5 Important Reminders for Interventionists During Dyslexia Awareness Month

5 Important Reminders for Interventionists During Dyslexia Awareness Month

Hey there, interventionists! 👋

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to revisit the best practices that can make all the difference for our struggling readers. As you know, teaching students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties requires a specific approach—one that is explicit, systematic, and focused on foundational skills. That's where Structured Literacy comes in, and today, I want to share five important reminders to help you strengthen your interventions.

Before we dive in, let me share a quick story.

A Story of Growth and Confidence

Meet Travis, a 7th grader who was incredibly brilliant and articulate. He had a love for learning, a sharp mind, and could explain complex ideas with ease. But when it came to reading, he struggled—particularly with decoding multisyllabic words. His frustration was palpable, and despite his intelligence, his confidence was taking a hit.

We worked together on multisyllabic word decoding and fluency. Slowly but surely, Travis began to unlock the structure of these longer words. He had to work hard, but his motivation grew as he saw his progress. I’ll never forget the moment he confidently read an entire passage without stumbling. His face lit up, and that was the turning point.

Not only did Travis’s reading skills improve, but his confidence and motivation soared. It was a reminder that with the right support, students with dyslexia can flourish.

Now, let’s dive into the five important reminders for you as interventionists, drawing from lessons like the ones I learned with Travis.

1. Explicit, Systematic Instruction is Key

We all know how easy it can be to assume that students will eventually "get it" with enough exposure. But for students with dyslexia, they need much more than exposure—they need direct, explicit instruction. This means clearly explaining and modeling skills like decoding and spelling, and guiding students through each step.

And it doesn’t stop there! Instruction needs to be systematic too, meaning that we teach skills in a planned, logical sequence. Start with the basics and build from there. Make sure your students have mastered foundational skills before moving on to more advanced concepts.

Quick Tip: Take time to break down each step, and give students lots of opportunities to practice. The clearer the instruction, the better!

2. Focus on Foundational Skills First

Dyslexic students often struggle with phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words. That’s why it’s so important to focus on foundational literacy skills like decoding and phonics before tackling higher-level tasks like reading comprehension.

When students have a strong grasp of these basic skills, everything else becomes easier. So, don’t rush through the early stages of learning to read. Give your students plenty of time to develop their decoding and phonics abilities.

Reminder: Students with dyslexia benefit the most from repeated, focused practice on these skills before progressing.

3. Use Data to Drive Instruction

One size does not fit all, and this couldn’t be truer when working with struggling readers. That's why it’s crucial to use data to guide your instruction. Regular assessments help you understand exactly where your students are struggling, whether it’s decoding multi-syllable words or mastering sight words.

With that data in hand, you can tailor your interventions to target specific skills. The more you use data to refine your approach, the more progress your students will make.

Pro Tip: Keep track of your students’ progress and adjust your instruction as needed. The data will tell you where to focus next!

4. Tailor Interventions for Subgroups

Did you know that many students with dyslexia also have co-occurring challenges, like ADHD or language impairments? These students may need more than just phonics instruction. They might benefit from extra support in areas like organization or syntax (the structure of sentences).

For example, students with ADHD might need explicit help managing their reading and writing tasks. And students with language impairments might require interventions that go beyond phonology and address semantics (the meaning of words) and syntax.

Reminder: Every student is different! Adjust your approach to fit their unique needs and challenges.

5. Consistency and Persistence Pay Off

Lastly, let’s remember that there’s no quick fix when it comes to Structured Literacy. Consistency and persistence are key. Even when progress seems slow, it’s important to stick to your routines and give your students frequent opportunities to practice what they’re learning.

Consistent feedback is also essential. Celebrate small wins and provide constructive, targeted corrections to keep your students on the right path.

Encouragement: Stay patient! The groundwork you’re laying now is building a strong foundation for future success.

Wrapping It Up

As interventionists, you’re on the frontlines of helping students like Travis overcome their reading challenges. Your dedication and thoughtful instruction make all the difference. By focusing on explicit, systematic instruction and using data to guide your teaching, you're setting your students up for success—not just during Dyslexia Awareness Month, but throughout their academic journeys.

Keep up the great work, and thank you for all that you do to help every student find their path to literacy! If you have any questions or want to share your own strategies, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Here’s to helping our students thrive!

Emily Muccianti