The third time’s the charm! Why has it taken three schools before finding one that meets the needs of a twice exceptional student in 4th grade? “We don’t do school this way.” “He’s smart enough to do the work but lacks motivation.” “His parents want too much from us!” This student does have exceptional parents. They are exceptionally patient, exceptionally frustrated, and exceptionally single-minded. Check out my reblog of another parent who has endured this battle for even longer! Let’s STOP the madness!
How do we start helping 2e kids? Here are some helpful mods for 2e kids with dyslexia. None of the following modifications/accommodations requires money (unless there’s no access to a computer), so even without an IEP, a 504 plan could include all these helpful strategies.
Reading
–Use of audio books
–Not required to read orally in front of class or small group
–Preview of content vocabulary prior to reading, when feasible
Writing fatigue
–Manuscript style instead of cursive (for smaller amounts of writing)
–Chromebook for keyboarding and spell check (for longer amounts of writing)
–Extra time as needed
Writing aids
–Word lists for specific writing assignments
–Use of graphic organizers
–Use of digital resources for writing and researching
Spelling
–Modified spelling assignments
–No points lost for spelling errors in graded work
–Reminders of applicable spelling rules
Worksheets entailing significant writing
–Sufficient lines / space for writing
–Dictation to scribe
–Can use Chromebook, then print and attach
Fatigue reduction
-Not required to transcribe (ie, copy text from board/written sources;
instead, can take photo or receive hard copy)
–Fill-in-the blank worksheets not required if just finding answers
(ie, prioritize energy toward higher level thinking)
–Reduction of memorization wherever possible
Homework modifications
–Can reduce by approx half, in whatever way would be best for learning content,
if too fatigued
–Can ask parents to scribe, or discuss orally with parents, if too fatigued
–Extended time for projects as needed
Discussions
–Prep time and forewarning during group discussions
–Called on only when raises hand (if discussing assignments that have been modified)
–Access to any written brainstorming that occurs in group discussion
Tapping strengths
–Option to read and write on topics of interest whenever feasible
–Opportunities for analyzing and evaluating information
–Opportunities for making predictions and connections
Tests
–Extra time as needed
–Dictation to scribe for essay-style tests
–Receive teacher notes and completed study guides whenever feasible
Standardized tests
–Mark in book
–Extra time
–Read aloud
That is a lot of good strategies.
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Thanks. It was a joint effort!
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Excellent post! My daughter is in Grade 4 and has dyslexia. I am most grateful for the post!
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Wow. Small world. I hope this was not discouraging!
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Not at all. Since year 3, I have been home schooling my daughter and she is doing well. Her confidence has risen too.
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That’s great. It’s wonderful that you’re able to do that. The 4th grader from this post has been through the mill. His parents considered home schooling but it would have been a challenge with their jobs.
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