Find useful strategies to help struggling readers succeed, and see how Quizizz can support reading with Accommodation Profiles.
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Have you ever felt like helping struggling readers in your classroom is like climbing a steep mountain? It can feel like a never-ending uphill battle, but with the right strategies, you can make the journey smoother and even enjoyable for your students. Imagine witnessing your students light up when they finally ‘get’ a concept they found difficult simply because they struggled with reading. That's the magic we want to achieve, and it's possible with a bit of patience and the right tools.
Reading struggles are more than struggling to understand words on a page. They also affect confidence, engagement, and even access to information that might be easily understandable if only ‘reading’ wasn’t involved. Finding the right approach that clicks with each student is a complex challenge, but this can be tackled with strategic methods and innovative tools. So, read on to find out!
Scaffolding is like building a ladder for your students, step by step. Set the bar just right — not too high to cause frustration, but not too low to feel condescending. Multiple readings, peer discussions, and breaking texts into bite-sized pieces can all help bring that ‘aha!’ moment.
Dyslexic and struggling readers often need more time to complete assignments. Allow extra time for reading and provide class syllabuses in advance. This lets students start reading assignments over school breaks and reduces pressure during the school year.
Recommend books that match the student’s reading level but are still rich in ideas. Offer well-written, easier books to encourage a love of reading without any embarrassment. Graphic novels can also be excellent since they give readers visual support that helps with vocabulary and comprehension. Similarly, audiobooks are a great option since they provide an auditory solution for understanding various components of literature.
Not all students are drawn to traditional fiction. Incorporate different reading materials like comics, magazines, non-fiction books, etc., to capture different interests. When students get the chance to engage with and read the text that they like, they’re more likely to be open to exploring reading more. Some students may enjoy illustrated books, some may enjoy reading short stories, and some may enjoy poetry. As long as they are interested in one form of text or another, it’s a win!
Cloze activities shift the focus from just recognizing words to understanding the context. They tend to ignite thought while reading since filling in the blanks prompts readers to really think about what they are reading. It’s like playing detective, where students use context clues to solve the mystery of missing words, which can make reading more enjoyable and interactive.
Shared reading builds confidence through community learning. As you read together, students can join in when they feel ready, as they are allowed multiple opportunities to participate. It’s a safe space for readers to practice and improve, like a supportive group hug.
Now, let's look at how Quizizz can take these strategies to the next level with its brilliant feature — Accommodation Profiles! These profiles act as magic wands that offer tailored support to students with diverse learning needs. There are over 12 Accommodation Profiles available on Quizizz, including the following six that provide reading support:
With the Translate profile, Quizizz can translate questions into various languages, such as Russian, Spanish, Arabic, etc. This is specifically helpful for students who are more comfortable in their native language, as it helps them understand and engage with the content better.
Quizizz offers the Dyslexia font option that displays questions in the Open Dyslexic font. This font is specially designed to reduce visual stress and improve readability for students with dyslexia. It can make reading feel more like a gentle stroll than a daunting hike!
The Bi-Lingual Dictionary accommodation profile lets students access translations for tricky words while answering questions. This immediate support helps them keep up with their peers without feeling lost or frustrated, like having a helpful friend whispering hints in their ear.
The Read-Aloud profile activates text-to-speech functionality that reads the text aloud to students. This is perfect for auditory learners or those who struggle with reading independently. This way, they can access and understand the material and have a ‘narrator friend’ guide them through the story.
These profiles adjust font settings to make reading easier on the eyes and more personalized to each student’s needs. This can offer a more comfortable reading experience, like adjusting the seat in a car for the perfect drive.
💜 The best part about Accommodation Profiles is that your class will not be made aware that there are unique experiences for some students, so they can all feel included while they focus on their own learning.