Teaching Strategies for students with dyslexia?

Question

I have an assignment as part of my studies and thus far, even though i have called a few 'associations' in my state, have not really had much luck with the teaching strategies I would use as a teacher of a student with dyslexia. My question is: what are the possible teaching strategies to use with a student who has dyslexia?

Answer 1

Dyslexia is a catch all term for not being able to read. It is really a Specific Learning Disability. Below are some of the possible learning disabilities associated with "dyslexia" and some strategies.

Visual Sequencing Disorder - Unable to perceive the order of stimuli in which they appear. Problems in arranging pictures of events in the sequence in which they are presented, in copying the alphabet or numbers in the correct order, or in seeing the order of letters in words. Problems in using a separate answer sheet. Loses place easily. Problems with reading. Reversing or misreading numbers of letters. Reading words incorrectly. Difficulty with equations. Read directions aloud. Provide oral instruction. Write on the overhead. Color code things written down. When writing questions on the board, change color every other question. Use graphic organizers for writing concepts or essays.

Visual Memory Disorder - Difficulty remembering what was seen. Reading comprehension problems. Difficulty with math equations. Poor recall of information. Provide handouts that are clearly written. Provide oral instruction accompanied by a desk copy of what was said..

Visual Motor Integration Disorder  - Problems with visual analysis/visual spatial ability, motor coordination, visual conceptualization, or visual-motor integration. Difficulty getting information  from the brain to the hand. Mechanical problems in test taking. Difficulty copying from board or book. Spaces poorly. Poor written work. Unorganized. Allow use of computer. Tape recorder for lectures. Substitute oral reports. Provide individual written outlines so there are fewer steps to process. In math or science require answers only for calculations. Use graph paper. Have "note check". Provide note-buddy. Lower standards for acceptable writing.

Visual Figure Ground Disorder - Trouble seeing an image within a competing background.  Difficulty picking out one line of print from another while reading. Use an index card or marker when reading to blot out distraction of other words.

Visual Discrimination Disorder -  Difficulty seeing the difference between two similar objects Clearly space words/problems on a page.

Visual Attention Disorder - Difficulty maintaining attention during the reading of long passages. Enlarge all materials and allow reading in short time periods with a break.

Visual Processing Disorder -  Refers to a hindered ability to make sense of information taken in through the eyes. Affects how visual information is interpreted, or processed by the brain. Make sure reading is at or slightly below reading ability level. Allow extra time. Enlarge print. Have student sub-vocalize while reading. Provide graphic organizers for content area reading.

There are many more, but these are the ones that are most commonly seen.

Answer 2

Firstly you need to develop a good understanding of Dyslexia and how it may affect the student, each student is different and the effects may vary.

How best to assist/support a Dyslexic student;

When students are to copy notes from the board the teacher should write each paragraph in a different colour, ensuring that writing is well spaced. This will help the student keep track of where they are up too.

When teachers hand out notes and assignments use different coloured paper, you need to experiment with different colours to suit the student. (My daughter and I read handouts better if they are on buff coloured paper)

Assignments/homework etc need to be well defined and in point form, for ease of understanding for the student and their parent.

Where the student has to do hand written work, they should underline or circle words they have trouble spelling. (often they will become frustrated in trying to find the correct spelling in the dictionary)

Give the student a list of the most common misspelled words, including words that sound similar e.g their, there & they're (I can promise you these type of words will get me every time, and I have to check the dictionary for the correct word and its context)

Extra time for assignments if needed, but never let them use it as an excuse for every assignment. Also accept a draft so you can keep a track of where they are up to, and steer them in the right direction if needed. Let them hand in assignments typed with hand written notes as proof of ownership.

Avoid asking the student to read aloud in the class, as this is very distressing, embarrassing and demoralizing.

Exams of test give extra time to complete or organize to do a verbal test.

Dyslexic friendly fonts is Comic Sans Ms, letters are well formed and it does not have that stupid upside down "a".

I have included some links which may help you.