EduActionAI

Action Plan for Reading and Writing Skills

Reading and writing challenges often involve the brain’s language processing systems. When students struggle with literacy skills, it’s important to understand that multiple neural pathways must work together efficiently. By using multisensory approaches, we can strengthen these neural connections and create alternative pathways for learning.

Strategy 1: Multisensory Letter-Sound Association

Description: Engaging multiple senses strengthens neural connections between letters and their sounds, creating stronger memory pathways.

• Introduce letters with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic components simultaneously
• Practice tracing letters in various textured materials (sand, shaving cream) while saying sounds
• Create letter-sound association cards with pictures and tactile elements
• Use body movements that mimic letter shapes while vocalizing sounds
• Review and practice daily with different sensory materials to strengthen connections

Strategy 2: Strategic Chunking Method

Description: Breaking text into smaller, manageable sections reduces cognitive load and helps the brain process information more efficiently.

• Teach highlighting or covering techniques to focus on one paragraph at a time
• Create a reading window tool that exposes only a few lines of text
• Practice summarizing after each small section before moving to the next
• Gradually increase chunk size as comprehension improves
• Use graphic organizers to record key information from each section

Strategy 3: Strengths-Based Learning Approaches

Description: Leveraging the student’s creative and curious nature creates engagement while practicing reading skills.

• Create reading activities around high-interest topics that spark curiosity
• Allow creative responses to reading (art, drama, building) to demonstrate comprehension
• Use visual storytelling techniques that combine images with text
• Incorporate movement and hands-on activities related to reading content
• Provide choice in reading materials and response methods

Research Evidence:

• Research by Shaywitz (2003) shows that struggling readers benefit from systematic, explicit instruction that engages multiple sensory pathways simultaneously.
• Cognitive load theory research supports the practice of chunking information to improve processing and comprehension (Sweller, 2011).
• Studies show that strengths-based approaches increase student engagement, self-efficacy and academic outcomes (Lopez & Louis, 2009).

Next Steps:

• Begin multisensory letter-sound activities daily for 15-20 minutes
• Create a consistent chunking routine for reading assignments
• Develop creative response projects that allow demonstration of comprehension
• Track progress by recording reading fluency and comprehension weekly
• Communicate strategies to all educators working with this student to ensure consistency

Helpful Resources

Free Activities:

• Free Fine Motor Activities – Printable activities to improve fine motor skills necessary for writing
• Free Visual Perception Activities – Activities to improve visual tracking and processing skills

Premium Resources:

• Multisensory Handwriting Practice – Complete toolkit for improving handwriting skills
• Reading Comprehension Exercises – Structured activities to build stronger reading skills

Disclaimer: EduActionAI provides educational suggestions based on general evidence-based strategies. It does not replace professional medical, therapeutic, or educational advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.