This was a question raised recently. Of course they are, but not for the reason you think. The British Dyslexia Association’s definition of Dyslexia is “Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of Dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed.” So the answer to the question is yes, but that is a self-fulfilling prophecy and probably a tautology. When Dyslexia was first identified, it was “bright children who struggle with spelling and reading”. Phonics was not even mentioned. When phonics was added, the definition drifted into measuring students against phonic skills (see BDA definition above) that helped millions of children to spell and read. However, it left the creative, imaginative children who found this auditory strategy difficult or almost impossible to be diagnosed, Dyslexic.
So if you struggle with phonics you are almost guaranteed to be identified as dyslexic, when tested, but you don’t need a phonics only strategy to spell and read really well. Millions of people have learned to spell and read without phonics – sounds confusing?
Decoding words with phonics isn’t the only element in learning to read and spell in English. Phonics decodes individual words, and for fluency we need to recognise words to make sense of what we are reading and gain comprehension. For spelling you need to be able to picture words, especially when struggling with the quirks of the English language, for example homophones – those words that sound the same but have entirely different spelling and meaning, e.g. where and wear.
Rapid access to the Word Form Area enables word recognition and you can access words from the Word Form Area and simply write them down for spelling.
Children who think visually have easy access to mental images and can quickly learn to use the Word Form Area directly and only decode words they have never seen before. This will speed up phonics by anchoring phonemes into visual words.
In 25 years of coaching Dyslexics we have never met a child or adult who is reliably using their Word Form Area to visualise words, and they can learn how to in less than an hour. Then they can use phonics for new words they have never seen before.
Here is the list of our classes to help support visual thinkers, and they are free for anyone to join in. Please share with your friends.
Monday 13th May 8pm or Monday 3rd June at 9:30am Mathematics and numeracy – How to better use your visual skills for all aspects of Maths. Click here to book for free
Tuesday 14th May 8pm or Tuesday 4th June at 9:30am: Clearing Energy when Exhausted – For those who are lacking energy and would like some skills to improve their energy banks. Click here to book for free
Monday 20th May 9:30am: Exploring Mental Pictures, for those who feel they are not as creative as they used to be. Come and explore with us. Click here to book for free.
Tuesday 21st May at 9:30am : Neurodivergent Strengths and Challenges – there are many neurodivergent strengths that are well worth exploring to give you different perspectives on neurodiversity. Click here to book for free
Monday 27th May at 9:30am: Easy Literacy for Dyslexia: Learn the vital skill of visualising words for reduced anxiety and developing fluent spelling and reading. Click here to book for free
Tuesday 28th May at 9:30am: Thriving with ADHD: Many tips to learn about improving ADHD for your child and you without medication. Click here to book for free
To explore more of the tips and tricks we have for neurodivergent children and adults, do click here. There is even a free introductory video there
My name is Olive Hickmott, I am a health and learning coach, specializing in working with neurodivergent students. I would be pleased to support you in any way I can.
You are welcome to contact me olive@empoweringlearning.co.uk
Here you will find my learning platform for some of my training programmes and free live webinars www.visualkids.co.uk
You will find other useful information and Practitioner Training at http://www.empoweringlearning.co.uk
Here is my YouTube channel for more free resources: https://www.youtube.com/c/OliveHickmott
My latest books are:
The Elephants in the Classroom: using every student’s natural power of Mental Imagery to enhance learning: Neurodiversity through the lens of mental Imagery.
Bridges to Success – How to transform Learning Difficulties
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