Dyslexia, a specific learning difficulty, primarily impacts the skills essential for reading and spelling words accurately and fluently. However, its influence extends beyond struggling with reading; it also can shape our learning processes and communication skills. In this article, we are going to explore dyslexia- unveiling its true essence and debunking misconceptions. We will delve into the intricate signs across different life stages and offer valuable tips to facilitate smoother learning experiences.
1st Misconception: The assumption that dyslexia solely affects reading and writing overlooks the broader scope of its impact. This learning difference can reach into areas such as coordination, organisation and memory- a nuanced reality that underscores its complexity.
2nd Misconception: The belief that all individuals with dyslexia share identical struggles and abilities ignores the individualised nature of their experiences. Each person encounters dyslexia uniquely, resulting in a diverse array of strengths and challenges that define their journey
3rd Misconception: The misconception that dyslexia equates to lower intelligence is unfounded. Scientific studies have unequivocally established that there exists no direct correlation between one's intelligence and their experience of dyslexia. This realisation dismantles the stereotype that has persisted for far too long.
Let's look at some signs!
P.S: The diagnosis of dyslexia emerges from a rich interplay of diverse symptoms, rather than relying on isolated indicators. It is worth noting that resonating with a single sign here does not imply that you are dyslexic.
For diagnosing, you would have to undergo a series of tests with a licensed professional.
However, kẹkọ is here to provide learning tips both for people with dyslexia and people who relate to any one of these signs.
It is important to recognise that the symptoms associated with dyslexia do not encapsulate the entirety of individuals who experience this condition. Embracing the understanding that one's identity extends beyond these symptoms is a pivotal step in cultivating a growing mindset. With this perspective in mind, let us shift our focus towards exploring the strengths individuals with dyslexia often possess.
Initiating coding sequence to enable streamlined learning access...
Learning Tips
Have assigned spaces for each, labelled in different colours. Keep the colour the same in every location (locker, home study desk, shelves).
In pursuit of a daunting challenge, I attempted to learn an entire economics syllabus in two nights for a mid-term exam in my 9th grade. However, I got to class and my entire mind was blank. An entire hour passed and I had not written a single word- except my name and date. I had a meeting with my teacher after and he understood and let me rewrite the test. I had overwhelmed myself and the consequences of this shaped my understanding of the importance of balanced and thoughtful study practices.
I always use an orange highlighter for information I think I would struggle to remember. I have been doing this since secondary school. Something about orange screams ‘Must Remember’ to me. At some point, my history notebook was a canvas of bright orange.
A trend that will become evident as this blog grows is I LOVE a good mind map. It helps me conceptualise my thoughts and untangle knots of confusion. I have mind maps about everything from study notes to writing essays.
I never did this in secondary school but it helped a lot in University. I had an insane amount of content in 2nd year and felt like I always had to be studying. I would record myself reading and explaining my notes and listen to it like a podcast. I would listen to it on the train, and my walks and sometimes I would substitute it for rain sounds and listen to it to sleep.
Using dictation software is the easiest and smartest way to get through assignments and create notes. This is particularly true for students who struggle with written work.
Kinesthetics Learning: Consider the iconic Akeelah & the Bee. Her jump rope choreography increased her spelling proficiency. This epitomises the fusion of physical fusing and cognitive absorption.
Tactile manipulation: Create models, conduct experiments- perhaps even ignite a backyard volcano; Your parents will forgive you when you tell them it's for science!
For young children, Get them to trace out letters in the sand for language acquisition.
Sensory-rich environments: Enhance the study setting with scents like (aromatherapy) and background music to cultivate a multi-sensory ambience.
Pro-Tip: Research indicates Rosemary, Sage and Peppermint enhance memory.
Role Play: In secondary school, Friends and I cosplayed as WW1 and WW2 world powers- our method for absorbing robust content. We just pretended to be proud old white men and effectively internalised historical dynamics.
OpenDyslexic: This font is specifically crafted to increase the contrast between letters, making them more distinct and less likely to be confused.
Dyslexie: This font employs varying letter shapes and heavier bottoms to help prevent letter reversal and confusion.
Lexie Readable: Created by the British Dyslexia Association, this font is designed to minimise letter confusion and enhance readability.
Andika: This sans-serif font features clear letterforms and spacing to aid legibility.
Arial, Helvetica, and Verdana: These commonly used fonts are more dyslexia-friendly due to their clear and simple letterforms.
I have never been too fond of flashcards. My mind does not like the idea of information not being in one compact book. For me, it contraindicates being organised. However, a lot of my friends who are much smarter than me use this method so clearly there is truth to its use! It brings together visual learning+ Multi-sensory Learning+ personalisation and visual learning.
Argue! Argue! Argue with everyone about school topics. Verbalising your thoughts helps you explain concepts and repetition does wonders for assimilation.
You can use online timers should help you stay on track. I’ll drop a couple of links to good study times. If you can’t use the online timer, study for 25mins, take a break for 5 mins and after every 2 25mins study sessions, take a break for 10mins.
Board games are an effective way to learn to spell, unconsciously. Play scrabble, boggle, and hangman. Learning does not have to be a seated arduous task. It can be fun.
I cannot over-emphasise that YouTube might save your life. Use it to your advantage.
If you don’t reach your goal, Remember failure is a part of the process. It might seem depressing and anxiety-inducing. Try to detach your self-worth from your academic achievements. As long as you’re getting better and growing, you’re doing perfectly fine.
I’ll drop some links below!
Additionally, send us a message if need help to learn particular contents. We would be more than happy to find resources for you.
Math Pro tip (because I'm a fan): When you're dealing with long and tricky math problems, try using a dot (.) or bracket () instead of the (x) sign to show multiplication. I've been using this trick since I was younger because I used to mix up (x) with (+). I'll drop an example of this below!
Essential Note: Distinguishing between studying and getting work done is crucial. I find my most productive moment in bustling environments, surrounded by friends who are also focused on their work. However, this approach would spell disaster for my attempts at studying. For effective studying, a serene setting and quiet periods are a must- basically, I must not hear a pin drop! It is important to understand that our brains function uniquely in each situation. Devote time to observing how your mind responds in both scenarios. Discovering your optimal learning methods involves trial and error- a process that's as individual as you are.
Remember, what works for me may not be your code, and vice versa. Stay authentic to your own needs and preferences.
In the forthcoming article, we will delve into the ways in which educational institutions and educators can enhance accessibility to learning for students with dyslexia.
See you soon!
This is really insightful and would serve as an amazing resource for schools and colleges. Very well written!! 👏🏽👏🏽
Very good read! I think I might have dyslexia o 😂
Yet another Sunday of great information and tips re Dyslexia. Will share with the teachers and Parents in my school.
Had no idea, so insightful!