Teaching Students with Dyslexia

Teaching Students with Dyslexia

Have you ever found yourself in a classroom observing a student who seems to struggle with reading, writing, or language skills in general? It’s not uncommon for teachers to encounter students who face challenges in these areas.

Sometimes, you may notice signs of delay or difficulty in certain students. They might struggle to decode words accurately, have trouble with spelling, or read at a slower pace compared to their peers. Their writing might be filled with errors, and they may find it challenging to express their ideas clearly.

These students might also struggle to follow instructions, have difficulties with sequencing events, or show confusion when differentiating similar sounds or letters. It’s in these moments that you realize there might be more to their learning struggles.

Language teachers, in particular, are likely to encounter students with dyslexia in their classrooms. Dyslexia, a learning difficulty that primarily affects reading and writing skills, is estimated to affect around 10% of the population, according to the British Dyslexia Association.

However, some researchers argue that this number could be as high as 20%. Many individuals with dyslexia remain unaware of their condition.

Recognizing Dyslexia: Signs for Teachers

It is crucial for us teachers to recognize the signs of dyslexia in our students. Although dyslexia manifests differently in each individual, there are common signs that educators can observe. Here are some indicators that may suggest a student has dyslexia:

• Difficulty with reading and decoding words accurately.
• Poor spelling and frequent spelling errors.
• Slow reading speed and challenges with fluency.
• Difficulty recognizing and differentiating between similar sounds or phonemes.
• Reversing or confusing letters, such as b/d or p/q.
• Struggling with remembering and following multi-step instructions.
• Poor handwriting and inconsistent letter formation.
• Difficulty organizing thoughts and expressing ideas in writing.
• Challenges with sequencing events or understanding chronological order.
• Strong oral communication skills but struggles with written language.

These signs should not be used as a definitive diagnosis but can serve as a starting point for identifying students who may benefit from additional support.

Meet Boelo Van der Pool

Boelo Van der Pool is a Language Coach and Director of a renowned school in Spain. With almost 23 years of experience in the field, Boelo has been actively involved in international projects focusing on special educational needs, particularly dyslexia.

His passion for dyslexia and language learning was sparked during his involvement in an Erasmus+ project that shed light on the challenges faced by dyslexic individuals. Boelo realized that there was a lack of resources and support available for dyslexic students in language learning, which inspired him to create innovative methods to address these needs.

Understanding Dyslexia’s Impact on Language Learning

When considering dyslexia’s impact on language learning, Boelo emphasizes the importance of understanding the difficulties faced by dyslexic students. He believes that grasping the underlying logic and philosophical aspects of a language is crucial for mastering it.

However, traditional language teaching often relies heavily on grammar rules, which can be abstract and challenging for dyslexic learners. Boelo highlights that dyslexic individuals often have a unique way of perceiving and understanding language, characterized by their kinesthetic and visual learning styles.

These differences require teachers to adapt their teaching methods and create an inclusive learning environment that addresses the needs of all students.

Adapting Teaching Strategies for Dyslexia

Elaborating further on Boelo’s practical strategies for supporting dyslexic students in language learning, there are additional tips that teachers can implement:

1.- Use Multisensory Teaching Approaches:

Dyslexic students often benefit from multisensory teaching methods that engage multiple senses simultaneously. Incorporating visual aids, gestures, and manipulatives can enhance their understanding and retention of language concepts.

2.- Provide Explicit Instruction:

Dyslexic students benefit from explicit and structured instruction. Break down complex language concepts into smaller, more manageable steps. Clearly explain rules, provide examples, and offer guided practice to reinforce learning.

3.- Utilize Assistive Technology:

Technology can be a valuable tool for dyslexic students. Speech-to-text software, such as dictation apps, can help alleviate the challenges they face when writing. Text-to-speech software, like screen readers, can assist with reading comprehension. Encourage students to use dyslexia-friendly apps and tools that provide additional support.

4.- Offer Extended Time for Assignments and Assessments:

Dyslexic students may require more time to complete assignments and assessments due to the challenges they face with reading and writing. Providing extended time can alleviate the pressure and allow them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

5.- Encourage Note-Taking and Organization Strategies:

Dyslexic students can benefit from note-taking strategies that promote organization and comprehension. Teach them techniques such as mind mapping, highlighting key points, and creating visual cues to aid in information recall

6.- Foster a Supportive Classroom Environment:

Create an inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe and comfortable asking questions and seeking help. Encourage peer collaboration and provide opportunities for dyslexic students to share their strengths and unique perspectives.

7.- Collaborate with Learning Support Specialists:

Work closely with learning support specialists or resource teachers who specialize in dyslexia. They can provide additional insights, strategies, and resources to support dyslexic students effectively.

8.- Educate Parents on Dyslexia:

Communication with parents is crucial in supporting dyslexic students. Educate parents about dyslexia, its impact on language learning, and effective strategies they can implement at home to reinforce learning.

Fostering Self-Esteem and Emotional Intelligence

Recognizing the emotional impact of dyslexia is essential for both teachers and parents. Dyslexic students often carry a heavy emotional backpack filled with frustration and a belief that they are incapable of learning.

Boelo emphasizes the importance of building self-esteem as a foundation for language learning. He encourages teachers and parents to help students understand that dyslexia is not a disability but a different way of processing information. By providing a safe and supportive environment, students can develop the confidence to overcome challenges and succeed in language learning.

Empowering Dyslexic Students in Language Learning

Remember, these strategies should be implemented in a flexible and individualized manner, as each dyslexic student may have unique strengths and challenges.

By understanding their needs and providing appropriate support, teachers can create an inclusive learning environment that empowers dyslexic students to thrive in language learning.

By Teacher Little Mary