What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia in
children is the commonest cause of learning difficulties. The word comes from
the Greek meaning 'difficulty with words'. The condition is often referred to
as a 'specific learning difficulty', usually with symptoms such as difficulty
with writing and spelling, and sometimes with reading and working with numbers.
It is caused by impairment in the brain's ability to translate images received
from the eyes or ears into understandable language.
How do you as a Teacher
Observe Children With Dyslexia?
As a teacher if
you notice that a child who appears to be average or bright when they are
talking to you is struggling to read, spell or cope with math/s, this may be
the strongest indicator that they may be dyslexic. It is very common for
dyslexic children to be quite able, especially in the areas of creativity (art,
drama, drawing, etc.) and physical co-ordination (physical education, swimming,
sports, model-making, etc.). However, there are differences in the neural links
in their brain that makes it hard for them to deal with text (and often with
numbers) without extra support.
Symptoms
A list of possible dyslexia symptoms would include some, but not all, of these in a dyslexic child:
- A noticeable difference between the pupil's ability and their actual achievement;
- A family history of learning difficulties;
- Difficulties with spelling;
- Confusion over left and right;
- Writing letters or numbers backwards;
- Difficulties with math/s;
- Difficulties with organizing themselves;
- Difficulties following two or three step instructions.
Types of Dyslexia.
Dyslexia may affect
several different functions. Visual dyslexia is characterized
by number and letter reversals and the inability to write symbols in the
correct sequence. Auditory dyslexia involves difficulty with
sounds of letters or groups of letters. The sounds are perceived as jumbled or
not heard correctly.
Children with
dyslexia and reading disabilities may receive extra help at school, but there
are ways parents can help at home as well.
How Can a Teacher/Parent
Help Children with Dyslexia?
Reading is essential to
success in school but children with dyslexia often read slowly, lacking
fluency. Reading together every day is important. As children get older,
parents can read for a portion of the time and let the child read for the
balance of reading time. Find books that are challenging and interesting, yet
do not introduce too many new words to help develop independent reading.
Class teachers need to
have an understanding of the problems that the dyslexic child may have within
the classroom situation. Equipped with this knowledge, a great deal of
misunderstanding of a child's behaviour can be prevented. In a positive and
encouraging environment, a dyslexic child experiences the feeling of success
and self-value. Teachers dealing with dyslexic children are flexible in their
approach, so that they can, find a method that suits the pupil, rather than
expecting that all pupils will learn in the same way. Above all, there must be
an understanding from all who teach them, that they may have many talents and
skills. Their abilities must not be measured purely on the basis of their
difficulties in acquiring literacy skills. Dyslexic children, like all
children, thrive on challenges and success.
Rupa Chauhan
No comments:
Post a Comment