Teachers and therapists can be most effective when they develop a broad repertoire of approaches for use with clients who have reading difficulties. One successful approach is both multisensory and structured. Participants in this course learn four different multi-sensory approaches to the teaching of reading from formally trained experts. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have a deeper knowledge of reading theory and how theory has been transformed into practice. Students will be able to state the basic philosophy supporting multi-sensory teaching, the components of an effective reading program and best-practices strategies in the teaching of reading in a one-on-one format. Students will also be able to compare and contrast the four reading programs (Slingerland, Herman, Wilson, Linda Mood Bell) presented in class.
Students will be asked to find a journal or professional magazine article that addresses the teaching of reading and submit it to the class and instructor. Grades will be based on a final paper and on class participation.
