How to Overcome the Educational Challenges Faced by Children with Dyslexia?

How to Overcome the Educational Challenges Faced by Children with Dyslexia?

1 in 5 kids have Dyslexia. Did you know that?

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder which is associated with trouble in learning to read. It is not a reflection of their intelligence but it is a gap between a child’s ability and achievement. Even though children with dyslexia have their own set of strengths and challenges, the most common difficulty they face is cracking the code of words.

They have a hard time decoding new words and manipulating the sounds in language. This results in spelling and writing difficulties. Since writing and spelling are vital in school curriculum, children with dyslexia fall behind their peers and dread taking a spelling test or a reading assignment.

Here are some tips for both parents and teachers which can help children with dyslexia to overcome their educational challenges.

Tips for Parents

• Be their Reading Coach

Having dyslexia doesn’t mean that children will never learn to read or write in the same pace as their peers. It just means that they need some extra assistance on a daily basis. You can be their reading coach and indulge them with various fun reading activities. They find it hard to read black print on white background, so use colored films laid over the page. Re-read their favorite story books and make them to read alone – both quietly and loud.

• Help with Organization

Children with dyslexia often find it difficult to organize their everyday tasks. Provide them with checklists and set routines to finish their homework and to get ready for school. Color-code their timetable so that it’s easy for them to identify. Help them to pack their school bags the night before and monitor their assignment due dates, quizzes, tests and exam schedules.

• Use Memory Strategies

Since children with dyslexia usually think in pictures, make them visualize the things you want them to remember. You can also represent the main points of a topic in drawings while revising. Do not give them more than two instructions at a time. To make it more memorable, ask them to repeat it back or visualize doing the action.

• Make use of Technology

Educational websites like SpellQuiz have spelling tests, vocabulary tests, sight words practice lists and fun quizzes. These are designed specifically for students of different grades and for adults as well. The dictation-based tests are perfect for improving listening skills, phonics, spelling, typing and comprehension skills.

Tips for Teachers

• Practice multisensory learning activities like writing words on sand, glitter, dough etc. It can help dyslexic children to process information using senses like touch and movement along with sight and hearing.

• Do not compare their performance with their peers or ask them to read out loud in the class. These might cause them embarrassment and take a toll on their self esteem.

• When it comes to homework and assignments, give them extra time if they need. You can also inform their parents about their homework schedule in advance, so that they can start preparing certain topics.

• Use mnemonic and other spelling strategies while teaching. Make sure not to overwhelm them and allow them to develop at their own speed.

• Writing with a pen can be quite tough for dyslexic students. So allow them to use computers to do their assignments and projects. This will improve their speed and quality of work.

Following these tips can help children with dyslexia to overcome the educational challenges faced by them. If you are planning to use SpellQuiz for your children or students, visit the website and click on spelling test grade 12 or any grade of your choice and get started.

Rate this article

No Comments

Leave a Comment