{"id":13902,"date":"2025-10-14T09:52:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T13:52:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/learningally.org\/?p=13902"},"modified":"2025-11-03T10:55:25","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T15:55:25","slug":"five-classroom-strategies-general-education-teachers-can-use-to-support-struggling-readers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/learningally.org\/resource\/five-classroom-strategies-general-education-teachers-can-use-to-support-struggling-readers","title":{"rendered":"Five Classroom Strategies General Education Teachers Can Use to Support Struggling Readers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every classroom has students who struggle with reading\u2014due to dyslexia, other learning differences, or simply needing more time to develop skills. General education teachers don\u2019t need to be dyslexia experts to make a meaningful difference. What they do<\/em> need are practical, research-based strategies that help students feel included, confident, and capable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month\u2014and to reinforce positive reading habits all year\u2014here are four proven strategies <\/strong>general education teachers can use to support struggling readers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Normalize different ways of reading (like audiobooks)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Create a print-friendly environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Build confidence through choice and voice<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Collaborate with families and specialists<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Celebrate Every Reading Win<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    These simple shifts create classrooms where all students can thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    1. Normalize Different Ways of Reading<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Students notice when they feel \u201cdifferent.\u201d General education teachers can help normalize the use of tools like audiobooks by talking about their favorite audiobook and how popular they are. Audiobooks allow students with dyslexia to access grade-level text <\/strong>without being limited by decoding struggles, supporting comprehension, vocabulary growth, and motivation (Reading Rockets<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As Winslow Coyne Reitnouer Award winner and teacher Kathy Whitman shared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLearning Ally was a game changer because it enabled all students to have access to amazing literature that they would not independently be able to read\u2026 it leveled the playing field for our dyslexic learners. When they finish a book their neurotypical peers are reading, they can have conversations\u2014you see the pride and joy when they engage in those discussions.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    EMBED VIDEO: <\/em>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jcvvrk320LM<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Create a Print-Friendly Environment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Simple classroom adjustments can reduce barriers for students who struggle with reading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n