Topic 1 DQ 1

Recommend two support strategies and interventions for struggling readers. Justify your
choices, making sure to describe why you plan to use your chosen strategies and
interventions in your future professional practice.

There are several support strategies and interventions that an educator can use to help
struggling readers. One of the strategies that I plan to use within my classroom is the overall
comprehension of language. For many students, it’s not just the struggle of reading text that
is difficult. Students who identify as poor in reading comprehension also fall behind on
understanding what they hear, and struggle with their own verbal grammar. Educators can
teach vocabulary, thinking skills, and comprehension in spoken language first to make sure
that students have a firm concept on what they are hearing, and then focus on reading and
written languages. This can be a huge asset for students who are not proficient in English or
who live in families where parents may struggle with English at home. Teaching vocabulary is
another strategy that I plan to use within my classroom. Struggling readers are already trying
to decode and pronounce words to help them with their language skills, so many times it can
be difficult for them to understand the meaning behind words. Teaching vocabulary and how
to comprehend new words using context clues can be beneficial for students in their
academics in the future (Parrish, 2022). I hope to use Fundations within my classroom as an
intervention for struggling readers and students who struggle with their writing. The
Fundations program relies on repetition and the importance of breaking down words for
students to understand their sounds and how they’re written. For readers who struggle with
their comprehension and looking back into the story, I also like to go over questions and
expectations before a reading sample is given, and throughout our reading I will ask specific
questions to the students that coincide with their individual work and to help them retell their
story and build their “look back” skills

Reference

Parrish, N. (2022, February 3). 5 Ways to Support Students Who Struggle With Reading

Comprehension. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-ways-support-students-

who-struggle-reading-comprehension
Topic 2 DQ 2

Some literacy experts have said, “A child with dyslexia should be educated at their ability
level, rather than their literacy level.” What does this mean? Based on this week’s readings
and at least one additional resource, do you agree or disagree with the quote? How will your
opinion translate into your classroom teaching?

As an educator, it’s important that we can challenge our students in a positive way that encourages and
promotes engagement and curiosity. For students with learning disabilities, we must be mindful to their
unique needs and ensure that we are creating activities that promote learning while also building
necessary self-confidence skills in their academics. Students with Dyslexia may need their work modified
to suit their ability level that may not be the same grade level work as their peers. If we force students
with a disability to work outside of their levels, this could have a negative effect on their academic
outlooks. Students may get frustrated, stop caring, or become escalated because the work is too hard
for them. Educators need to challenge their students but also understand that line of importance when
it comes to promoting independent skills and ensuring that your classroom remains engaged in their
activities. Students with Dyslexia may work at a grade level or two below their peers, but they are still
receiving and retaining that information in an encouraging way that helps them build on what they
already know. There are several ways that teachers can accommodate students with Dyslexia so that
their material fits their academic ability as well as their developmental age to help with their reading
skills. Tape recorders, simple directions, highlighted text, modified reading can all be used to support
students who present with these types of challenges (International Dyslexia Association).

Reference

International Dyslexia Association. (n.d.). Accommodating Students with Dyslexia in All

Classroom Setting. Reading Rockets.

https://www.readingrockets.org/article/accommodating-students-dyslexia-all-classroom-

settings