Children with dyslexia often show clear signs of difficulties with reading and writing. Unfortunately, their tutors and parents don’t always spot these issues and students fail to receive adequate help.
Thankfully, there are great literacy tutors in Sydney to turn to for essential support. Read on to find out more about how they offer vital help for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD).
1. One-to-one tutoring
One of the most important things that dyslexia tutors offer to their students is one-to-one tuition. They help their students to learn reading and writing at a pace that suits them, while also teaching the strategies they need to succeed. They can also work with the student to develop their spelling and vocabulary skills. In addition, they can provide specialised teaching approaches like phonics, which teaches the individual sounds that makeup words, and computer programs that facilitate learning.
Having the support of a specialist tutor can be especially beneficial for children who are coping with low self-esteem, which is often associated with dyslexia. It can be hard for them to feel confident when they are surrounded by children who are performing better at school, so having the attention of an adult can give them a sense of belonging. It can also help them to overcome their frustrations and feelings of inadequacy about their reading abilities.
The EEF research found that, on average, children who have one-to-one tuition progress 5 months more over a year than those receiving group tutoring. In addition, children who enjoy their lessons tend to learn more – and are more likely to continue their tuition over time. This is because activities in classrooms or groups are usually designed to appeal to many different learning styles at the same time, whereas tutors can create lessons that specifically address the student’s needs and learning style.
2. Specialised teaching methods
Many dyslexic students have a history of experiencing learning difficulties in school. The traditional teaching methods used in schools often don’t cater to their needs and students can often fail to make the progress that they would if they had a private tutor helping them. It is important for children with learning difficulties like dyslexia or autism including Aspergers to be taught the correct strategies so that they can maximise their reading, writing, and maths skills.
A private teacher will use specialised techniques to assist students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or any other underlying learning difficulty that they may have. A few examples include using a multisensory approach to teaching such as the Orton Gillingham or MSL method, phonics instruction that focuses on individual sounds that make up words, and computer programs that facilitate reading and writing.
Educators who specialise in dyslexia will also be aware of the various co-morbidities that can affect a child’s learning such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. This awareness will ensure that the best support is given to a child who is struggling academically, socially, and emotionally.
A few organisations that offer literacy support for individuals with dyslexia in Sydney include Neurosensory, Dystech, Chris Burns, and Hope Tutoring. These groups provide an initial reading and writing assessment of a student and then tailor the appropriate one-to-one tutoring sessions to suit each child’s needs.
3. Support for parents
The impact of dyslexia can be devastating for the student, their parents, and their family. It can affect a child’s self-esteem, their relationship with others, and even their mental health. The earlier a student with dyslexia receives the help they need, the better their chances of success at school and in life.
Students who struggle with literacy in NSW schools need extra support that is often not available at school or from their disability services. This can be due to the teaching style of teachers, a lack of resources, and even disability services staff who are overwhelmed.
This is where private tutoring can make a big difference. A good dyslexia tutor Sydney can understand the challenges of living with dyslexia and offer essential support. They can also provide a range of strategies and methods to improve the literacy skills of their students. This includes the Playberry Multi-Sensory Literacy Program which is effective because it takes the student right back to the basics of learning literacy and systematically rebuilds their phonic system.
The dyslexia experts at Cumberland Education specialise in helping students who are “slipping through the cracks”. They have a team of educational psychologists, speech pathologists, and OTs who work together to ensure each student receives the best support possible. They use a specialised teaching approach called Orton-Gillingham which is recommended by the International Dyslexia Association and endorsed by leading researchers in the field. They also focus on ensuring each student is equipped with the best test-taking accommodations to ensure their success in the classroom and beyond.
4. Tutoring for adults
Dyslexia is not something that only affects children, many people are diagnosed with it as adults. Luckily, a private teacher can teach adults with dyslexia to overcome their difficulties and achieve success. The tutor can use methods based on scientific research to help the adult learn. These techniques include one-to-one tutoring classes, phonics instruction that focuses on individual sounds that make up words, and computer programs facilitating reading and writing.
The Australian Dyslexia Foundation aims to help people who can’t afford necessary remediation for dyslexia and other learning disorders. They provide tailored support & advice, including help with NDIS applications. They can also help you apply for funding from other disability charities.
In conclusion, literacy tutors in Sydney play a crucial role in supporting children and adults with dyslexia. Through one-to-one tutoring, specialized teaching methods, and tailored support for parents, these tutors address the unique needs of individuals with dyslexia. Organizations like Neurosensory, Dystech, Chris Burns, Hope Tutoring, and Cumberland Education contribute significantly to this support. Early intervention is emphasized, and tutoring extends to adults, providing methods based on scientific research. The Australian Dyslexia Foundation further aids those who need remediation, offering support, advice, and assistance in accessing funding. Ultimately, dyslexia tutoring proves instrumental in improving literacy skills, self-esteem, and overall success in life.