Dyslexic students sometimes struggle with spelling. Traditional approaches are typically ineffective, which may be frustrating for both parents and children.
The difficulties of spelling usually overwhelm dyslexic students, resulting in a lack of confidence and drive.
However, there is no reason to despair. The key to overcoming these problems is to discover the proper technique that is personalised to their individual learning style.
Fortunately, there is a technique that tackles these issues while also making learning interesting and engaging. This method uses visual learning to make spelling practice more enjoyable and creative.
By integrating visual cues with spelling words, students can better recognize, retain, and recall the words they need to learn👍
In this article, we’ll explore this innovative method in detail, demonstrating how it can transform spelling practice for dyslexic students.
You’ll also learn about the materials needed, the step-by-step process of implementing this technique, and the reasons why it’s so effective.
Visual and Conceptual Learning
This technique is based on visual and conceptual learning. This means that the student learns the entire word with a picture clue that helps them recognize and retain the word😊
The method is not only effective but also engaging and fun for students. Here’s how you can implement it.
Materials you’ll need:
- Whiteboard: A simple whiteboard works best.
- Dry Erase Markers: Use different colours for different parts of the words.
- Spelling Words: Choose the spelling words your child needs to learn.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Highlight Phonics Concepts: Use a red marker to highlight the phonics concept in each word. For example, if the phonics concept is “IG,” write those letters in red.
- Incorporate Pictures: Draw a simple picture around or near the word that represents its meaning. For instance, for the word “light,” draw a light bulb around the “t.”
- Use Different Colours: Write the rest of the letters in black to differentiate them from the highlighted phonics concept🖊️
For example:
- Light: Write “l” in black, “i,” “g,” and “h” in red, and “t” in black. Draw a light bulb around the “t.”
- Might: Write “m” in black, “i,” “g,” and “h” in red, and “t” in black. Draw strong arms next to the word to signify strength.
- Night: Write “n” in black, “i,” “g,” and “h” in red, and “t” in black. Draw a moon and stars around the word.
For more complex words, break them down into syllables or segments. For example, for the word “lightning,” draw a lightning bolt between the syllables to help your child remember the word as a whole.
Consistency is Key
It’s crucial to use consistent symbols and colours for similar phonics concepts. This helps the student recognize patterns and retain information more effectively.
For compound words, break them up with separate pictures for each part of the word.
Practice Makes Perfect
Once you have your board ready, practice with your child for five minutes a day. Start with writing the words and then progress to oral spelling.
Consistent, short practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
This technique leverages the strengths of dyslexic learners, who often have strong visual and conceptual thinking skills.
By associating words with images, students can better recognize, retain, and recall spelling words.
This method transforms spelling practice from a chore into a creative and enjoyable activity.
To summarise, helping dyslexic students with spelling doesn’t have to be a struggle. With this visual and conceptual technique, you can make learning fun and effective for your child.
You can also check out how we helped a dyslexic kid overcome his challenges with the help of our 1 on 1 mentoring programme on our success stories.
If you found these tips useful, give it a try and share it with other parents and caregivers who might be facing the same issue with their kid🥰
