Source: National Council for Learning Disability/ ncld.org
Pupils with dyslexia differ significantly in their ability to give oral presentations, participate in discussions, write letters and numbers, write paragraphs, draw objects, spell on paper or out loud, and work in noisy or cluttered settings. There’s variation in the pace in which they read, write, or speak. And, there’s variation in their ability to process information presented in visual or auditory formats. These 10 accommodations may enhance their performance:
- Change response mode. For pupils who have difficulty with handwriting, the response mode can be changed to underlining, selecting from multiple choices, sorting, or marking. You can also provide extra space for writing answers on worksheets or you can allow them to respond on individual chalkboards.
- Recommend graphic organizers. This will help pupils organize materials in a visual format.
- Encourage the use of assignment books and/or calendars. Pupils can use them to record assignment due dates, school-related activities, test dates, and to schedule timelines for schoolwork. Pupils can set aside a special section for recording homework assignments.
- Reduce copying. Include key information or activities on handouts or worksheets.
- Have Pupils turn lined paper vertically for math. This helps students keep numbers in appropriate columns while computing math problems.
- Use visual cues. Put asterisks or bullets next to questions or activities that count heavily on an assignment or during tests. This helps students spend time appropriately.
- Design hierarchical worksheets. Arrange problems from easiest to hardest. Early success keeps pupils motivated to work.
- Allow instructional aids. Provide pupils with letter and number strips to help them write correctly. Number lines, counters, and calculators help pupils compute once they understand the mathematical operations.
- Use peer-mediated learning. Pair peers of different ability levels to review their notes, study for a test, read aloud to each other, write stories, or conduct laboratory experiments.
- Allow flexible work times. Give pupils who work slowly additional time to complete written assignments.
By: Marilyn P. Mendoza | SPED Teacher | Llamas Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan
