Type of learning Styles
- Logical: They feel the need to be good at something, so they put extra effort in the mathematics and sciences. They like the fact of using more numbers than letters and solving problems instead of expressing ideas.
- Kinesthetic: They need to exercise and they also need to feel that they can accomplish something; they are very good in any kind of sports and like to team up.
- Musical: They enjoy music that has repetitive beeps because it gives them the sensation of control. Also because they recognize patterns easily.
- Intrapersonal: They enjoy meditation moments as well and like the feeling of discovering new things on their own.
Love and Support
Students with dyslexia experiences some of the worst memories in the first years of school because they are forced into reading and writing and it usually takes them more time to process than their peers. Teachers or parents that aren’t aware of the condition would think that the child is just being lazy; so trauma may have been in these children. By the time they get to high school they are used to hearing how bad is their writing and how they should always improve, because is never enough for their teachers. If the student has been diagnosed yet, then is more likely that his school grades are going to be bad and probably the student has already repeated a year or two.
Therefore you should be the teacher that will be patience and will ask for this student to deliver according to his needs. You can give extra time on the board, or you can prepare a lesson where she or he can also participate depending on his/her strengths. Remember to reward them by sending a nice email to his/her parents or a note on the school agenda saying how well the student is doing. They need to remember that they can pursue any career they want, including journalism or authorship. All they need is the right approach and the right people around them.
Discipline
I would say that you should never punish them for their “bad” writing; although you apply your rules according to behavior. Maybe the calligraphy of his/her hand writing isn’t pretty but the message might be profound.
Don’t give up on them because they usually intend good. If you see them getting in conflict with other students, feel free to talk to both clearly. Avoid contacting his/her parents unless is extremely necessary.
Tips for organization
- Color coding: definitely use color coding with formulas such as grammar.
- Transparent color plastics: These are useful for reading; they can place the plastics over the reading passage and will facilitate the learning process.
- Other interactive material: When preparing the lessons, please add one audio or video option so this student can grasp it all him/herself. You can also take some minutes in his/her desk to explain the exercise.
Social engagement
This student won’t have problems when engaging with other students but he/she might be too proud to recognize that he needs his classmates for future activities. Encourage them to help each other and place him according to his strengths and weaknesses.
LIDIA AVILES 