4 Tips to Develop a Global View of Dyslexia

Dyslexia Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need to support students with dyslexia by deepening our understanding of how they learn. 

Dyslexia is a complex learning difference that requires educators, parents, and practitioners to be well-informed and equipped with effective strategies. It’s not just about recognizing the challenges these students face but also about developing a comprehensive perspective that allows for more tailored and impactful instruction. By broadening our knowledge and honing our teaching practices, we can better address the diverse needs of students with dyslexia. 

Here are five essential tips to keep in mind as you work to develop a more global perspective on dyslexia:

1. Deepen Your Background Knowledge of Dyslexia

One of the first steps in understanding dyslexia is to expand your knowledge of its history. This involves digging into past research, discovering common threads, and connecting historical findings to modern practices. A great starting point is the work of Dr. Marion Wolf, whose research offers a comprehensive introduction. Once you start exploring, you may find yourself captivated by how dyslexia research has evolved. 

To further your knowledge, we recommend the book Essentials of Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention, which breaks down the history and development of dyslexia research in a reader-friendly way.

2. Expand Your Training Beyond Phonics

While phonics is crucial, supporting students with dyslexia requires a deeper, more comprehensive approach. Structured literacy, which includes phonics alongside other critical skills, is key. It’s important to continue advancing your training and understanding of the full range of interventions that support dyslexic students. Comprehensive training ensures that you can address the different profiles and characteristics of dyslexia, moving beyond phonics to encompass all elements of literacy.

3. Consider Comorbidities and Learning Profiles

Dyslexia is often accompanied by other conditions like ADHD or executive function difficulties. These comorbidities can significantly impact how students learn and how they perform in class. Pay careful attention to how these factors intertwine with dyslexia and affect learning. Understanding a student’s complete learning profile is critical in crafting effective lessons. We encourage exploring evidence-based strategies like spaced retrieval practice and interleaving, which can help students with executive function challenges thrive.

4. Stay Updated with Research and Publications

Stay informed by subscribing to publications from reputable sources, such as the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Their magazine, Perspectives, offers digestible articles for educators, while Annals of Dyslexia presents more in-depth research on current studies. Both of these resources provide valuable insights into dyslexia and the latest research, helping you stay connected to the most effective teaching strategies and findings.

5. Keep the Student at the Center of Everything

At the heart of dyslexia education is the student. It’s crucial to always prioritize their needs and learning profiles when applying research and instructional strategies. Observation is key—by carefully watching and listening to your students, you can gain critical insights into their thinking and learning processes. Balancing data with observational feedback will help you better understand and respond to each child’s unique needs.

By following these tips, you can cultivate a well-rounded understanding of dyslexia and continue improving the way you support your students. Let’s keep the focus on helping them succeed, informed by research and enriched by practical experience!

For the full discussion, check out our latest episode of the Together in Literacy podcast. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to rate, leave a positive review, and subscribe!

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