Dyslexia in the Classroom
Dyslexia in the Classroom
Dyslexia in the Classroom
July 12, 2020
July 12, 2020
Meeting students’ learning needs is an essential part of teaching. One particular need that requires additional support is dyslexia. Dyslexia, which affects about 20% of students, is commonly associated with reading challenges (Martinelli, n.d.). Struggling to comprehend grade-level content (Snowling, 2015) can form an ill-structured, or complex problem many students with dyslexia endure.
Meeting students’ learning needs is an essential part of teaching. One particular need that requires additional support is dyslexia. Dyslexia, which affects about 20% of students, is commonly associated with reading challenges (Martinelli, n.d.). Struggling to comprehend grade-level content (Snowling, 2015) can form an ill-structured, or complex problem many students with dyslexia endure.
I recently explored technologies to solve this ill-structured problem. Since there is no one prescribed intervention to remediate dyslexia (Mills, 2018) and no child with dyslexia is the same (Stuart & Yates, 2018), I decided to investigate a digital tool that offers multiple intervention options to better assist all comprehension challenges. The tool, Read & Write, is a Chrome extension, floating toolbar that makes websites more accessible for students. It incorporates multisensory features, such as text-to-speech, voice notes, and picture dictionaries. When these modalities are utilized, students with dyslexia benefit (Colson, 2013) and have the potential to improve comprehension abilities (Sidhu & Mazura, 2011).
I recently explored technologies to solve this ill-structured problem. Since there is no one prescribed intervention to remediate dyslexia (Mills, 2018) and no child with dyslexia is the same (Stuart & Yates, 2018), I decided to investigate a digital tool that offers multiple intervention options to better assist all comprehension challenges. The tool, Read & Write, is a Chrome extension, floating toolbar that makes websites more accessible for students. It incorporates multisensory features, such as text-to-speech, voice notes, and picture dictionaries. When these modalities are utilized, students with dyslexia benefit (Colson, 2013) and have the potential to improve comprehension abilities (Sidhu & Mazura, 2011).
Another Read & Write feature that will benefit students with dyslexia is the simplify option. It is an innovative comprehension tool that removes unwanted images and ads and also increases font size and spacing. These simple changes are likely to enhance readability (Rello & Baeza-Yates, 2017).
Another Read & Write feature that will benefit students with dyslexia is the simplify option. It is an innovative comprehension tool that removes unwanted images and ads and also increases font size and spacing. These simple changes are likely to enhance readability (Rello & Baeza-Yates, 2017).
To learn more about how to use the Read & Write extension, take a look at my video below.
To learn more about how to use the Read & Write extension, take a look at my video below.
Read & Write has the ability to remove barriers for my students with dyslexia. In the past, I provided interventions (extended test time and reading test questions aloud), however, my research showed me the importance of utilizing multimodal and multisensory methods and changing specific text presentation parameters (Rello & Baeza-Yates, 2017). By incorporating these strategies, along with appropriate digital tools, my students with dyslexia can make stronger, more meaningful connections with the content and improve comprehension (Colson, 2013).
Read & Write has the ability to remove barriers for my students with dyslexia. In the past, I provided interventions (extended test time and reading test questions aloud), however, my research showed me the importance of utilizing multimodal and multisensory methods and changing specific text presentation parameters (Rello & Baeza-Yates, 2017). By incorporating these strategies, along with appropriate digital tools, my students with dyslexia can make stronger, more meaningful connections with the content and improve comprehension (Colson, 2013).
References
References
Colson, J. (2013). Teacher training on teaching students with dyslexia. Graduate Master's
Colson, J. (2013). Teacher training on teaching students with dyslexia. Graduate Master's
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https://doi.org/10.33015/dominican.edu/2013.edu.23
Mills, J. (2018). Effective multi-sensory strategies for students with dyslexia. Kappa Delta
Mills, J. (2018). Effective multi-sensory strategies for students with dyslexia. Kappa Delta
Naglik, M. (2020, July 12). Dyslexia in the classroom. [Video] YouTube.
Naglik, M. (2020, July 12). Dyslexia in the classroom. [Video] YouTube.
https://youtu.be/2cWJKkDkirM
https://youtu.be/2cWJKkDkirM
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Stuart, A., & Yates, A. (2018). Inclusive classroom strategies for raising the achievement of
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