Dyslexia, a pattern of reading and writing difficulties, impacts many people across the globe. Yet, new insights from neuroscience, particularly the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, reveal fascinating links between dyslexia and brain activity. Specifically, dyslexia leads to an overactive front brain region, a crucial area for word analysis. Capitalizing on this increased neural activity, a unique “Word Analysis” curriculum improves reading and writing for those with dyslexia.
The ‘Word Analysis’ Approach to Dyslexia
Traditionally, dyslexia is viewed as a hurdle in the path of literacy development. However, research reveals that dyslexics show about three times more activity in their front brain during reading. This ‘Word Analysis’ curriculum takes advantage of this overactivity, not as a deficit but as an opportunity for learning enhancement.
Front Brain Activity and Literacy
The front brain, a key player in word analysis, forms the foundation for this unique curriculum. Rather than following conventional literacy teaching, it taps into the overactive front brain’s heightened activity. This focus on word analysis allows dyslexic learners to better identify, comprehend, and employ words, effectively leveraging their brain’s unique activity.
The Role of Audiobooks and Print
A crucial part of this curriculum is the smart use of books and audiobooks. Encouraging learners to pick a book slightly above their reading level and in both print and audio, the curriculum combines written and auditory learning. This method caters to the overactive front brain’s affinity for word analysis.
A Step-by-Step Learning Process
Following a step-by-step approach, learners progress from one sentence to the next, concentrating on each word. This steady, thorough method is designed to leverage the overactive brain region effectively. Learners analyze words, understand their context, and articulate them, thereby enhancing their reading comprehension.
‘Hero’ Concept in Sentence Analysis
Central to this curriculum is the ‘hero’ of each sentence, which could be a person or an idea. Understanding the ‘hero’ promotes engagement and triggers word analysis. This not only improves sentence comprehension but also boosts learners’ word analysis skills.
Enhancing Reading Skills with Audiobooks
To bolster reading comprehension, the curriculum employs an audiobook as a ‘wheelchair’, ‘crutches’, and ‘cane’. Reading while listening to the corresponding audiobook section aids learners in grasping challenging words. This repeated exposure to written and spoken words solidifies comprehension and fosters independent reading.
Vocabulary Expansion for Improved Articulation
The ‘Word Analysis’ curriculum also promotes vocabulary expansion, urging learners to use trusted sources like Merriam-Webster for word meanings and Thesaurus for synonyms. This not only bolsters reading and writing abilities but also enhances thought articulation.
The Power of Practice and Repetition
Lastly, the curriculum stresses the importance of practice. Gradually, learners shift towards independent reading, reducing their reliance on the audiobook. They alternate between the audiobook and self-reading until fluent, vocalizing their understanding to reinforce their learning.
Harnessing Dyslexia for Literacy Mastery
In summary, the ‘Word Analysis’ curriculum turns perceived deficits into advantages. It exploits dyslexics’ front brain overactivity as a learning tool. Despite dyslexia’s challenges, the capacity to leverage this distinct brain activity provides hope for individuals on their literacy mastery journey.
The Future of Dyslexia Education
By recognizing individual strengths and understanding brain activity, we unlock potential. This changes how we approach dyslexia and reading education. The ‘Word Analysis’ curriculum shows the value of understanding how brains work differently. It paves the way for more inclusive, personalized, and effective ways to learn.