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Dyslexia Learning Strategies That Work

Empowering Success through Effective Interventions

Aubrey Gonzales

Aug 18, 2023

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to read, write, spell, and sometimes even speak. While dyslexia presents unique challenges, individuals with this condition can excel in various areas with the right interventions and learning strategies. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective dyslexia learning strategies that provide the necessary support for reading, writing, spelling, and overall academic success.

Understanding Dyslexia: A Brief Overview

Before delving into strategies, let's briefly understand dyslexia. Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties processingphonological information, which is essential for linking sounds to letters and recognizing words. Individuals with dyslexiaoften struggle with accurate and fluent word recognition, which can impact comprehension and other academic skills. It's important to note that dyslexia is not indicative of intelligence; many individuals with dyslexia have average or above-average intelligence. For example, Albert Einstein was believed to have dyslexia, yet he is widely recognized as one of the most intelligent scientists in history. 

1. Multisensory Learning: A Key to Unlocking Reading Potential

One of the most widely recognized approaches for teaching dyslexic learners is multisensory learning. This approach engages multiple senses - visual, auditory, and kinesthetic - to enhance learning. Multisensory techniques help build stronger connections in the brain, making it easier for individuals with dyslexia to process and retain information.

For reading, a research-based multisensory strategy is the Orton-Gillingham approach. This method focuses on breaking down words into their smallest sound components, or phonemes, and then building them back up. It involves auditory drills, tactile activities (like tracing letters), and visual aids to reinforce the connections between sounds and letters.

2. Phonics Instruction: Bridging Sounds and Letters

Phonics instruction is a fundamental strategy for dyslexic students. Teaching the relationship between sounds and letters helps individuals decode words more accurately. Phonics-based approaches can be particularly effective when combined with multisensory techniques. For instance, using letter tiles to build words while simultaneously saying the corresponding sounds can reinforce the phonics concept.

3. Reading Comprehension Strategies: Unveiling the Meaning

While dyslexia often affects word-level reading, comprehension can also be challenging. To enhance reading comprehension, consider using explicit strategies like visualization. Encourage the reader to create mental images of the content as they read. This multisensory approach helps comprehension and retention of the material. We also encourage students to utilize audiobooks. This will increase vocabulary, comprehension, retention, and enable dyslexic learners to bypass the hurdle of reading in order to expand their learning.

4. Writing Assistance: From Thoughts to Words

Writing can be daunting for students with dyslexia due to difficulties translating thoughts into written words. To support writing skills, consider using speech-to-text software. This technology allows individuals to express their ideas verbally, which can then be transcribed into written form. It's a powerful tool that bridges the gap between creative thoughts and the act of writing.

5. Study Skills Tailored for Success

Dyslexia can impact study skills, making it challenging to organize thoughts and retain information. Mind mapping, a visual tool that captures and connects ideas, can be immensely helpful. This technique assists in breaking down complex concepts into more manageable, interconnected pieces of information. This technique can also help dyslexic students to better understand the material they are studying. It also helps them to better recall information, as the visual cues can help to jog their memory.

6. Hire an Orton-Gilligham Tutor

Tutoring can transform dyslexic learners' educational journeys. Tutors who specialize in dyslexia have the expertise to provide personalized instruction, addressing the unique learning challenges dyslexics face. They use evidence-based strategies like multisensory learning, phonics instruction, and other strategies to improve reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension. Dyslexic learners' self-confidence is built through tutoring, which fosters a positive attitude towards learning. One-on-one tutoring allows tutors to match their teaching style to the student's pace and strengths. Learning from a tutor not only improves academic skills, but also gives dyslexics emotional encouragement, reminding them they can succeed and achieve their full potential.

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