Dyslexic AND Gifted?

Now What?

With an estimated 20 per cent of the population showing traits of dyslexia, The Gifted Education Centre acknowledges that at least one in five gifted students is likely to be dyslexic.

Such students are sometimes described as ‘twice-exceptional’, or ‘2E’. Their giftedness may mask aspects of their dyslexia, and similarly, their dyslexia often masks their giftedness. It is important, however, that these students are identified as gifted, in order for their learning needs to be fully met.

Just as an adult hates to be endlessly reminded of what they do not do well, so does a child. In the case of dyslexic gifted students, teaching that focuses on areas of weakness may lead to poor self-concept, lack of self-confidence and underachievement.

Actively working with the learning strengths of dyslexic gifted students puts the focus on their abilities, rather than any disabilities or deficits.

Encouraging and acknowledging success in areas of strength improves self-esteem and in turn fosters the positive learning attitudes and habits required for ongoing effort and achievement.

One Day School classes, run by The Gifted Education Centre in venues throughout NZ, cater well for dyslexic gifted students. With an emphasis on ‘hands-on’, experiential learning and options to present work orally, visually or dramatically, the non-traditional learning styles of dyslexic students are a good fit.

Individual learning preferences are addressed through a programme which offers considerable personal choice within topics. Dyslexic (and other) students may choose to work on tasks that use and develop their own particular strengths, or they may work collaboratively with other students who have different talents from their own. With less frustration, student levels of motivation and engagement in learning remain high.

In the less formal, inclusive learning culture of a One Day School class, dyslexic students may also feel comfortable in having a go at tasks not normally within their comfort zone.

Dyslexic gifted students are valued at One Day School for their strengths in visual-spatial and kinaesthetic ways of learning, and they often surprise not only their peers, but also themselves, with just what they can achieve.

For further information about One Day School and The Gifted Education Centre, please refer to the website www.giftededucation.org.nz