Ep. 165: How Brains Learn to Read and Dyslexia with Nadine Gaab
Oct 20, 2023
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Nadine Gaab, Associate Professor of Education at Harvard, talks about how brains learn to read, debunking dyslexia myths. She emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention for reading difficulties, as well as the challenges in teaching reading. The podcast also discusses the significance of early screening for learning disabilities, pre-screening children in community settings, and the mental health aspect of learning to read.
Early identification and intervention for children at risk of dyslexia is crucial for preventing future reading difficulties.
The process of learning to read starts in utero and requires understanding language structure, mapping sounds to print, and recognizing letters and words.
Deep dives
The Importance of Early Identification and Intervention
Early identification and intervention for children at risk of dyslexia is crucial for preventing future reading difficulties. Screening in community settings, such as pediatricians' offices or libraries, can help identify children who need extra support. Teacher training and professional development are also essential for interpreting screening results and providing appropriate interventions. By focusing on early identification and intervention, we can ensure that children receive the necessary support before they experience significant challenges in learning to read.
Understanding How the Brain Learns to Read
The process of learning to read is complex and begins in utero with sound and language processing. As children develop, they need to understand the sounds of their language, language structure, and how sounds relate to written letters. The brain plays a crucial role in language processing, oral language development, mapping sounds to print, and recognizing letters and words. Early identification of atypical reading development is important for providing appropriate intervention and support to ensure successful reading outcomes.
Addressing Common Myths about Dyslexia
There are several common myths about dyslexia that need to be debunked. For instance, dyslexia is not solely characterized by letter reversals or reading from left to right. It is a condition that affects word reading and decoding skills. Another myth is that children with dyslexia will eventually grow out of it or that boys are more likely to outgrow it. Early identification and intervention are essential for preventing reading difficulties and promoting positive outcomes for children with dyslexia.
The Importance of Mental Health and Well-being
Struggling with learning to read can have a significant impact on mental health and self-esteem. Focusing on the mental health aspect alongside academics is crucial. Early identification and intervention can help prevent long-term difficulties and improve mental health outcomes. By providing support and interventions from an early age, we can enhance children's self-esteem, motivation, and overall well-being as they develop reading skills.
Nadine Gaab, Associate Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, joins us on the podcast to talk about how brains learn to read. Reading development starts in utero because the fundamental milestones for learning to read are sounds and language processing. Brain research shows us the brain of children learning to read is different in struggling readers. Dr. Gaab debunks dyslexia myths and connects the importance of early screening and intervention for dyslexia.