Teaching
English to Dyslexics
Gyorgyi Gabor
If a child is
dyslexic it does not mean he has to give up on learning English. There are many
ways how teachers can help. And remember, what
is good for the dyslexic is good for all. Below are a series of practical
teaching tips focusing on the four language skill areas of listening, speaking,
reading and writing.
1. Listening
A dyslexic child
may struggle to process incoming auditory information efficiently in his/her
first language.
·
If possible, explain important things in the child’s first language.
·
Try to use a small tape recorder to record new vocabulary, stories,
homework instruction so the child can listen to it as many times as necessary.
·
Using visuals and pictures along with the listening task will aid the
child’s understanding.
·
The following exercises might be useful if they have difficulties
differentiating between certain sounds, for example e-i, a-e…etc.
Sorting
You
will need a range of cards showing pictures of objects with the problem sounds,
and two boxes. First, the teacher names the object, the student picks the
correct card. Second, the student repeats the word, and places in the right box
that is labeled for the sound.
Odd one out
This
can be played with the same cards. First, the teacher shows four pictures. For
example, hat, pen, cat, map. Next,
the pictures are named and the student has to point out the odd one out.
2. Speaking
In foreign/second
language acquisition understanding, reading and writing usually precedes
speaking, therefore we have to be very patient with our students.
·
Never force a dyslexic child to speak, always wait until they volunteer.
·
If necessary, ask them to speak when the question is easy and you are
sure they know the answer.
·
Encourage them with lots of positive feedback.
3. Reading
Reading in English
must be a pleasant experience regardless of the age and ability of the child.
·
Always have the child read with a purpose.
·
Discuss vocabulary before
reading, as this will aid prediction and understanding.
·
Dyslexic children benefit from cloze exercises as they are useful to
develop predictive skills.
·
Have the child dictate his own stories to you. It will provide the
student with relevant and motivating reading material that can be further
exploited.
4. Writing
Dyslexic children
may have the most difficulties with learning to spell English words.
·
Pointing out the difference between the letter-sound correspondence of
their first language, and English can often be a very helpful start. For
example, in Hungarian each letter has its corresponding sound, whereas in
English there are 26 letters referring to 44 sounds.
·
Build a structured, systematic, spelling program focusing on one rule at
a time.
·
Repeat and reinforce stimulating the use of all the pathways (eyes,
ears, hands, and lips) to the brain simultaneously. For example, have them
vocalize the words as they write them. Younger children enjoy building words
using plastic, wooden, or rubber letters.
·
Don’t forget to teach the irregular words on a whole word basis. These
words are frequently used and the dyslexic child needs a great deal of exposure
to them.
·
Teach the words in context as well.
·
When writing to communicate, teach them different planning techniques,
such as mind mapping, and break up the process into small, manageable steps.
Always set a realistic goal to the dyslexic and
commend their effort and improvement no matter how small.