Geography

Potential Barriers for Dyslexic Pupils:

• Accessing text
• Learning subject specific vocabulary
• Recording in writing
• Copying from board
• Poor working memory - problems following instructions, particularly multiple instructions
• Sequencing difficulties: 6-figure grid references; points of the compass; bearings
• Completing tasks - an expectation of failure developing

Ideas and Strategies to Overcome Potential Barriers:

• Simplify text - larger font; use text boxes and/or colour to separate text; bullet points rather than sentences; labelled diagrams rather than extended text; reduced amount of information generally.
• Key word lists and displays - visual support for accessing the meaning of vocabulary.
• Avoiding lengthy writing tasks wherever possible.
• Choose alternatives forms of recording if writing is not an objective of the task: cartoons; storyboards; posters; Powerpoint presentations; videos; dictaphones; dictation to a peer; cloze passages.
• Mind-mapping software: 'Open Mind', 'Inspiration', '2simple Connect'.
• Cloze Pro software for producing cloze procedure passage.
• Oral presentations - role plays; debates; teaching other students or groups or whole class.
• Provide a copy of information if it is needed for future reference - print out from laptop if on an interactive whiteboard or photocopy.  
• Give instructions in small chunks and provide visual support or prompts for memory.
• Check-it-out booklets - include left-right reminder; use of mnemonics; visual prompts.
• Multisensory teaching - use visual input, auditory input and lots of activities.
• Differentiate the expected length of task - giving realistic targets.