Supporting Young Children with Dyslexia (SPE317)

In this course, students will integrate the research-based theories covered in the prerequisite module ‘Understanding Dyslexia (Basic)’ with practical literacy strategies for classroom implementation. supporting young learners with literacy needs. Students will be introduced to the fundamental skills that are crucial in supporting young learners with dyslexia or at-risk of dyslexia. Key topics include the building blocks of literacy crucial in the early years: phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, oral vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Emphasis will be placed on fostering an inclusive learning environment that meets the diverse needs of all students. Through case studies, hands-on practice, and critical reflection, students will gain the skills necessary to effectively support young learners with dyslexia or at-risk of dyslexia in early support settings.

• Literacy development in early childhood
• Understanding the multi-tiered Approach (RTI Framework)
• Motivation and learning (Part 1)
• Motivation and learning (Part 2)
• Tier 1: Universal classroom support drawing upon universal design for learning framework
• Differentiation and motivation in Tier 1
• Tier 2 interventions
• Tier 3 interventions
• The Orton-Gillingham approach for literacy
• The role of executive functioning in early childhood
• Integrating tiers in practice
• Reflection and action planning

• Explain why Response to Intervention (RTI) approach matters for early intervention.
• Explain how literacy instruction and support can be differentiated across the three tiers of the Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, with examples of practices at each level.
• Recognise red flags for early literacy development through observation and screening.
• Apply key motivation theories to design lesson activities that foster engagement, persistence, and positive learning behaviours in young children.
• Design inclusive Tier 1 literacy lessons using UDL principles.
• Design Tier 2 literacy lessons for students using differentiation principles.
• Implement intensive Tier 3 supports.