Empower Dyslexic Students with Successful Tools and Strategies

Posted by Erica Warren on Jun 21, 2021

Students with dyslexia require a comprehensive approach to learning and strategy based instruction, because many of these capable learners are not accommodated by traditional teaching methods. In addition to carrying the weight of their cognitive based weaknesses, these young learners work full tilt trying to make sense of taxing instruction. By the time they get home and have to complete their homework, most are mentally exhausted. As a result, taking away any down time and adding remedial lessons to an already weary and discourage learner can be enough to turn these kids off to learning altogether.

How Can We Help Students with Dyslexia Learn the Core Skills and Strategies Needed to be Successful Learners?

First, use a remedial program that is backed by time, testimonials and research. The Orton-Gillingham approach to reading is a well-established and researched approach that offers a multisensory, sequential, incremental, cumulative, individualized, and explicit approach. There are many programs that are available. Click here to learn about a selection of these programs.
Address the cognitive based weaknesses associated with dyslexia. These often include rapid automatic naming (RAN) and word finding, working memory, memory, visual processing, auditory processing and executive functioning skills. What’s more, many of these learners have a poor academic self concept and require strategies to build their resilience.
Second, employ an individualized approach as each student has unique challenges and gaps in knowledge. If you need to assess the areas that require remediation be sure to use an assessment tool such as the Good Sensory Learning Reading Assessment Good Sensory Learning Spelling Assessment and Remedial Approach
Third, utilize a fun and engaging method. Many programs required students to slog through boring lessons, complicated rules, and bland workbook pages. However, many of these concepts can be instructed through cute memory strategies and fun activities. You can find many engaging supplemental materials here.
Fourth, integrate a student-created, colorful, language arts handbook or guide. Click here to learn more about this method. You can do the same thing for math. To learn more Click Here
Fifth, help students learn how to visualize what they are reading, scenes before they write, as well as the lessons they learn in class. Many struggling learners do not have the cognitive space to use their mind's eye when encoding information. Therefore, providing a scaffolded approach and helping them develop this skill to automaticity is key. To learn about the research behind visualization and learning as well as how to teach this needed skill click here.
Sixth, and most important, supplement all programs with card and board games that allow students to practice the concepts they are learning. This brings the fun factor into learning and can help to nurture a love for reading.

Where Can I Find a Comprehensive, Multisensory and Remedial Approach?

The Dyslexia Remedial Bundle offers a discounted selection of Dr. Warren's digital download publications that can be used to strengthen and remediate the cognitive weaknesses associated with dyslexia.

Below are the publications included in this bundle. When you click on the name, you will be guided to the product page in another window. Here you can learn about each publication.

All these products can be printed in black and white or color. I use most of the products in my private practice on my iPad with students both online and in person. By using the free app, Zoom, students can do many of the activities on a computer or tablet. Here is a video I created to share this strategy. https://youtu.be/yRvozyE-BpU

Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.