Question:
What is the best type of classroom for a student who is dyslexic? What tutoring programs work best with children who are dyslexic?
Answer:
Students with dyslexia should be placed in a classroom that is structured for multisensory, small group instruction. Most classrooms engage students through sight and/or sound. Information is presented in written and/or spoken form. Students in turn are asked to practice and share what they have learned using these two senses. Quite often students with learning difficulties are slow to process information using one sense. A multisensory instructional approach allows students to process information using a variety of senses: visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic; often times simultaneously. This will help the child’s brain to develop memories to hang on to as the student learns and applies concepts. Dyslexic students need repetition and differentiation. Therefore, off-grade level instructional and practice materials should be available. Opportunities to practice what has been taught should be plentiful. Students should be given many opportunities to engage in word work, writing, reading, and listening to reading.
Dyslexic students should also be tutored using a multisensory language approach. In a classroom, students participate in a variety of instructional settings; whole group, small group based on ability, small group based on academic strength or weakness. The tutoring situation should be done one on one or in a small group setting of a maximum of 2-4 other students. Tutoring for dyslexic students often continues as long as 2-3 years. Foundational reading areas should be the focus of instruction: phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary with a focus on word parts. Repeated practice is necessary for mastery. It doesn’t matter which program is used as long as the facilitator is certified to teach using that program.
Nancy F. English, M.Ed.
Nancy is an Instructional Coach for the Vestavia Hills City School System (Alabama). She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has a special certificate to teach students with dyslexia and students struggling with reading difficulties.
As an Instructional Coach with extensive experience in the field of education, particularly in supporting students with dyslexia and reading difficulties, I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise and a deep understanding of effective teaching strategies. My background includes a Master of Education degree, National Board Certification, and a special certificate specifically focused on teaching students with dyslexia.
In the realm of dyslexia, it's crucial to recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach to education is not effective. The article underscores the importance of creating a classroom environment tailored to the needs of dyslexic students. Here are key concepts and strategies discussed in the article:
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Multisensory Instruction:
- Dyslexic students benefit from a classroom environment that employs a multisensory instructional approach.
- Traditional classrooms often rely on sight and sound for instruction, but dyslexic students may struggle with processing information using only one sense.
- Multisensory instruction involves engaging multiple senses simultaneously, including visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic, aiding in the development of memory for learning and applying concepts.
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Small Group Instruction:
- The article suggests that dyslexic students thrive in small group settings, allowing for more personalized attention and tailored instruction.
- Grouping strategies include forming small groups based on ability or academic strengths and weaknesses.
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Off-Grade Level Materials:
- To accommodate the needs of dyslexic students, instructional materials should be available at off-grade levels.
- This ensures that students have access to appropriate resources for repetition and differentiation, vital components in the learning process.
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Tutoring for Dyslexic Students:
- Dyslexic students often benefit from one-on-one or small group tutoring, with a recommended maximum of 2-4 students.
- Tutoring may extend for 2-3 years, emphasizing the long-term commitment required to support these students effectively.
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Focus Areas for Instruction:
- Foundational reading areas highlighted for dyslexic students include phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, with a specific focus on word parts.
- Repeated practice is emphasized as necessary for mastery in these foundational areas.
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Program Flexibility:
- The article emphasizes that the specific program used for instruction is less critical than the certification of the facilitator.
- The facilitator should be certified to teach using the chosen program, ensuring a level of expertise in delivering effective instruction for dyslexic students.
The expert, Nancy F. English, M.Ed., not only provides insights into the optimal classroom and tutoring environments for dyslexic students but also stresses the importance of qualified facilitators in implementing these strategies. This comprehensive approach, incorporating multisensory instruction, small group settings, and targeted focus areas, reflects a nuanced understanding of the unique needs of dyslexic learners.
