In today's diverse classrooms, it's crucial to recognize and accommodate the varied learning profiles of our students. This is particularly important when it comes to reading, as many neurodiverse learners, especially those with dyslexia, benefit greatly from multi-sensory input. Let's explore how we can embrace these differences and provide OPTIONS for reading in class that cater to every student's needs.
The Power of Multi-Sensory Reading
For dyslexic individuals, a powerful strategy is to combine visual and auditory input while reading. This approach allows students to:
Receive information through multiple channels (sight and sound)
Retain more information
Spend less energy decoding difficult words
Focus more on the meaning and content of the text
By providing options for students to listen to texts while reading along, we can significantly enhance their learning experience and comprehension.
A World of Reading Options
Fortunately, there are numerous tools and resources available to support multi-sensory reading:
Learning Ally An audiobook service designed to support students with learning differences, providing access to a vast library of human-read audiobooks.
Bookshare A free, accessible e-book library for students with qualifying disabilities, offering a wide range of titles in audio, braille, and other formats.
Immersive Reader A Microsoft tool that enhances reading comprehension through features like text-to-speech, adjustable text spacing, and translation.
Natural Reader A text-to-speech software that converts written text into spoken words, ideal for students who benefit from auditory learning.
Voice Dream A versatile reading app that supports multiple file formats, combining text-to-speech capabilities with highly customizable reading features.
Public Library Apps (They're FREE!) Apps like Libby or Hoopla offer free access to audiobooks, e-books, and more, all available with your library card.
Pro Tip: Check out a parent's perspective on Assistive Technology that was shared earlier in this series to learn more about some of these tools.
Consider organizing a field trip to the library or encourage families to visit on their own. This can be a great way to get students excited about reading and help them discover the wealth of resources available, including audio and e-books through a state library card.
If your school issues iPads or Chromebooks, consider loading them with apps that you know will be helpful for building literacy skills. As early readers are emerging, you can encourage students to listen and follow along with their favorite books, reinforcing their reading development in an engaging way.
Real-World Success Story & Considerations
One of my students was assigned to read "Little Women" for school - a text well above his fluent reading level. However, by using an audiobook while following along with the text, he transformed his reading experience:
Reading time reduced from hours to just 20 minutes per chapter
No more tears or fights over homework
Increased confidence in tackling challenging texts
Easy access to word definitions through e-book features
This success story highlights the power of making texts accessible through multi-sensory approaches.
However, it’s important to be mindful of potential challenges when implementing these strategies. If only students with 504 Plans or IEPs are allowed to use audiobooks, it can lead to feelings of resentment among other students and reluctance to embrace the tool. To foster a more inclusive environment, it’s important to offer a variety of options that cater to different learning needs. By providing choices—such as audiobooks, e-books, or traditional texts—teachers can create an equitable classroom where all students feel supported and empowered in their reading journey.
When Audiobooks Aren't Available
For textbooks or other materials without audio versions, consider these strategies:
Partner Reading: This approach benefits all students by:
Allowing struggling readers to hear fluent reading
Empowering confident readers as leaders
Reducing pressure on individual students
Note: Teacher supervision is crucial to prevent learned helplessness and ensure active participation from all students.
The Gradual Approach: It's Not All or Nothing
When introducing multi-sensory reading strategies, remember:
Start small and build gradually
Meet students where they are
Focus on establishing good routines and creating positive reading experiences
For example:
Week 1: Student reads for 1 minute, parent/teacher reads for 4 minutes
Week 2: Student reads for 2 minutes, parent/teacher reads for 5 minutes
Continue slowly increasing the student's reading time
Remember: If either the student or the parent/teacher is getting upset, it's time to reassess and adjust the approach.
Conclusion
By embracing multimode reading options, we can create inclusive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all students. Whether it's through audiobooks, partner reading, or gradual approaches, the key is to provide options that empower students to engage with texts confidently and effectively. Let's work together to make reading accessible and enjoyable for every learner in our classrooms.
Â
This post is part of our 31 Days of Dyslexia series, offering practical insights for educators and parents. Subscribe and follow along to learn more strategies that can make a difference in the lives of dyslexic learners!
Comments