As beneficial and instrumental to success as reading is, some children cannot read or struggle to read. These children suffer the challenges of having a reading deficiency, not because they are not smart or not interested in reading but because they are dyslexic. A report by International Dyslexic Association (2013) described dyslexia as a neurological based condition that results in persistent problems with reading, spelling and writing. Contrary to popular belief, dyslexia is neither the result of low intellectual capacity nor the result of poor schooling or a lack of interest in learning to read (Hammond & Hercules, 2000).  Dyslexia is an innate condition that could be hereditary- Hammond and Hercules (2000). 

 

In my ten years of teaching, I have observed that young people with dyslexia often feel frustrated with class work and home work. They struggle with low self-esteem, defeat and are often withdrawn during a reading class. Parents and teachers have an enormous responsibility to help children overcome the negative emotions that are prone to dyslexic children. “Children are more successful when early in their lives someone has been extremely supportive and encouraging, and when they have found an area in which they can succeed” (IDA, 2013, p.6). We can make a difference in the life of every dyslexic person we know by giving them a boost.

 

Olapeju Okungbowa

Reference list

1.     Hammond, J. and Hercules, F. (2000). Understanding Dyslexia. University Of Glasgow. Retrieved from http://www.vub.ac.b..e/.../dyslexia.pdf

2.     The International Dyslexia Association. (2013). Dyslexia in the classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to know. Retrieved from http://www.dyslexia-hawaii.org/.../Dyslexia-in.