Why Summer Tutoring Isn’t Enough Time For a Dyslexic Student
Summer tutoring, although beneficial for many students, may not be sufficient for addressing the needs of dyslexic students for several reasons:
Dyslexia requires ongoing support: Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects individuals throughout their lives. It is not a temporary condition that can be completely remediated in a short period. Dyslexic students typically require consistent and targeted intervention over an extended period to develop and strengthen their reading and writing skills.
Time required for progress: Dyslexic students often require more time than their peers to achieve the same level of proficiency in reading and writing. The nature of dyslexia makes it necessary to employ specialized teaching techniques and interventions that focus on multisensory learning, phonics, and decoding strategies. These strategies take time to master and internalize, and progress may be gradual.
Building confidence and self-esteem: Dyslexic students often face challenges in traditional classroom settings, which can impact their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Summer tutoring, while helpful, may not provide sufficient time to build the necessary confidence and motivation in these students. Ongoing support throughout the school year is crucial to help them overcome their difficulties, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.
Supporting other aspects of learning: Dyslexia can affect various aspects of learning beyond reading and writing, such as organizational skills, time management, and study strategies. These areas also require attention and support, which may not be adequately addressed within the limited timeframe of summer tutoring.
Continued assistance and accommodations throughout the school year can help dyslexic students thrive in all areas of their education.
Generalization of skills: Dyslexia intervention should focus not only on improving specific reading and writing skills but also on helping students apply those skills across different subjects and contexts.
The summer break may not provide enough opportunities for dyslexic students to practice and generalize their newly acquired skills in various academic settings.
Continuous reinforcement throughout the school year allows for greater integration and application of learned strategies.
While summer tutoring can provide a helpful boost for dyslexic students, it is important to recognize that dyslexia is a complex learning difference that requires ongoing support and intervention. Combining summer tutoring with year-round accommodations, specialized instruction, and educational resources is crucial for dyslexic students to make sustained progress and achieve their full potential.
Shelley Hatch
Director
Dyslexia Center or Utah