If you’re a teacher, you may have noticed that not all students learn in the same way. Some students may struggle more than others, making it even more difficult to teach them reading comprehension. This is especially true for students with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read and spell. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 7 practical tips for teaching dyslexic students reading comprehension.

1. Use Multi-Sensory Strategies

Dyslexic students often have difficulties with visual processing and can benefit from multi-sensory strategies. By incorporating different senses such as touch, sight, and hearing, these students can better understand the material presented. For example, you can use flashcards with images, and have students describe the image using their own words.

👉 Example: 🖍️✏️📝

2. Break Tasks into Smaller Units

Another strategy that can be beneficial for dyslexic students is to break tasks into smaller units. This makes it easier for them to remember and process information. For example, when teaching them new vocabulary words, break down each word into syllables and have them repeat the syllables in order.

👉 Example: 🕰️🔑🚪

3. Encourage Oral Expression

One of the challenges that dyslexic students face is difficulty expressing themselves in written form. Encouraging oral expression can help these students overcome this challenge. In addition to verbal expression, you can also use mind-mapping tools to help them organize their thoughts.

👉 Example: 🗣️🎤💡

4. Teach Reading Strategies

It’s important to teach reading strategies to dyslexic students in order to improve their comprehension. Some strategies include making predictions before reading, summarizing what was read, and asking questions about the material. These strategies can help them understand what they are reading better.

👉 Example: 📚🔍🤔

5. Provide Extended Time for Tests

Dyslexic students may need more time to process information and complete tests. Providing extended time for tests can help reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with being rushed. This will also allow these students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge without being hindered by their disability.

👉 Example: ⏰👨‍🎓📝

6. Use Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can be a valuable tool for dyslexic students. There are a variety of tools available such as audiobooks, text-to-speech software, and speech-to-text software that can help these students better understand and communicate information.

👉 Example: 📱🎧🗣️

7. Foster a Positive Learning Environment

Finally, it’s important to foster a positive learning environment for dyslexic students. The more comfortable and confident they feel, the more open and willing they will be to learn. Celebrate each student’s progress and achievements, and provide positive feedback as much as possible.

👉 Example: 🤗🌟🏆

And those are just a few of the practical tips for teaching dyslexic students reading comprehension. Remember that each student is unique, and what works for one student may not work for another. It’s important to be patient, flexible, and willing to try different strategies to find what works best for each student.

A teacher with a dyslexic student using a multi-sensory approach.

Overall, teaching dyslexic students reading comprehension may seem challenging, but with the right strategies and approach, it can be done effectively. These students have a unique way of processing information, but with the help of dedicated teachers, they can succeed.

A group of students sitting in a classroom, focusing and engaging in learning.