03/17/2023
It is often said that "dyslexia is an island in a sea of strengths" (Shaywitz). And yet, our systems are not designed for our different learners to showcase these strengths.
The dyslexic brain develops and functions differently, causing both challenges and strengths in different areas. ๐ง ๐ช๐ผ
If you ask my students, they will tell you that their brain processes information differently and that with the proper delivery of information, everything clicks. ๐ฆ
While we often hear about the deficits, it's essential to understand and highlight areas of strength. Using this strength-based language can create a sense of deeper understanding and help build self-esteem.๐
Some common strengths are:
*creativity
*"big picture" thinking
*thinking skills (conceptualization, reasoning, abstraction, imagination)
*interpersonal skills
*spatial knowledge
*"out-of-the-box" problem solving
*storytelling
*interconnected reasoning
*goal-directed
And so many more!
Using a student's strengths to help with new learning can have an amazing impact. We are all good at different things, and no one thing defines us.
When we help our students see themselves in this light while appropriately addressing struggles, it changes everything. โจ
What are some strengths that you have recognized in your students? How can you weave strengths-based approaches into your structured literacy lessons?
