How can the Science in Reading assist children with dyslexia?

The science of reading, which prioritizes direct and systematic teaching of essential literacy skills, is especially effective for students with dyslexia. By targeting phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, it offers the structured support these learners need to decode words, strengthen language skills, and improve overall reading comprehension.

How the science of reading supports dyslexic learners:

1. Explicit, Step-by-Step Instruction

   
   

   • It promotes clear, direct teaching, breaking reading into manageable steps rather than relying on guessing or memorization.

   • Programs like Structured Literacy, rooted in this approach, explicitly teach phonics, morphology, and syntax, helping dyslexic students build a solid decoding and encoding foundation.

   
   

2. Emphasis on Core Skills

   
   

   • Skills like phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds—are central, as dyslexic learners often struggle in this area.

   • Systematic phonics instruction, connecting sounds to letters, equips students with the tools they need for successful reading.

   
   

3. Multisensory Learning Methods

   
   

   • Many science-of-reading-based programs integrate sight, sound, and touch to reinforce learning.

   • Activities like forming letters with clay or tracing in sand cater to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning preferences.

   
   

4. Addressing Vocabulary & Comprehension Gaps

   
   

   • Dyslexic students may also face challenges with language comprehension.

   • Targeted teaching of vocabulary and strategies like summarizing or making inferences ensures they not only decode but also understand texts.

   
   

5. Early Detection and Support

   
   

   • Early screening tools can spot reading difficulties, including dyslexia, before they escalate.

   • Timely intervention with research-based programs greatly boosts long-term success.

     
     

In short, the science of reading offers a proven framework that aligns perfectly with the needs of students with dyslexia—building skills systematically, engaging multiple senses, and ensuring early, targeted support to unlock their reading potential.

Rising Above Academy has 35 years of experience assisting students with dyslexia and all children improve their literacy skills through an explicit, individualized and targeted intervention approach in engaging, multisensory instruction. Please contact us at risingaboveacademy@gmail.com so we may be able to provide you a free consultation to assist your child succeed in reading.