Creating a successful curriculum for children with dyslexia at home can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. By understanding what to include and what to avoid, parents can create a learning environment that supports their child's unique challenges.
In this blog post, we will explore essential components to consider when selecting a dyslexia curriculum, as well as discuss common reasons why some programs fall short in supporting children with dyslexia.
Understanding Dyslexia and Its Implications
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulity that affects how a person processes written language. Children with dyslexia often face challenges with reading, writing, and spelling. For example, it is estimated that up to 20% of the population has some form of dyslexia, yet many go undiagnosed. Recognizing these individual needs is critical when devising a homeschooling curriculum.
To help children succeed, educational strategies should be tailored specifically for their needs. This personalized approach can lead to significantly better learning outcomes. For example, the Orton-Gillingham method, which emphasizes structured, systematic teaching, has been rated highly effective for many dyslexic students.
Why is the Orton-Gillingham method the most preferred than other methods?
The Orton-Gillingham method is often preferred over other approaches for teaching individuals with dyslexia due to its structured, multi-sensory, and personalized nature. It emphasizes phonics and decoding skills, catering to different learning styles by incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques. The method is highly systematic, allowing for a gradual progression through levels of complexity, which can build students' confidence and proficiency. Additionally, it is backed by research and widely recognized as effective in addressing the specific challenges associated with dyslexia, making it a popular choice among educators and specialists focusing on literacy intervention.
How does the Davis and Orton-Gillingham methods differ?
A client recently inquired about the differences between the Orton-Gillingham and the Davis methods. Let's examine these two approaches more closely.
The Davis Method was developed by Ronald D. Davis in the 1980s, it focuses on visual-spatial learning and emphasizes the use of creative visualization techniques to help students manage their reading and writing challenges. The method encourages learners to become aware of their unique cognitive processes and aims to improve their ability to read and spell by tapping into their strengths in visual thinking.
However, the scientific backing for the Davis Method is limited compared to methods like Orton-Gillingham. While some anecdotal evidence and testimonials exist, there is a lack of extensive peer-reviewed research demonstrating the effectiveness of the Davis Method in improving literacy skills among individuals with dyslexia. Therefore, while it may be beneficial for some learners, it does not have the same robust evidence base as more established interventions.
The Orton-Gillingham method is a structured, multi-sensory teaching approach designed specifically for individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. It was developed by Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham in the early 20th century, emphasizing the importance of connecting phonics (the relationship between letters and sounds) with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning modalities. Orton-Gillinghan involves explicit instruction in reading, spelling, and writing, facilitating individualized learning through tailored lessons based on a student's specific needs.
The scientific backing for the Orton-Gillingham method is strong, as it is grounded in decades of research on reading development and dyslexia intervention. Numerous studies support its effectiveness in improving literacy skills among struggling readers, with findings showing that Orton-Gillingham is beneficial for diverse learners, including those with dyslexia and other learning differences. Organizations such as the International Dyslexia Association endorse Orton-Gillingham as an evidence-based approach, further affirming its reliability and widespread acceptance within the educational community.
Why is using scientifically backed methods important?
Scientific backing is important because it provides evidence that instructional methods, therapies, or interventions are effective and grounded in rigorous research. This evidence can validate the claims made by educators and practitioners, ensuring that they are using approaches that produce reliable and measurable outcomes. It helps to establish best practices, guiding educators in selecting strategies that are supported by data rather than anecdotal evidence. Additionally, scientific backing fosters accountability, enabling stakeholders—such as parents, schools, and policymakers—to make informed decisions about educational resources and interventions, ultimately promoting better outcomes for students.
What is Mulitsenory Learning?
Multisensory learning is an educational approach that engages multiple senses—such as sight, sound, touch, and movement—to enhance the learning experience and improve information retention. This method recognizes that individuals learn differently and that stimulating various senses can help reinforce concepts and skills. For instance, a multisensory lesson on phonics might involve students hearing sounds, seeing letters, and physically manipulating objects to represent sounds, which can be particularly beneficial for those with learning difficulties like dyslexia. By integrating these sensory experiences, multisensory learning aims to create more dynamic, interactive, and effective educational environments that cater to diverse learning styles and enhance overall comprehension and memory.
Who Can Benifit From Mulitsenory Learning?
All Children can benifit from multisensory learning but it is more benefit individuals, particularly those with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, or other reading and comprehension challenges. Additionally, it is effective for younger learners who are just developing their literacy skills, as it caters to various learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—allowing students to engage with the material in a more hands-on and integrated manner. Furthermore, all English language learners can also benefit from multisensory approaches, as they often need to grasp language concepts in multiple ways. Overall, this approach enhances comprehension and retention for all kinds of learners, making multisensory teaching beneficial for everyone when applied.
Essential Components of a Dyslexia Curriculum
1. Structured Literacy Approach
A structured literacy approach is at the heart of effective dyslexia curricula. This method focuses on explicit teaching in key areas such as phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension strategies. Studies indicate that students receiving structured literacy instruction surpass their peers in reading proficiency.
For example, the use of systematic phonics instruction can enhance not just reading skills but also improve spelling and writing abilities, reinforcing the learning process across all subjects.
2. Multisensory Techniques
Incorporating multisensory techniques is vital for helping dyslexic students learn effectively. Programs that engage visual, auditory, and tactile senses enhance learning experiences considerably.
For instance, using letter tiles or sandpaper letters while teaching spelling engages children’s sense of touch and sight. Likewise, integrating activities that involve drawing or crafting maps can make subjects like geography more interactive, encouraging deeper understanding.
3. Flexibility and Adaptability
A successful dyslexia curriculum must be flexible to cater to each child’s individual needs. Recognizing that no two children learn the same way is key. Understand how your child learns and how personalizing learning methods can improve retention rates for these children.
An adaptable curriculum allows children to progress at their own pace. For example, integrating extra time for complex math concepts can help students achieve mastery, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.
4. High-Quality Literature
Selecting high-quality literature is essential for keeping children engaged. Texts that resonate with a child’s interests significantly boost their motivation to read. Children who interact with a variety of engaging and interesting texts can greatly improve their outcomes.
Choosing a variety of literature—from adventurous fiction to informative non-fiction—can widen vocabulary exposure, making literary exploration both enjoyable and educational.
5. Frequent Progress Monitoring
Ongoing assessments can dramatically impact a child's learning pathway. Programs that implement regular evaluations help track improvements in reading and comprehension.
Studies have shown that children who receive regular feedback can boost their self-esteem and motivation, leading to increased confidence.
Programs that allow parents to identify areas needing support while celebrating achievements, creating a positive learning environment.
6. Family Involvement and Support
Family play a crucial role in a dyslexia curriculum. Programs that encourage family participation can create a nurturing learning atmosphere. Active family involvement in a child's learning can benefit the child by enhancing their performance.
When evaluating curriculum or resources, products that provide teaching materials for parents can assist them in effectively supporting their children in subjects such as math, reading, and more. An involved family can nurture resilience and a sense of belonging in their child's educational experience.
Why Do Some Programs Not Work?
Despite the availability of programs for children with dyslexia, many do not deliver effective results. Understanding these pitfalls can help parents select a curriculum that suits their child's needs.
1. One-Size-Fits-All Solutions
Many dyslexia programs use a one-size-fits-all approach, which can be ineffective. Since dyslexia uniquely affects each individual, a customized curriculum is critical for achieving positive results. Programs lacking the flexibility to adapt may not provide adequate support. Seek programs that permit the inclusion of additional resources, such as integrating other text, workbooks, images, or non-fiction books into your planning.
2. Lack of Emphasis on Multisensory Learning
Programs that overlook multisensory teaching miss critical opportunities for reinforcement. Children with dyslexia benefit from engaging multiple senses, making learning more effective. Without these elements, skills may not be solidified in students' minds.
3. Insufficient Progress Assessment
Curricula that do not feature solid progress assessment mechanisms can impede a child’s growth. Regular assessments help identify strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that teaching can evolve based on the child’s needs. Lack of feedback makes measuring progress difficult. When children recognize their learning progress, it enhances their confidence and motivation.
4. Inadequate Information for Educators
The success of a curriculum relies heavily on the quality of instruction. When educators have not received the correct instruction in dyslexia-specific approaches, the program's potential goes unrealized. Having fully scripted teacher manuals is essential for educators to effectively implement targeted strategies. When educators or parents lack this information, it diminishes the likelihood of the child meeting learning outcomes.
5. Ignoring Emotional Well-Being
Lastly, many programs focus solely on academic success, neglecting the emotional aspects of learning. Many children with dyslexia face challenges affecting their self-esteem. Effective programs should integrate social-emotional learning components, helping children build resilience while addressing their academic needs.
Final Thoughts
When homeschooling a child with dyslexia, choosing the right curriculum is crucial for success. By focusing on structured literacy, multisensory techniques, adaptability, high-quality literature, progress monitoring, and family involvement, parents can create a supportive educational environment.
By understanding the reasons some programs fail, parents can make informed decisions that meet their child's needs. With the right approach and resources, parents can help their children overcome learning barriers, equipping them with essential tools for academic and emotional growth. The journey may be challenging, but success is attainable with the right support.
The Educational Warehouse suggests the following programs for children who have difficulty learning or are dyslexic:
Literacy Units - Memoria Press - Others
We provide comprehensive consultations either over the phone or by appointment at our Gold Coast shop. I have personal experience in teaching a child with dyslexia, addressing these challenges, and finding or adapting resources to assist children with learning difficulties. We offer help in multiple forms, such as emotional support, guidance on education, or assistance with choosing a curriculum. This is a complimentary service with no obligation to purchase our products. It is our way of giving back to the homeschool community that has supported us on our journey for over 15 years.
Thank you for reading
Neralea Dell
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