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This sub-category of Cognition and Learning encompasses a range of conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. Take a look at the videos and classroom support resources below.
This sub-category of Cognition and Learning encompasses a range of conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. Take a look at the videos and classroom support resources below.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia
This is incredibly common, with approximately 10% of the population affected by dyslexia to varying degrees. Many people think dyslexia is all about reading and writing, but there are multiple areas of learning that can be affected, as shown in the image below.
This is incredibly common, with approximately 10% of the population affected by dyslexia to varying degrees. Many people think dyslexia is all about reading and writing, but there are multiple areas of learning that can be affected, as shown in the image below.
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia
This is thought to have a similar prevalence to dyslexia, but, in my experience, tends to be less recognised and understood in schools. The main aspect of the condition that people tend to remember is coordination, but look at the image below to see what other areas are affected. Also note the crossover aspects between dyslexia and dyspraxia.
This is thought to have a similar prevalence to dyslexia, but, in my experience, tends to be less recognised and understood in schools. The main aspect of the condition that people tend to remember is coordination, but look at the image below to see what other areas are affected. Also note the crossover aspects between dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia
This is another common yet under-diagnosed specific learning difficulty. Being 'bad at maths' is not the sole indicator of dyscalculia. Listen to this lady's experiences with the condition, then take a look at the mind-map below. Again, you will notice some crossover. It is not unusual for people to receive a diagnosis for more than one condition. For example, ASD and ADHD often have comorbidity.
This is another common yet under-diagnosed specific learning difficulty. Being 'bad at maths' is not the sole indicator of dyscalculia. Listen to this lady's experiences with the condition, then take a look at the mind-map below. Again, you will notice some crossover. It is not unusual for people to receive a diagnosis for more than one condition. For example, ASD and ADHD often have comorbidity.
Classroom Strategies
Classroom Strategies
Before delving into the condition-specific links below, it is worth bearing in mind that some simple approaches are highly appreciated by students with SpLD:
Reduce your 'teacher talk' and simplify your language
Provide explicit, step-by-step instructions, and repeat if necessary
Check in with students to ensure they can tell you what they need to do
Allow extra time for students to complete activities
Sit students away from distractions and with good role models
Reduce copying from the board, and use dyslexia-friendly fonts and backgrounds in your presentations
Use Cloze activities to check understanding and reduce writing
Provide learning materials, such as PowerPoints, at the start of the lesson, and allow students to access these using their device
Allow them to take class notes using their device, and check they are organising these effectively (e.g. let them create a Google Document for a new topic, which they then share with you)
Use graphic organisers to help students with planning, organising, and sequencing
Use check-lists for students to tick off aspects of a longer task as they progress
DYSLEXIA SPECIFIC STRATEGIES
DYSLEXIA SPECIFIC STRATEGIES
General strategies, along with the rationale for their use, can be found in this PDF
This excellent mini-guide provides ideas for classroom organisation as well as suggested teaching approaches
DYSPRAXIA SPECIFIC STRATEGIES
DYSPRAXIA SPECIFIC STRATEGIES
Suggested strategies to support dyspraxic students in PE lessons can be found here
Classroom strategies, along with the rationale for their use, can be found in this PDF
DYSCALCULIA SPECIFIC STRATEGIES
DYSCALCULIA SPECIFIC STRATEGIES
Research and diagnostic testing for dyscalculia is still in its infancy. Many of the general suggestions above will be helpful for students with the condition. This website provides a nice summary of useful approaches.
Some more detailed tips can be found in this PDF
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