Ghotit will host from time to time guest blog posts about dyslexia.

The writers of these posts may be dyslexics, dyslexic family members, dyslexic tutors, teachers, assistive technology specialists or any other writer as long as the post provides quality information about dyslexia.

Here is the first hosted post by Shantell Berrett, a Dyslexia Specialist.

“Dyslexia is not a disease to have and to be cured of, but a way of thinking and learning. Often it’s a gifted mind waiting to be found and taught.”
- Girard Sagmiller, author of Dyslexia My Life

Dyslexia is the most-common learning disability, affecting nearly 10% of the population. While not the result of neurological damage, it is the product of neurological development. Individuals with dyslexia have several valuable abilities but these positive symptoms are often hidden by the difficulty dyslexics have with language skills such as: reading, writing and spelling.

Luckily, research has proven that interactive, step-by-step phonics instruction can help ‘rewire’ the brain and help dyslexic students learn to read. These methods are applied to Reading Horizons reading program for dyslexics and struggling readers:

1. Step-by-Step Approach

According to Dr. Sally Shaywitz, author of Overcoming Dyslexia, programs that teach phonics systematically and explicitly are the most effective in helping dyslexics develop reading skills. Reading Horizons teaches dyslexics how to improve reading in a step-by-step and collective format that helps users understand, retain, and apply its methods. Reading Horizons teaches dyslexics the basic rules and structure that build the English language.

2. Explicit Word Decoding Strategies

Reading Horizons empowers dyslexics with word decoding strategies that help them confidently read unfamiliar text. Upon finishing the program, most students are able to read high school level words. This does not mean that they are able to read at a high school level, which includes vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension; however, those areas will continue to improve as they continue to read additional text.

3. Orton Gillingham Methods

In the 1930s, physician researchers Dr. Samuel T. Orton and Anna Gillingham concluded that dyslexics had the most reading success when taught with explicit, systematic phonics instruction. Reading Horizons method applies the Orton Gillingham approach to reading through:

• Multi-sensory activities that engage kinesthetic, auditory, and visual cues
• Teaching alphabet and phonics principles in a step-by-step format
• Practical, language-based applications

About Reading Horizons

Reading Horizons can help dyslexics improve reading using direct instruction, computer software, or a combination of the two. Reading Horizons gives dyslexics the tools to become effective readers that can decode any word and increase reading fluency and comprehension.

Learn more about Reading Horizons:

Reading Horizons Dyslexia Help Centerà  

Reading Horizons Online Training for Teaching Readingà

Sample Reading Horizons Methodà

 This article was originally published on ReadingHorizonsAtHome.com. For additional dyslexia articles, free resources, and product information visit www.ReadingHorizonsAtHome.com today!