Here at Academy of Scholars, a private Christian school in Atlanta, we’ve had the privilege of working with many students with dyslexia. While children with dyslexia can often struggle with feeling different from their peers, it’s important for students and parents to realize that this reading-based disability is far more common than you might think. In fact, the International Dyslexia Association estimates that about 15-20% of the population has some form of dyslexia.
Dyslexia at a Glance
Most people understand dyslexia as a condition that causes challenges in reading and writing. But what is it really, and what causes it? Dyslexia is a neurological condition which can hinder the brain from processing language-based information with ease. Those with dyslexia typically struggle with spelling, coherent writing, and reading fluency.
As for the cause, science has yet to fully uncover the answer. However, it is of utmost importance to understand that dyslexia does not indicate a lack of intelligence. In fact, there is compelling evidence that Albert Einstein himself, one of the most brilliant minds in history, actually suffered from dyslexia!
Strategies for Learning with Dyslexia
1. Engage the Senses
Is your child having trouble reading? It might be that a more hands-on approach is needed. Helping children with dyslexia learn to read requires out-of-the-box strategies. As you work with your child, try engaging multiple senses in different ways. For example, have them trace a letter in the sand with their finger while verbally sounding it out. Grab some alphabet soup and practice making words at the dinner table. Or, listen to songs and stories that help build phonemic awareness.
2. Focus on Phonemic Awareness/Phonics
Phonemic awareness is the ability to break words down into separate speech sounds. Phonics is similar but slightly different, in that it deals with the letter-sound connection. Both of these skillsets are critical to fluent reading. As you seek out reading curriculums for a struggling reader, make sure to find one that focuses on both of these skills.
Phonemic awareness will involve separating words into their component sounds and then practicing manipulating those sounds. For example, for the word “through,” a student should be able to identify the /th/, /r/, and /oo/ sounds and then practice adding, removing, and switching these sounds in the word.
Phonics will involve consonant blends, prefixes and suffixes, and rules of the English language (why the “a” in “bake” says /ae/ and why the “ge” at the end of “page” says /j/).
3. Practice Sight Words
Students who have difficulty sounding out words will often resort to memorizing them. This can become an unhealthy crutch that allows them to side-step the process of breaking words into component parts.
A good reading program should prioritize teaching kids how to read unfamiliar words through phonics and phonemic awareness instruction. However, some memorization can be really helpful–especially when it comes to high-frequency words. A student will lose fluency if they have to sound out common words like “about,” “because,” and “although” every time they encounter them.
Find a list of the most common sight words (available on the internet) and practice these words on flashcards with your child.
4. Read in Context
While you’re beefing up a student’s reading strategies, make sure to give them plenty of practice reading. This exposes them to more words, builds their vocabulary, and boosts their comprehension.
When they make mistakes, stop to correct them. You can point to the missed portion of the word and ask them if what they see on paper matches what they said. That way, they’re not reading words incorrectly over and over again.
How a Private Christian Academy Can Offer the Support Your Child and Family Need
A private, Christian education can offer a unique and tailored approach to learning by bringing a biblical foundation to academic excellence. Faith-based learning ensures a holistic approach by focusing not only on body and mind, but on the soul, as well. For students who struggle with dyslexia, a Christian academy can offer the support and encouragement needed for children to thrive in the following ways:
1. Faith-Based Encouragement
Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has uniquely designed each of us with a purpose, and He doesn’t make mistakes. While cognitive conditions like dyslexia can make certain aspects of learning more of a challenge, a faith-based education will remind children that their struggles will not hinder them from experiencing God’s good plan for them. Students will be equipped with fundamental truths from which they can glean the strength and encouragement they need to persevere.
2. Personalized Learning Plans and Procedures
Private schools often have the ability to offer a more tailored learning approach for the individual student. Here, students will have access to the accommodations needed for academic success.
3. Exceptional Tutoring
The best Christian academies should offer a wide selection of quality tutors to help your child in the areas they might be struggling in. These tutors will be able to give one-on-one support and encouragement to the dyslexia student.
4. Professional Development
Private schools often require more rigorous professional development for their teachers and faculty. Training is targeted to address specific learning needs, such as dyslexia.
It’s no secret that dyslexia can pose additional challenges to a child’s academic experience. But, there’s hope for the struggling student and family. A Christian academy can help overcome this hurdle by providing the tools and encouragement your student needs. With the proper support at home and in the classroom, children with dyslexia can reach their full potential and be equipped to live out their God-given purpose.