Which approach is critical for helping students with dyslexia improve word recognition?

The approach that is critical for helping students with dyslexia improve word recognition is structured literacy instruction that integrates phonics. This method is foundational for students with dyslexia because it explicitly teaches the relationships between sounds and letters, also known as phonemic awareness. By focusing on phonics, students learn how to decode words systematically, which is essential for developing strong reading skills.

Structured literacy goes beyond phonics by providing a comprehensive framework that includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It often employs systematic and cumulative strategies to build on the skills students acquire, enhancing their ability to recognize words in various contexts.

As students with dyslexia typically have difficulties with phonological processing, a structured approach helps them understand the patterns in language, empowering them to tackle unfamiliar words and improve their overall reading fluency. Introducing these strategies early on can significantly change their reading experience and boost their confidence.