be very creative with art or good at sport or in their ability to manage a group of people for a common cause or with their social interaction, for example a dyslexic may not draw well but instead they may be very co-ordinated at sports.) Dyslexic strengths include: Good problem solvers. Creative.
Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills. It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently.
The BDA Level 7 Diploma in Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention (AMBDA and AMBDA FE/HE) provides training for individuals who already hold ATS/APS (or equivalent) and have a professional interest in assessment for dyslexia.
Bill Gates, one of the richest people in the world didn't let his dyslexia hold him back.
How should a dyslexic child be taught to read? Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP) is widely regarded as the most successful approach to teaching reading and spelling. It follows the principles of Structured Literacy, research proven by The Science of Reading.
Both mothers and fathers can pass dyslexia on to their children if either parent has it. There is roughly a 50% – 60% chance of a child developing dyslexia if one of their parents has it.
The recommended seven hands-on learning strategies that can promote learning and support for struggling readers during literacy instruction include Build the Words, Feel the Words, Whole Body Letters, Five Finger Retell, Sight Word BINGO, Elkonin Boxes, and Word Swat. Young children learn in a variety of sensory ways.