Dyslexia (also known as dyslexia) is a common learning disability that affects the ability to spell, read, and write correctly. Finding the right tutoring technique can be key for students who have dyslexia. Structured literacy has proven to be one of the most efficient ways to support these students. Structured literacy (SLA) is a specialized approach that is systematic and evidence-based. It addresses the specific challenges dyslexic students are facing. Understanding the importance of this approach in dyslexia teaching can provide students with the tools needed to become successful readers.
What Is Structured Literacy (SLA)?
‘Structured literacy’ is a systematic, multisensory, and explicit approach to instruction. Language skills are taught sequentially so that students can build on their previous knowledge. This approach integrates reading instruction’s five main components: phonemic knowledge, phonics (phonemic awareness), vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The structure of structured reading is the key element. This approach is designed specifically for students with dyslexia. They often struggle to read traditional programs that are less structured.
Structured literacy stresses the understanding and application of language rules. It teaches students to decode, encode, and recognize words. This method enables dyslexic students to form words by connecting sounds to letters or syllables. Structured literacy helps dyslexics gain confidence in their reading and written abilities by giving explicit instruction and constant reinforcement.
Effective Dyslexia Tutoring
The importance of structured literacy as a dyslexia-tutoring tool cannot be overstated. Structured Literacy is an alternative to traditional teaching methods, which rely heavily on rote memorization and passive reading. It provides a tangible, measurable approach designed to address dyslexic learners’ cognitive difficulties, including problems with decoding, word recognition, and spell-checking.
In a structured literacy tutoring session, instruction is carefully tailored to the needs of each student. The tutor uses multiple teaching methods to present the concept in many different ways. For example, the student might hear and then see a word written before practicing writing it. This multisensory strategy engages different brain areas and makes it easier for students with dyslexia to process information.
Structured literacy is also designed to introduce more complex skills slowly, starting with the simplest concepts. This allows the student to not become overwhelmed and ensures each new skill has been firmly rooted in the mind before moving on to the following. Structured literacy results in improved reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. Students are given a solid academic foundation with structured literacy.
Structured Literacy And Other Approaches
Structured literacy, a method of tutoring dyslexics, is unique in its clear, systematic approach. Although there are many other methods of teaching dyslexic students, structured literacy stands out for its clear and systematic approach.
Balanced Literacy involves explicit teaching and independent reading, focusing on meaning-making and whole texts. This approach is effective for many students but fails to provide dyslexics with explicit phonics education. Balanced literacy prioritizes comprehension rather than decoding. Students with dyslexia may find this difficult as they struggle with basic word identification.
Whole language teaching, however, places more emphasis on context and sight words. This approach can be fun but does not address the fundamental difficulties dyslexics face, such as problems with phonemic perception and word decoding. Whole language approaches are often ineffective for dyslexics, as they lack the necessary skills to sound words out and spell them independently.
In contrast, structured reading is more targeted. It provides dyslexic students with the fundamental decoding, phonics, or reading skills needed to become proficient. This approach breaks language down into smaller manageable units. It allows students to learn one skill and then move on to another. This method offers a structured approach to success for dyslexic students.
Learn about structured literacy tutoring for dyslexia, and then you will soon see the benefits. Structured literacy is designed to be flexible to accommodate each student’s progress. This allows tutors to provide interventions that are appropriate for them. Over time, these sessions improve fluency and comprehension.
Conclusion
Structured reading is an important tool for helping dyslexic students. It is an explicit, multisensory teaching system tailored to their needs and abilities. Unlike other approaches that might not address dyslexia’s root causes, structured literacy equips students to read, type, and spell correctly. Structured literacy helps dyslexics achieve their academic goals by providing clear instruction and encouraging skill development.
