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Dyslexia:
a reading disability…but not a life sentence. Dyslexia
is a condition in which an individual has difficulty acquiring
the basic language skills, which are necessary to learn how
to read, spell, and write. Science has shown that the part
of the brain that is integral to reading functions differently
in those with dyslexia, the major problem being that dyslexics
cannot identify the approximately 44 letter sounds and link
them to their alphabetic symbols. Dyslexics may even hear
language as a blur of sounds, much like a nearsighted person
looks at a tree and sees a blur of green rather than individual
leaves.
When
children learn to read, they must first become aware that
spoken words consist of pieces of sound. Next, they must learn
that the letters of the alphabet are the way that we represent
these sounds on paper. The majority of children learn this
without direct instruction, but the dyslexic does not. A person
with dyslexia needs to be explicitly taught what the rest
of us take for granted and learn automatically.
The
following are some of the most common characteristics of dyslexia:
letter, word, and number reversals, substitutions, and omissions;
the lack of recognition of words previously learned; bizarre
spelling; confusion of left and right; difficulty carrying
out a sequence of directions; poor reading comprehension;
and difficulty organizing and completing written projects.
Although many children display one or more characteristics
while first acquiring the basic reading skills, most will
outgrow them. The child with dyslexia, however, will not.
A
substantial number of children with dyslexia (as well as with
other reading disabilities) come to our Centers looking for
solutions to their reading problems. Fortunately, whether
their reading disability is mild or severe, Kumon can help
them. What does Kumon do for children who have dyslexia? It
provides them with the structured and balanced approach to
reading instruction, which they need in order to move in baby
steps through practice and repetition toward their ultimate
goal – reading.
Here
is an outline of the program, which Kumon offers:
1.
Kumon Worksheets, along with Sight Word Flashcards, build
vocabulary.
2.
Kumon Worksheets, CD’s and Rhyming Flashcards help children
learn to hear the differences in sound so that they can master
phonics.
3.
Kumon’s Recommended Reading List of award-winning authors
and illustrators immerse children into a world of compelling
literature, developing their love of books, and their awareness
of the written word.
4.
Kumon’s Reading Program includes a language arts component
that teaches both grammar and punctuation.
5.
Kumon methodology provides dyslexic children the practice
and repetition of the basic reading skills, which they require.
6.
Finally, Kumon individualizes its program for each and every
student easily accommodating the child with dyslexia (or any
other reading disability).
If
parents know that their child has dyslexia, they should inform
their Kumon Instructor so that an individualized course of
study can be created accordingly – that is, one that
moves in small incremental steps with lots of repetition and
special attention paid to rhyming, phonemic awareness and
later phonics. We know that the best time to help children
to improve their reading skills are during the early primary
grades; thus, it is also a perfect time for the child to study
Kumon. The earlier the intervention, the better the improvement.
Remember, reading skills can be improved and Kumon is the
place to do this.
Andrea
Pastorok, Ph.D.
Dr.
Andi
Educational
Psychologist
Issue
23
©
2001 Kumon USA, Inc.
Reprinted
with permission.
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