5 tips for learning vocabulary with dyslexia
VIDEO: Tips from a learning therapist
Would you like to know more tips about learning English and vocabulary? In this video, we spoke with learning therapist Dr. Helke Voss-Becher.
First, a short summary of what to expect here: our 5 tips for learning vocabulary and English with LRS resp dyslexia, which we have put together with learning therapist Susanne Seyfried.
5 tips for learning vocabulary with LRS
- Try to focus on positive learning experiences To bet — learning is better with joy.
- Sort which Vocabulary in groups on a mind map: Either analogously (“animals”) or with the same spelling and pronunciation (bee, see, week).
- Learn interactively and with all your senses: Design your vocabulary cards with stickers and get a vocabulary app with animations and pronunciation.
- Test digital learning aids and vocabulary apps: These are patient, playful and respond individually to your skills.
- Try different learning methods and find a mix that is fun and suits you.
💡 Is your child simply nervous or is there more to it? Read our Article about test anxiety in children.
Learn vocabulary with LRS
Learning vocabulary and English is tough: Countless words that you've never heard in your life have to get into your head somehow. Learning vocabulary is an even bigger challenge for students with learning disabilities such as reading and spelling problems, in short LRS or with a dyslexia. Susanne Seyfried, learning therapist and English teacher, explains what that is:
“Simply put, those affected have problems converting spoken language into written language. For them, it is a enormous effort to decipher individual letters and combine them into sounds, syllables and then into a word.”
Together with LRS expert Susanne Seyfried Do we have five tips put together how vocabulary learning in English (but also in other languages) works better despite learning difficulties and LRS and how our vocabulary trainer cabuu helps with this. By the way, these tips are not only helpful for those affected by LRS or dyslexia, but also for anyone who wants to make vocabulary learning more effective. Let's go!
💡 Emergency? Read what you can do in our blog post: 10 tips for good grades
1. Get out of the frustration trap
Susanne Seyfried knows how stressful the situation with learning disabilities such as LRS can be: “The transition in English from elementary school to secondary school in particular is a shock for many children.” Where learning was done through play before, there are now school books, vocabulary books and a large chunk of vocabulary that needs to be learned.
Die Bring back joy, is the most important lever for getting vocabulary learning going again. Motivation and recognition These are the engines for ongoing learning — not only, but especially among LRS sufferers, Seyfried also believes:
“That is an important aspect: The children should simply have fun learning vocabulary. When they're motivated, the rest comes naturally.”
Our approach with vocabulary trainer cabuu: Varied animations and mini tests as well as the friendly design of the app make learning vocabulary fun. During the learning process, rewards are unlocked and points are collected, which are immortalized in the statistics as learning successes: This keeps motivation high and makes learning English feel a bit more relaxed and effortless again. But even away from digital learning, there are simple Rewards and words of appreciation Fresh learning energy again for progress. The focus should not be on what the child has not yet achieved, but also on the small victories.
2. Create structure and overview
When the vocabulary heap is overwhelming, order must first be created: Therefore, vocabulary lists should be divided into sections and the vocabulary should be learned bit by bit. Seyfried recommends that clustering According to topics or specific letter-sound relationships: “I and my students first collect words that are similar, such as a same spelling and pronunciation. In English, this could be “bee,” “see,” or “week.” Auch thematically vocabulary can be summarized. Thanks to such mind map The vocabulary in the head is assigned to a category and this helps you memorize it.” This tip works both with conventional index cards and digitally with the CABUU app by creating personal lists.
💡 Tip - Create a learning plan in the CABUU app In our vocabulary trainer, a learning plan can be created using the intelligent learning mode. Simply select the vocabulary lists you want to learn and set a target date. The app then calculates suitable learning rounds every day. More information about this on our help page: How do I create a learning plan?
3. Learn with the senses
Hear, see, touch: When you learn with your senses, you remember vocabulary better. This trick supports LRS sufferers very good. They benefit in particular from learning methods that move away from text-based recording and use other sensory channels.
This multi-sensory approach is implemented in the CABUU app: Users imitate the form of vocabulary using finger gestures on the touchscreen. Animations, graphics and audio stimulate other areas of the brain, meaning that vocabulary is demonstrably retained longer in memory. Seyfried confirms this:
“It's great that you work with images and gestures in the app. It's also great that you can listen to the vocabulary again. Reprinting and pronouncing is very important for LRS sufferers.”
4. Individual learning units for optimal support
Digital learning aids have a major advantage over vocabulary books and index boxes: They can individually react to learning behavior. In the CABUU app, an intelligent algorithm works in the background to calculate the ideal repetition time for each word. Through the playful mini tests It is recognized exactly how well a word is mastered and that adapts to individual skills. Even if it takes longer: The app remains patient and repeats until the vocabulary is secure.
💡 Reading tip: The cabuu vocabulary trainer is also recommended by the Federal Association for Dyslexia. Read the article about us published in the BVL magazine here.
5. Try out different learning methods
While learning vocabulary and English at an LRS requires a bit more effort, the fun can be maintained with a mix of different learning methods. Seyfried finds the combination of analog learning tools such as index cards and digital ones such as the CABUU app ideal. “The CABUU app creates a good mood and helps students to continue learning on their own. As a supplement, I like to use index cards, which I design together with the children.” So you don't necessarily have to decide on a learning method as long as you find a mix that is effective for Learning vocabulary supports and is fun.
💡 Reading tip: Learning ADHD and vocabulary: 10 tips and strategies for successful and concentrated learning
Learning vocabulary with LRS: Challenging but feasible
Susanne Seyfried is happy to recommend the CABUU app in her professional practice as a learning therapist and teacher of English:
“For children with learning difficulties, learning was often associated with frustration — they simply want to experience success and joy again. With the CABUU app, learning vocabulary is no longer tedious but fun.”
In the end, it encourages everyone affected: “Whether it's LRS or other learning disabilities: Nothing is set in stone! I always try to make it clear to my students that they have every opportunity and have very individual strengths. ”
We would like to thank the learning therapist and English coach Susanne Seyfried from Learning Therapy VS for the interview!
How does the CABUU app help you learn vocabulary with LRS? Find out more about it here!
