Teaching Literacy to Learners with Dyslexia: A Multi-sensory Approach [Paperback]

This has proven to be one of the single most valuable and useful publications I have purchased to support my work as a specialist teacher. There are several reasons for this.

First of all, there is an accessible, yet detailed outline of theories of causation associated with dyslexia and how these may influence cognitive processes that lead to certain characteristics being shown by individuals in their reading and writing. By drawing together this information and the research evidence, the book is ideal in providing an overview of dyslexia useful to specialist teachers as well as those who may be supporting learners and are looking to develop their own understanding.

Secondly, lesson planning is clearly explained and routines described in a way that is very easy to understand and consequently use in lessons. The book also provides advice on how to modify lessons according to time constraints. It is very clear in terms of assessing current knowledge and how to adapt the teaching programme to suit the needs of individuals via a placement test. This is incredibly useful in making sure learners are kept motivated while their learning needs are met. A bonus is having the placement tests and associated recording sheets available to download. Similarly, other resources found in the book, such as literacy concept cards, can be downloaded for use with the programme outlined in the book. This is a great time saver!

Thirdly, each teaching point is clearly explained and gives practical ideas for introducing new concepts or material during a lesson with an emphasis on the use of discovery learning. I have found this invaluable as it is presented in a straight-forward manner and highlights subject-knowledge the teacher needs as well as the means to support a learner in developing their abilities. Suggested dictation and sentences for reading are provided and this means a lot of time can be saved when planning as you do not need to spend a long time checking through the programme to construct these so they are within the structure of what has been covered previously.

Since purchasing this, I use it as the sole programme for teaching individuals with dyslexia or dyslexia-type difficulties in my role of a specialist teacher due to the ease of use and clarity it has. This is often lacking from other publications that provide teaching programmes of this nature- but not in this book.

A further useful element of the book is the suggestions it makes for adapting the programme, specifically the lesson structure when supporting groups of children who may all be at different stages.

It has been written by people with practical experience of working directly with learners with dyslexia and is sympathetic to the challenges that may be faced in lesson planning, subject-knowledge and devising an appropriate programme for an individual to follow.

I would highly recommend this to fellow specialist teachers and those who are preparing to gain a specialist qualification. I would not be without this book now I have bought it!

A very worthwhile investment!

This book is excellent and I have found it indispensable. It combines fact with lots of practical advice for teaching literacy to learners with dyslexia of all ages - it contains information for one to one teaching and very usefully, also advice for teaching groups.
It is constructed logically in a step by step user friendly manner, giving not only background knowledge and understanding about dyslexia, but also a structured, best practice, tried and tested teaching programme - the result of many years expertise and experience.
For the knowledge that can be gained from this book, it is extremely good value for money and if a choice has to be made, this should be it.
I would highly recommend it for teachers, students or for anyone wishing to demystify dyslexia and employ practical help and solutions.
V. M. (Student)

A must for any specialist teacher as this book provides interesting and current theoretical background to multi-sensory learning linked with the causal theories of dyslexia. Lots of practical activities and links with implications for practice. Even a teacher familiar with other dyslexia intervention programmes should find this book an invaluable addition to their repetoire. I would highly recommend it.