3 Steps for Effective Reading Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities

Have you found yourself endlessly designing reading lesson plans, analyzing student data, and feeling like there must be a better way? Trust me, I've been there. But fear not! I'm here to share my secrets for teaching reading to students with learning disabilities. Get ready to save time, implement effective strategies, and witness your students thrive as readers.

In my 20s, I spent countless hours sitting on the floor of my living room, designing and redesigning lesson plans. Determined to become an expert in reading instruction, I pursued certification as a Dyslexia practitioner. Now, I'm excited to pass on my knowledge and provide you with a three-step approach grounded in the Science of Reading.

Step 1: Build a Student Profile

Become an expert on your students' reading skills by constructing comprehensive student profiles. Assess all five pillars of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—to gain insights into their strengths and areas that need improvement. 

This holistic understanding will guide your instructional decisions and enable you to create personalized learning plans.

Step 2: Make Instructional Decisions

Once you have a solid student profile, it's time to make informed instructional decisions. Utilize a diagnostic reading tree to analyze assessment data and pinpoint specific areas that require targeted instruction. By basing your decisions on data and aligning them with research-backed practices, you'll optimize your students' learning potential and effectively address their individual challenges.

Step 3: Implement a Structured Literacy Lesson Plan

To deliver structured and systematic reading instruction, adopt a comprehensive five-step reading lesson plan. Designed specifically for students with learning disabilities, this plan follows the principles of structured literacy. Each step focuses on essential reading components, employing explicit instruction, guided practice, and independent application. By following this structured approach, you'll scaffold learning, promote skill acquisition, and bolster your students' confidence as readers.

These three steps provide a solid foundation for effective reading instruction for students with learning disabilities. However, if you want a more comprehensive understanding, get my 5 Step Lesson Plan and more in my ebook:

A Teacher's Guide to Designing Reading Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities.

Happy & Healthy Teaching!

Miss Rae