A Study on Approaches for Effective Teaching of Basic Reading Skills to Children with Specific Learning Disability

This study explores the multifaceted approaches to teaching basic reading skills, particularly focusing on approaches suited for students with specific learning disabilities. The study aims to understand and identify the most effective reading approach by examining seven different approaches: Phonics, Guided Reading, Linguistic, Language Experience, Multi-sensory, structural literacy and Science of Reading (SoR) Approach. Criteria have been defined to determine the effective approach. The Phonics method enhances sound-symbol recognition but may not foster reading comprehension effectively. The Guided Reading approach promotes independent reading but can be time-consuming and challenging to manage. The Linguistic method emphasizes natural language acquisition, whereas the Language Experience approach connects personal experiences to reading and writing, enhancing engagement but potentially stifling creativity. The Multisensory approach, which incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning, improves memory retention and engagement but can be costly and distracting. The Structured Literacy approach is a research-based method of literacy instruction that emphasizes explicit, systematic teaching and it requires extensive teacher training. The Science of Reading (SoR) draws from fields like cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics but its less flexible in differentiated classrooms without adaptation. The study concludes that understanding the strengths and limitations of these approaches is crucial for educators to tailor their teaching to the diverse needs of students with specific learning disabilities. Based on the established criteria, the multisensory approach is the most effective way to teach basic reading skills to children with specific learning disabilities.