In our previous article, we concentrated on delivering valuable learning tips tailored to students with dyslexia, aiming to facilitate their learning process. Today, we embark on a broader endeavour: addressing the teaching structure of our educational institutions.
The method by which students grasp concepts plays a pivotal role in their comprehension. In the context of Nigeria, our educational establishments and educators predominantly accommodate a singular learning style.
Nonetheless, merely imparting learning tips to students proves insufficient. What is imperative is a transformation of our teaching style.
Let's delve into strategies to enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of our schools and educators for the benefit of dyslexic students.
Examples of high-contrast backgrounds:
Black text on a white background
Yellow text on a Dark Blue background
Dark grey on a light grey background
Text on textured background: This can help to reduce glare and increase focus.
The effectiveness of these may vary amongst different individuals.
Many children with dyslexia feel more comfortable working with a computer than with an exercise book. This may be because a computer uses a visual environment that better suits their method of learning and working.
This might be a particularly hard pill for educational institutions to swallow, so here are some studies that prove the need for flexible assessment methods.
It's time to reimagine our assessment methods, granting student the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension without being impeded by challenges in reading and writing. Consider this scenario: two individuals are taking an exam, one facing difficulties in reading and writing, while the other does not. Even if they have both retained and learned the same amount of information, the latter person possesses an unfair advantage because the assessment method is inherently biased in their favour.
The less-than-ideal teacher-to-student ratios in Nigerian schools can hinder the effectiveness of personalised learning plans. This is a flaw in the current system and teachers are already being overworked. We'll talk more about this when we dig deep into ' The personnel structures in a school.'- Stay Tuned!
Quick Side Bar to learn Multi-Sensory Teaching Techniques
Phonics-Based Learning: Combining visual (seeing letters and words), auditory (hearing sounds and pronunciation), and kinesthetic (writing and touching letters) techniques to teach reading and spelling.
Hands-On Manipulatives: Using physical objects or materials like blocks, counters, or beads to teach math concepts, making abstract ideas tangible.
Movement and Action: Incorporating physical movement or gestures to reinforce learning, such as using hand motions for counting or spelling.
Interactive Technology: Utilising educational software, apps, or interactive whiteboards that engage multiple senses through visuals, sounds, and touch.
Music and Rhymes: Using songs, rhymes, and rhythm to teach concepts or reinforce information.
Sensory Stories: Creating stories that include sensory experiences like texture, scent, taste, and sound to make storytelling more immersive.
Art and Creativity: Allowing students to express their understanding through creative activities like drawing, painting, or crafting.
Cooking and Food Experiences: Using cooking to teach math (measurements and fractions), science (chemical reactions), and culture, as it engages taste, smell, and touch.
Field Trips: Taking students on outings that involve hands-on exploration of real-world environments, which can engage all the senses.
Sensory Integration Therapy: Incorporating therapies designed to help individuals process and respond to sensory information effectively, often used for those with sensory processing disorders.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching relaxation and mindfulness exercises that engage the senses to improve focus and reduce stress.
Let's Get Back To It!
For parents reading this: Learning does not start and stop in school. Involve yourself in your child's education. Learn things about them so you can support them.
How to Improve Handwriting Skills in Dyslexic Students:
Keep to short, timed sessions so your child can maintain concentration without becoming bored or uncomfortable
Make sure your child is sitting comfortably when they write, with their feet firmly on the floor. If it's helpful, try using a slanted writing surface
Help your child to learn to grip the pen/pencil properly using the tripod grip. This allows the fingers and wrist to move freely without putting pressure on the hand.
Help your child strengthen the muscles in their hand by using play dough or performing hand exercises.
It's recommended that children learn to write using continuous cursive handwriting so they don't have to learn how to form letters twice when they need to write more quickly later on.
When a dyslexic child is learning to write it's important to be aware that a co-occurring condition such as Developmental coordination disorder or dyspraxia may also be present. There are ergonomic products available that can help pupils who find holding a pen or pencil uncomfortable
For some pupils with dyslexia and/or dyspraxia, the difficulties associated with handwriting can mean that the only way that they can achieve the speed of writing needed for success in the education system is to use a computer. If this is the case then learning to touch type will be beneficial.
Establish a routine
Dyslexic learners may find it difficult to maintain concentration for long periods and may get tired quickly, so it's a good idea to create a routine that emphasises 'a little and often' rather than trying to squeeze too much work into a longer session. Remember to take after-school activities into account when you develop your homework plan. Encourage your child to write down what is needed for the next day and to check the list before they leave for school/college.
Accommodations for kids with dyslexia:
Extra time on tests
A quiet space to work
Option to record classes
Option to give verbal, rather than written, answers ( when appropriate).
I hope that you have gained valuable insights from today's article. Whether you are an educator or a teacher, consider incorporating some of the strategies into your classrooms or schools. The wonderful aspect of implementing accessibility measures is that they ultimately benefit everyone.
See you soon!
Loads of schools need to follow this. Super helpful because not everyone works with the same system fr.
This is an amazing guide!! 👏🏽👏🏽
It’ll be very helpful if schools incorporate this into their teacher training because awareness of these are super vital.