How does limited reading experience affect a student with dyslexia?

Limited reading experience can significantly impact a student with dyslexia by restricting their vocabulary growth and background knowledge. Reading is a primary mode through which students encounter new words and concepts; therefore, when a student has difficulty with reading due to dyslexia, their exposure to language is reduced. This lack of exposure leads to a narrower vocabulary since they are less likely to encounter a variety of words in context.

Additionally, background knowledge is often developed through reading various texts. The more students read, the more they learn about different subjects and contexts, which helps them build a foundation of knowledge that is crucial for understanding complex texts and engaging in discussions. With limited reading experiences, students may not only miss out on learning new vocabulary but also on gaining the necessary background knowledge that aids comprehension and deeper understanding of subjects. This gap can affect their academic performance across the board, as students often need to connect what they read with what they already know to make sense of new information.