For dyslexic children, learning English can be a real pain. However, children with learning disabilities can still learn to read, write, and speak English. In fact, a learner with reading difficulties can gain fluency in the language.
Dyslexics struggle when it comes to reading comprehension and the written language. As a result, it can take them longer when it comes to learning to read. Having a learning disability when learning a language can be traumatic, especially when you're not getting all the support they need. Parents of children with dyslexia often have a few concerns:
- Is dyslexia insurmountable? Will it limit my child’s options?
- Will they be able to fully integrate into the community?
- How can you teach dyslexic children English?
- What methods could help them get better at English?
You’d like them to have a normal life in school and learn English just like their classmates do. Especially given that English is now essential for their futures.
Don’t panic, nothing’s impossible! There is a lot of help available for people with dyslexia and developmental or learning difficulties such as cognitive therapy and nowadays the condition is much better understood than it was in the past. Here are some steps you can take to teach your child English when they are dyslexic or have a reading disability.
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What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects the ability to read, write, and spell. It is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain processes language. Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence, and it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
People with dyslexia often have difficulty with phonological processing, which is the ability to break down words into their sounds. This can make it difficult to learn to read and write, as well as to understand spoken language. Dyslexia can also affect other areas of learning, such as math and science.
There is no cure for dyslexia, but there are many ways to manage it. Early diagnosis and intervention can help children with dyslexia learn to read and write. There are also a variety of assistive technologies that can help people with dyslexia succeed in school and in the workplace.
If you think you or your child may have dyslexia, it is important to seek professional help. A qualified diagnostician can evaluate your child's skills and determine if they have dyslexia. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a big difference in the life of a child with dyslexia.
In India, there are an estimated 10 million children with dyslexia. This number is likely an underestimate, as many children with dyslexia are not diagnosed. Dyslexia can make it difficult for children to learn English, which is the official language of India.
Dyslexia In India
In India, 14% of school-going children are affected by dyslexia, highlighting the crucial need for an inclusive education system. Dyslexia presents a learning disability, posing challenges in reading and writing tasks, yet it does not reflect the affected children's intelligence, as they often have average or above-average IQ levels. Historically, Indian educators were not well-informed about learning disabilities, leading to a lack of support within the education system for these children. This resulted in limited learning opportunities and unfair treatment.
However, there is a growing awareness of learning disabilities in India, prompting educators to recognize these challenges as hidden disabilities or learning differences, rather than labeling affected students as unintelligent. This shift in mindset aims to acknowledge the potential and capabilities of all students.
The increased awareness of learning disabilities can be credited to various factors, including the 2007 film 'Taare Zameen Par', which was the first in Indian cinema to address this issue. Additionally, organizations like UNESCO and Dyslexic Advantage have contributed through workshops. For instance, in 2016, Dyslexic Advantage conducted workshops for 980 government schools in India. The government has also taken steps to support individuals with learning disabilities, incorporating provisions for them in 'THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016' CHAPTER III EDUCATION.
It emphasizes that teachers should assist students with learning disabilities, providing necessary accommodations during exams, such as readers, scribes, and extra time. Furthermore, it encourages early detection of these disabilities, as early intervention can make overcoming them easier with structured interventions.
Help with Dyslexia: How to Teach Children to Read & Write
A dyslexic child can quickly fall behind at school and struggle with literacy if the teacher isn't aware of the child's condition. Even when the teacher is aware of it, they mightn’t have the time to provide the proper support for a dyslexic child due to having a full class or the school not having the necessary support.
This could result in their classmates making fun of them when they get bad grades. As a result, their time at school might turn into a nightmare.
Dyslexia, dysgraphia, dysorthographia, and dyspraxia affect between 6 and 8% of children. How can you get over this disorder and improve your level in English?
Find information about any online English-speaking course here.
To learn English online or in school with dyslexia, you should look for resources and methods tailored specifically to those with the disorder. You should also be very patient and not run the risk of demotivating them. After all, once they begin working using the correct approach, they'll be able to learn the language just as quickly as any other child!
Teaching English to a dyslexic child requires a multisensory approach that engages different learning styles and reinforces the connection between letters, sounds, and words. Here are some strategies that can be helpful:
- Use a multisensory approach: Engage the child's senses by incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities. For example, use flashcards with large, clear letters, have the child trace letters with their finger, and practice sounding out words.
- Break down words into smaller parts: Teach the child to recognize and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) and letter patterns (graphemes). Use phonics instruction to help them connect letters to sounds and build words.
- Provide explicit instruction: Give the child direct and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Use structured lessons and materials that are designed for dyslexic learners.
- Encourage reading: Make reading a positive and enjoyable experience. Provide the child with books and materials that are at their reading level and that interest them. Encourage them to read aloud and provide positive reinforcement.
- Use technology: There are many educational apps and software programs available that can help dyslexic children learn to read and write. These tools can provide interactive and engaging activities that reinforce learning.
It's important to remember that every child is different, so it's important to tailor the teaching approach to the individual child's needs. Working with a qualified educator or speech-language pathologist who has experience working with dyslexic children can be beneficial in developing an effective teaching plan.
What Is the Best Teaching Method For Dyslexia?
The best teaching method for dyslexia is one that is multisensory, structured, and explicit. Multisensory teaching methods engage multiple senses, such as sight, hearing, and touch, to help students learn. Structured teaching methods break down skills into smaller steps and teach them in a logical order. Explicit teaching methods directly teach students the skills they need to know, rather than expecting them to learn them indirectly.
Some specific teaching methods that are effective for dyslexia include:
- The Orton-Gillingham approach: This approach is based on the idea that dyslexia is caused by a deficit in phonological processing. It uses a multisensory approach to teach students the relationship between letters and sounds.
- The Wilson Reading System: This approach is also based on the idea that dyslexia is caused by a deficit in phonological processing. It uses a structured approach to teach students the skills they need to read and write.
- The Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes: This approach is based on the idea that dyslexia is caused by a deficit in visual-spatial processing. It uses a multisensory approach to teach students the skills they need to read and write.
In addition to these specific teaching methods, several general teaching strategies can be helpful for students with dyslexia. These include:
- Providing explicit instruction: Students with dyslexia need to be explicitly taught the skills they need to read and write. This means that teachers need to directly teach students the relationship between letters and sounds, the rules of grammar, and the strategies for reading and writing.
- Using multisensory materials: Students with dyslexia learn best when they can engage multiple senses. This means that teachers should use materials that are visual, auditory, and tactile.
- Breaking down tasks into smaller steps: Students with dyslexia often find it easier to learn when tasks are broken down into smaller steps. This means that teachers should break down reading and writing tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Providing frequent practice: Students with dyslexia need frequent practice to develop their skills. This means that teachers should provide students with opportunities to practice reading and writing regularly.
- Encouraging students: Students with dyslexia often need encouragement to succeed. This means that teachers should praise students for their efforts and accomplishments, and help them to develop a positive attitude about learning.
The advantage of learning English from tutorials is that the tutor can focus on alleviating the reading problems caused by dyslexia and putting the child back on track in terms of their development.
These tutorials have to be fun and the educator has to be patient and listen. Find a teacher who can work with the student's strengths and weaknesses and focus on auditory learning techniques, reading aloud, and tutoring methods tailored for a student with a reading disorder.
Being a good listener is an academic support tutor’s most important quality. When a child with learning problems struggles to learn a word, they might get frustrated. The tutor need to be patient and calm throughout!
The tutor needs to adapt their rhythm to the student. They need to make a concerted effort to encourage their student and ensure that their tutorials are never boring!
For example, the English tutor could create a dialogue to be read aloud. The tutor could help engage the dyslexic student’s memory by associating certain English words with colours. Once class is finished, the student will have a diagram they can use to associate the words with the colors.
To teach them English, the tutor will often need to work using simple exercises focusing on recognizing certain letters. By repeating them and hearing them, the student will remember them better.
They can then move towards school exercises for dyslexic people that focus on their literacy skills.
Fortunately, the issues caused by dyslexia can be focused on and addressed. There are plenty of methodologies that can be used to help those with reading disability read and write, even in a foreign language.
Speech and language therapists and occupational therapists can also help those struggling with dyslexia and there are even specialised schools and classes dedicated to those with dyslexia.
Find out about reputable English speaking classes near me with professional English teachers from all over India on Superprof.
Travelling Could Help Overcome Dyslexia
Your childhood can be defined by traveling. Whether you're dyslexic or not, it’s always a good idea to travel throughout your life.
Furthermore, thanks to things like budget airlines, it’s never been easier to travel.
You can overcome dyslexia and teach very young children English.
Immersion is the best way to learn English. However, deciding to move away isn’t always a decision you can take lightly, even if it is for such a good cause. There are a few ways to do this, though:
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Study programmes
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Working holiday visas
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Road trips
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International volunteering
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Solidarity or humanitarian tourism
There are plenty of countries where a dyslexic wanting to learn English could improve: The UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, etc. In fact, almost every Commonwealth country has some history with the English language...
To learn English, there’s nothing better than spending time in an English-speaking country. You can continue to take classes in English while also benefiting from daily immersion.
You’ll probably come back knowing more than those without dyslexia. There’s also the possibility of sitting the TOEFL exam which certifies your level in English.
If you decide to go for a working-holiday visa, it’s even simpler. You just have to pay for the visa, insurance, and be younger than 30. This visa allows you to go to a country for two years and work. You’ll speak English every day at work, while you travel, and in hotels and hostels.
However, you need to avoid those who speak your language!
You can also volunteer if you’re under 30. There are plenty of programmes for those wanting to help out.
It’s a great way to learn English for a good cause and you’ll also be helping those while immersed in their language environment. Discover the best age to start learning English with our resource for young minds.
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