ABC's to helping the dyslexic student in the regular classroom

Frequently in the regular classroom dyslexic children suffer. Due to lack of understanding of the students learning process the educator may see the student as slow and unmotivated. These misconceptions may lead to low self esteem of the dyslexic student. Once there is understanding of the dyslexic student and the learning process there are some ways to help the dyslexic student in the regular classroom. Here are five quick tips that help both the educator, and the student.

A - Accentuate the positive:
Accentuating the positive increases the dyslexic student's motivation. Dyslexic students learn differently. If there is a certain assignment that is completed, yet not in the exact way as instructed, be sure to accentuate the positive. This will help you instruct the student's completion of the assignment in a motivating way. By letting the student understand the requirements in a positive way this will give the student corrective instruction without frustration.

B - Be Understanding:
Understanding your students needs is important. Many times the dyslexic student may appear unmotivated or slow. Due to lack of understanding these misconceptions can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. If the educator understands the learning process in a dyslexic person, this can help the student's esteem knowing that their teacher understands their particular circumstance.

C- Communicate with your student:
Communication leads to academic improvement. Schedule frequent meetings with your student. Talk about their improvement, and where they may need improvement. Ask your student what learning techniques may work best for them. Communicating with your student helps their confidence and motivation.

D - Develop a Plan:
Developing a plan can help the student set goals. Sitting down with your student, and developing a plan will help the student achieve their goals. Helping your student achieve their goals this will help the student realize their capabilities and increase motivation for learning. These four tips will help the dyslexic student's experience in the classroom. If the educator understands the dyslexic student and incorporates these tips there is a possibility of improvement with the student.

E - Encourage:
Encourage your student. Having a learning disability can be a frustrating process. We all know a little encouragement can go a long way.

F - Follow up:
Schedule a time with your student so you can evaluate their progress. During this time allow your student to express concerns about learning and class work. Make sure they conduct a self evaluation. This will enable them to understand and analyze their learning process.

G – Goals:
Set goals for your student, and allow your student to set goals for themselves. Once the goals are set give your student a timeframe. Once the goals are met, meet with your student and discuss their progress. This will allow your student to develop the importance of planning, goal setting, and organization. Set both long term and short term goals.

H – Homework:
Do your homework. Dyslexia is a learning disability be sure as an educator you do your research and understand the learning process of the dyslexic student. Don't limit yourself to the age range that you are teaching, understand that you are helping your student develop into adulthood, this is part of your responsibility along with the parent to nourish and educate a successful individual.

I - Intelligence:  Explain to your student the different types of intelligence.  Emphasize the strong points of the particular type of your students intelligence. Allow your students to complete projects geared toward their intelligence. This will boost your students self - esteem.

J - Journal: Journaling can help everyone.  Tell your students to journal.  Ask them to write about their goals, accomplishments, and fears.  Teach them that their journal is their safe place to express themselves without fear, judgment, or ridicule.  This will improve their writing and creativity.  Journaling also gives students a safe place to express themselves.

K - Knowledge: Knowledge never ends.  Encourage students to think outside of the box.  Tell them that knowledge never has or will have a stop sign.  There is always room for growth and knowledge. 

L - Love: Teach your students to love themselves, and know that they are loved.  At a young age children tend to judge themselves by their grades, encourage their talents and character development as a person.  Tell your student that it is important to do their best but at the same time, a letter defines no one, encourage parents to teach this at home.
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Yvelette M. Stines
E-mail: stinesym@yahoo.com