Different Easy Read Techniques for Different Needs

 

1. Dyslexia

People with Dyslexia may have difficulties with:

• reading

• spelling

• remembering instructions

• organising writing

• processing large amounts of text

Helpful techniques

1. Headings
Break writing into clear sections.

Example:

Introduction
Main idea 1
Main idea 2
Conclusion

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2. Paragraph pictures

Each paragraph can have a picture or symbol.

Example structure:

📘 Paragraph 1 – Introduction
Explain what the topic is about.

🧠 Paragraph 2 – Main idea

✏️ Paragraph 3 – Example

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3. Numbering paragraphs

Numbering helps with structure and memory.

Example:

1. Introduction

2. First idea

3. Second idea

4. Conclusion

Students can check they have included everything.

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4. Writing frames

Teachers can give a sentence starter.

Example:

• "This essay is about…"

• "The first reason is…"

• "Another example is…"

• "In conclusion…"

This helps students organise their thinking.

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5. Visual planning

Students can plan before writing.

Example:

Topic → Ideas → Order

A simple plan:

Topic: Climate change

1. What is climate change?
2. Why is it happening?
3. How can we help?

Then they turn each idea into a paragraph.

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2. Processing Difficulties

Some people have slow information processing.

They may need:

• short instructions

• one task at a time

• extra time

Example instruction:

❌ Poor instruction
“Write a 4 paragraph essay explaining the causes and impacts.”

✔ Better instruction

Step 1 – Write the title
Step 2 – Write the introduction
Step 3 – Write idea 1
Step 4 – Write idea 2

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3. Memory Difficulties

Some learners struggle to remember instructions.

Helpful techniques:

• checklists

• visual steps

• numbered instructions

• repeating instructions

Example checklist:

✔ Write the title
✔ Write introduction
✔ Write 3 paragraphs
✔ Write conclusion

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4. Planning Difficulties

Some people struggle with organisation and sequencing.

This can be linked to:

• Dyspraxia

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Helpful supports:

• paragraph structure

• writing templates

• graphic organisers

• mind maps

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A Very Good Technique You Suggested

Your idea is actually used in special education teaching.

Example structure:

Paragraph Structure Guide

1️⃣ Introduction
What is the topic?

2️⃣ Paragraph 1
Main idea

3️⃣ Paragraph 2
Example

4️⃣ Paragraph 3
Another idea

5️⃣ Conclusion
Summary

Students then match ideas to the structure.

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Why Teachers Should Teach This

Many students are told:

“Write an essay.”

But they are never taught how to organise it.

Accessible teaching means:

• breaking tasks into steps

• showing examples

• using visuals

• giving structure

This helps students with learning differences succeed instead of feeling overwhelmed.