How to Select a Tutor for a Dyxlexic Child
- 1). Learn the components tutors must use in successful, research-based reading instruction. The National Reading Panel released a study in 2000 of instruction programs that have been scientifically proven to improve reading skills. The panel identified five essential elements: phonemic awareness, phonics instruction, fluency, vocabulary development and comprehension.
- 2). Toss out any reading program that promises to have your child reading fluently within 2 weeks. Dyslexia is a reading problem that results because the dyslexic’s brain does not process written language in the same way a fluent reader’s does. That is not something that can be corrected in a few days. Some programs which claim to “cure” dyslexia teach methods of focus and concentration. These can be useful, but they may neglect the basic reading skills listed above. Watch for scams.
- 3). Ask which research-based, scientifically proven reading instruction program the tutor will use. Any tutor worthy of your consideration will have detailed, documented methods for addressing the five key areas of instruction. If the tutor seems reluctant to provide specifics, you need to look elsewhere.
- 4). Check references. Teaching a child with dyslexia requires large reserves of patience, creativity and determination. You want to work with a person or organization with a proven record. Achieving success over dyslexia can be a long process. You need a tutor you can trust to remain committed to your child’s reading success.
- 5). Ask how you can be involved in your child’s instruction. A good reading tutor will give your child strategies for decoding words. Practice using those strategies is essential to overcoming dyslexia. Select a tutor who will show you ways to help your child read between sessions.
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