What is the best type of reading instruction for children learning to read with learning disabilities?

Answer 1

This one's quite open ended. First of all it depends on the learning disability. If it's eyesight, glasses will help. If it's concentration, studying for an hour, then taking a fifteen minute break, then going back to studying again may help. If it's memorization, flash cards or music may help. Identifying information with music is a great way to remember things. If it's comprehension, work with the children to figure out what each piece of the story or text is saying.

It's a case by case basis. One solution won't work with every disability. It also helps to have your smarter students aid the ones that are having trouble. Many students resign trying to tackle a problem when an adult intervenes. So, having someone their own age work with them makes things a little easier. When fellow students help those that are struggling, there's a great chance to make friendships and both the student tutor and the struggling student learn the material even better.

Answer 2

This can only be answered by having a reading specialist evaluate what the child's learning disability is, and what strategies would be meet the child's needs. There are numerous programs and approaches, and some kids just respond better to one than another. Often school systems invest in one reading program and use that no matter what, and that can mean that the child will not be taught in a way they can learn. To deem one type of instruction as "best" is simplistic, they each have benefits for the children who are suited to that type of instruction.

Answer 3

Direct Instruction is usually the best type of instruction for students with learning disabilities. I have had success with Reading Mastery and Corrective Reading through SRA. Also, provide huge amounts of experiences with the real world with your child and speak with your child about those experiences. People connect new learning to old and established learned material. If the child can connect an experience to a word/sounds, it helps with long term memory. Many times there is a language - understanding of meaning- issue that is hard to diagnose without proper testing- receptive language.

Answer 4

Woodbine House puts out great stuff for kids with special needs. For instance, after my son was born I bought, HOW TO TEACH READING TO CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME. It's a great book.