Dyslexia may be described as "word blindness" because it causes difficulty with processing the written word. This difficulty may lead to problems with reading, writing, spelling, and short-term memory. Dyslexia may overlap with other conditions such as ADHD. About four percent of the population is affected by dyslexia to a significant extent.
Teacher/Catechist Considerations:
Used with permission: Marsha Rivas, Equal Access Ministry, Diocese of Toledo
Teacher/Catechist Considerations:
- Students may try very hard to keep their dyslexia hidden.
- Don't ask a student to read aloud in class before finding out if they are comfortable reading in a group situation.
- Present written hand-outs in a clear font, such as Ariel or Verdana instead of a decorative font or handwritten.
- Use bullet points and lists rather than long paragraphs.
- Look at backgrounds in all written material for good color contrast with the text.
- Present material in a variety of formats, not only written text.
- Assist students to highlight important words.
- Use pictures to supplement words.
- Allow extra time for students to read and complete written assignments.
- Give oral tests.
- Allow students to read softly to themselves instead of silent reading.
Used with permission: Marsha Rivas, Equal Access Ministry, Diocese of Toledo