As a mother of college-aged and adult children, and also as the CEO of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, I’m acutely aware of the significance of Dyslexia Awareness Month. This month holds personal meaning for me, as I understand the importance of unraveling the mysteries surrounding dyslexia, not only in the context of my own family but also as a mission deeply embedded in my professional life.
My journey as a parent and an education professional has made me keenly aware that dyslexia is not just a childhood concern. It persists into adulthood and can impact one’s academic, professional, and personal life. Therefore, it is imperative that we foster understanding and support for individuals with dyslexia throughout their educational and life journey.
In this blog, I aim to share valuable insights and resources that can help both parents and educators empower students with dyslexia, whether they are in the early stages of their educational journey or navigating the challenges of higher education and beyond. Let’s join hands in this pursuit of inclusivity and support during Dyslexia Awareness Month and beyond.
The Prevalence of Dyslexia:
Dyslexia, affecting approximately 15% to 20% of students across age, culture, and socioeconomic backgrounds, is a condition that doesn’t diminish with time; it persists throughout an individual’s life. This wide prevalence highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to understanding and supporting individuals with dyslexia, ranging from early education to college-aged and adult stages. By acknowledging the universality of dyslexia, we can collectively champion inclusivity and provide effective support, dispelling myths and fostering a continuous commitment to awareness and understanding, well beyond Dyslexia Awareness Month.
Best Practices in Reading Instruction:
Advancements in brain science have brought best practices in reading instruction to the forefront. Educators must stay informed about these techniques, as they can better identify and assist students with dyslexia in their learning journey. Multisensory activities that involve touch, sight, and sound simultaneously can help reinforce reading skills. Recognizing that each student with dyslexia has unique strengths and challenges, it’s essential to tailor instruction to individual needs. Personalized learning paths can help students progress at their own pace, focusing on their specific areas of difficulty. Regularly reading aloud to students with dyslexia can improve their listening skills and comprehension. Audiobooks and read-aloud sessions can make the learning process more enjoyable and accessible. Lastly, building a student’s self-esteem and confidence is crucial. Positive reinforcement, praise for effort, and celebrating small achievements can go a long way in motivating students with dyslexia to persist in their reading and writing efforts. By utilizing some of the above-mentioned best practices, educators can create a more effective and inclusive learning environment for students with dyslexia.
Understanding Dyslexia:
In an interview with experts, Dr. Suzanne Carreker and Lee-Ann Tolfree Mertzlufft, we delve into what dyslexia is and how educators can enhance their understanding of this learning difference. Additionally, we explore how to best meet the unique needs of students with dyslexia in today’s educational landscape.
Early Recognition and Intervention:
Dyslexia can often appear as an “invisible” learning impairment. This is why early recognition and intervention are vital. Educators should be able to identify warning signs and provide the appropriate interventions to help students become successful readers. Some warning signs include difficulty with phonological awareness, slow or laborious reading, and poor reading comprehension.
Emergent Bilingual Students and Dyslexia:
In the past, the needs of emergent bilingual students (English Language Learners) and students with dyslexia were sometimes conflated, leading to unnecessary referrals to special education classes. Educators should have a clear plan in place to ensure equitable access to resources and culturally appropriate instruction.
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD):
Understanding the signs of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is crucial. School leaders can share with educators the six most common signs in students, and ongoing professional learning is essential to expand teachers’ capacity to meet the specific needs of students with DLD. These signs of DLD may vary in severity but include limited vocabulary, difficulty with grammar, problems with understanding and following directions, difficulty with storytelling, word-finding difficulties, and difficulty in social situations.
Supporting Literacy:
When it comes to supporting students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, understanding how these students’ brains process information is vital for effective learning. It’s not just about what to teach but how to teach it. Teachers need to recognize that traditional teaching methods may not work for every student, and a more flexible, inclusive approach is necessary.
Lexia Core5 Reading:
A comprehensive guide offers insights into commonly used interventions appropriate for students with dyslexia and discusses scientifically proven techniques used in Lexia Core5 Reading to support these students. This resource covers areas such as phonological awareness, phonics support, vocabulary, comprehension, and multisensory learning opportunities.
Dyslexia Awareness Month encourages us to debunk myths, deepen our understanding, and equip educators with the tools they need to support students with dyslexia effectively. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, where all students, regardless of their learning differences, have the opportunity to succeed. This month and beyond, let’s continue to promote awareness and understanding of dyslexia, striving for a more inclusive educational landscape.
Resources:
Lexia Learning. (2023, August 3). 8 Dyslexia Resources for Educators: A Curated List. [Web Page]. Retrieved from https://www.lexialearning.com/blog/8-dyslexia-resources-for-educators-curated-list
