Learning with Dyslexia
Diversity is something to love, encourage and learn from. In the aftermath of Dyslexia Awareness Week we are fortunate to be in a time where our increasing understanding allows us to embrace this condition rather than fear it. Dyslexia is the most common learning disability affecting one in ten people around the globe. Common signs are creative thinking, problem solving and specific areas in which they demonstrate high intelligence. Yet it often comes in tandem with a difficulty in progressing in areas such as comprehension, verbal reasoning and mathematics and traditional methods of teaching are not targeted towards assorted ways of thinking.
Education is never going to be a cakewalk, yet with Pegasus I have had the pleasure to aid the learning process for dyslexic students by bringing concepts to life. So, let’s change the way we learn! Memories embed more easily if many of the senses are incorporated. So why should learning be any different? Sitting at a desk and expecting a halo of understanding to seep through the page on to a lucky beholder is a rather hit-and-miss system of learning. Let’s get children up on their feet and use their minds to lead their learning. Bring enjoyment and fun to the forefront of education by teaching through acting, song and movement. There is a kaleidoscope of information out there, so why not make it colourful and entertaining?
We are not all cut from the same cloth. Teaching simply cannot be focussed on one way of thinking. What makes the world special is not just our diverse cultures but also the diverse ways in which people approach life and learning. This is the rich tapestry that makes us celebrate who we are. The danger with the inflexible approach of traditional teaching is that this diversity is simply not catered for. One type simply does not fit all.
I am sure we have all felt at one stage that we have a certain type of ‘brain’, one that is targeted to a specific subject area. However, I believe that we are all equally capable of excelling in any subject area or field. The difference comes down to how engaged we are with an area from the get-go. One may look back and remember a teacher, a friend or a family member who has encouraged and believed in us. That is in essence what success comes down to. Confidence.
Self-belief is not something that society provides in equal proportion and it definitely is not distributed equally. It takes encouragement and nurturing to build confidence, yet only a few hurtful words to bring it crashing down. Dyslexia allows new ideas to be born in a variety of areas and fields. Dyslexics can see problems differently and visualise new paths and solutions. This is a gift! This is something to praise and celebrate!
My good fortune is having had teachers who took the time needed to understand, who had the ability to adapt and the trust to let me feel I can excel not only academically, but in all areas on life. I am extremely proud to be dyslexic. It has carved my path in education. I hope that every person diagnosed with dyslexia, not matter how old, gets the opportunity to feel this way.
