If one has a mild reading comprehension disability, what are some good alternative ways to learn?

Answer 1

Multi-sensory approaches and programs are very helpful. Covering up portions of text and tackling it one paragraph at a time is effective. Using a somewhat mathematical and scientific approach can work, particularly for nonfiction. For example, if a student is confused about the subject or main idea of a passage, and is going back and forth between two words or ideas, he or she highlights or circles each time the word appears, then adds them up. Presumably, the author will use one of them more. After a few rereads, the student may conclude that idea or word 2 is the subject or main idea, despite the higher incidence of the other word/idea. This can lead to critical thinking regarding how well the author conveyed his or her idea. Students can become critics of writing, which leads to better writing of their own.

While this strategy is better used with upper elementary and secondary students, I have used this strategy with children as young as seven, with success.

Answer 2

I am a proponent of chucking work. So physically cutting it into groups or blocking sections at a time. I also encourage visuals such as use of a highlighter or screen reader to help what visually appeals to the eye. Additionally oral rehearsal of any responses.