Helping Dyslexic Kids Thrive In Language Arts ft. Teacher Diane Bramble
Sep 2, 2023
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Elementary and middle-school teacher Diane Bramble discusses the significance of accommodations for dyslexic students, individualizing instruction, the strengths and abilities of dyslexic students in language arts, the importance of trust and finding one's voice in school, and the significance of communication and advocacy for dyslexic students.
Accommodations in education are crucial for learners with different needs to showcase their abilities and should be prioritized by both teachers and families.
Individualizing instruction for students with learning differences can be achieved through careful planning, collaboration, and providing catch-up opportunities alongside challenging materials.
Deep dives
Accommodations as a Support for Learners
Accommodations in education are essential for allowing learners with different needs to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities without being limited or restricted. These accommodations take various forms, such as preferential seating or using voice-to-text or text-to-voice technology. Teachers play a crucial role in understanding each student's individual needs and determining the appropriate accommodations. It is important for educators to prioritize making accommodations work in the classroom and, if necessary, for families to advocate for their child until suitable accommodations are provided.
Balance between Individualization and Cohesive Classroom
Individualizing instruction for students with learning differences can feel challenging, especially when teachers have a large number of students. However, with careful planning and collaboration between teachers, special education educators, and counselors, it is possible to find ways to meet the unique needs of each student while maintaining a cohesive classroom environment. Flexible grouping and prioritizing key accommodations can be effective strategies. Providing both catch-up opportunities and opportunities to demonstrate higher-level knowledge is crucial for supporting students with learning differences.
Recognizing Strengths and Challenging Dyslexic Students
Dyslexic students often face misconceptions and myths about their abilities, but they possess unique strengths and creative thinking. Their brains process information differently, requiring them to find alternative strategies to understand words and concepts. Acknowledging their strengths and encouraging self-awareness can empower these students. Providing challenging materials and assessing their progress through individualized methods, such as audiobooks or oral discussions, allow dyslexic students to showcase their intelligence and knowledge. Building trust and cultivating student-teacher relationships based on understanding and support is key to unlocking their potential.
We're excited to share part 2 of our interview with elementary and middle-school language arts teacher Diane Bramble! You can find part 1 here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077817/episodes/13472479
Here is a fantastic list of resources that Diane compiled for both parents of dyslexic kids and for dyslexic kids themselves: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d9sQCIlXaoKdnsH4B3UWCOQaZnALOndazalSrV4lhYY/edit
Diane hails from Delaware, where she spent her formative years playing sports, honing her big sister skills, and escaping into books to lessen her feelings of shyness. She credits Mary Poppins, her mom, and her favorite teacher Mr. DiBartolo for inspiring her to be a teacher. In high school, Diane found music and credits Joni Mitchell with saving her soul with Blue. She got her undergraduate degree in elementary education with a minor in special education and her master's degree from the University of New Hampshire in the Teaching of Reading and Writing.
Diane taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Friends School for about 25 years. She’s been teaching at Friends Middle School for seven years. She loves the younger learners because of their wide-eyed curiosity, fascination with everything, and their hugs. She loves the older learners because of their intellectual curiosity, their bravery in working to figure out who they are in the world, and their humor. Diane says, “I’m passionate about learning and teaching, especially the reciprocity of those things. I feel most energized when I’m digging into a new concept or topic. And I love finding a way to share my new knowledge with my students.”
Diane plays guitar and likes to sing. She fills journals with writing, drawings, and collage. She is an amateur bird watcher and is working on perfecting her black-capped chickadee call. She loves Boulder for the Rocky Mountains, the multitude of hiking trails, and the 300 days of sunshine each year.
Dyslexia Journey has conversations and explorations to help you support the dyslexic child in your life. Content includes approaches, tips, and interviews with a range of guests from psychologists to educators to people with dyslexia. Increase your understanding and connection with your child as you help them embrace their uniqueness and thrive on this challenging journey!
Send us your questions, comments, and guest suggestions to parentingdyslexiajourney@gmail.com
Also check out our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingDyslexiaJourney
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