Reading Difficulties
Consider: What specifically is the student struggling with that is impacting their learning? Are there gaps in learning that you are aware of (i.e. disengagement, multiple moves/school systems, etc…), and is this difficulty prevalent across subject areas?
What are the issues the student is facing?
Many (not most) who excel in visual spatial abilities experience difficulties in reading
When students cannot create a picture in their minds they rely completely on language which can make it difficult to connect key parts and concepts
Most of us use a combination of language and visual strategies when learning but the range is vast when it comes to quantifying what is “typical” in each area. This means you may have students that do not meet the threshold for a “disability” but do have a clear difference in their cognitive strengths.
Ask students to explain what goes on visually- in their head- what pictures they see when thinking about the material or concept being studied.
Effective readers are fluent, use context clues, and
Language as code, consider the sentences:
The bandage was wound around the wound.
The farm was used to produce produce.
The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
English is not a logical language. Studies have shown that countries with the most complex writing systems (such as the United States) also have the highest prevalence of symptoms of dyslexia.
Sometimes students have difficulty in making connections- this can include cause and effect, similarities, and differences.
Use think alouds, sharing the process and connections
Students experiencing reading difficulties, or at risk of future difficulties, typically have trouble with fluent word reading and/or with comprehension. Problems with fluent word reading also contribute to comprehension difficulties. Click the links above to visit DESE's site.