Teaching Students who Have a Reading Disability
Identifying a Reading Disability
Once a child reaches second grade, he is typically far enough along in a reading program for the teacher to be able to identify a learning difficulty. Prior to this time it would not be easy to ascertain whether a child who lags behind his peers in reading has a learning disability or is simply a slower learner.
Once a learning disability is suspected, a battery of tests will identify whether or not there is indeed a learning disability, allowing the student to receive specialized instruction in the area of reading.
Teaching Students with Reading Disabilities Photo: jdurham
Teaching Students with a Reading Disability
Students with a reading disability are typically reading below grade level, although reading below grade level is not necessarily an indication of a reading disability. When put on the spot to read they may act out both because of their frustration at their inability to read and to take attention away from their inability.
When working with children with reading disabilities, keep in mind that even if the text is technically within their ability to read, a history of failed attempts may keep them from trying.
To build self-confidence, include simple questions in your lessons so that they have the chance to answer some questions. Make encouraging comments frequently and consider pairing each student with another more advanced student for assistance with assignments.
Other simple ideas for teaching students who have reading disabilities include:
- Use flash cards with fry’s common phrases to help increase fluency
- Use rainbow writing for practicing spelling words
- Use a window card for sounding out a single word (the card frames the individual word)
- Use an index card to keep track of what line of text the child is reading
Some of the common modifications that will help students with reading disabilities include extra time to complete assignments, modified work, and having portions of the text or directions read to them. Although a special education teacher may provide many of the modifications, the classroom teacher should modify their lessons when necessary as well.
It is important that the teacher use visual, tactile and auditory methods of instruction. One good method for teaching reading is with the Orton-Gillingham Method. This method can work well with all students whether they have a reading disability or not.
