Dyslexia learning support in Bermuda

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that primarily affects reading and language processing. It is characterised by difficulties in accurate and fluent word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities. Children with dyslexia often experience challenges with phonological awareness, the ability to break down and manipulate sounds in spoken language (phonemes), which can hinder their capacity to connect letters to their corresponding sounds when reading or spelling. Dyslexia is not linked to intelligence, but rather to differences in the way the brain processes written and sometimes spoken language. This condition varies in severity and can impact other areas of life beyond academics, affecting self-esteem and confidence.

Support for children with Dyslexia in Bermuda

Dedicated schools which provide support for Special Educational Needs are lacking on the island. The one that exists, the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning, has limited capacity and does not provide support to students aged 14 and over. Research has shown that there is a significant attainment gap between children with SEN and those without, and this needs to be addressed directly in the critical 14-16 and Sixth Form years.

Educational options for those with Dyslexia in Bermuda

There are two main schooling options for those with ADD in Bermuda.

Traditional schooling

Many students with Dyslexia are educated within mainstream schooling. Whilst this approach offers several social advantages, there are potential risks. While some teachers excel in adaptive teaching methods, ensuring all students can access the learning material, it can be challenging to provide individualised scaffolding for each student at the whole-class level. This is particularly evident in reading and writing tasks for children with Dyslexia, as assignments may be overly long and not broken down into phonetic elements, making it difficult for them to succeed. It is also difficult, with larger class sizes, for the teacher to adapt the pace of the lesson to suit each individual learner, which may lead to gaps in knowledge or misconceptions.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is an alternative educational path for your child. While homeschooling has historically faced skepticism, recent pedagogical advancements and practical improvements have transformed its reputation. It is increasingly recognized as a superior schooling option, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The one-on-one nature of homeschooling allows for immediate clarification of misconceptions, a challenge often encountered in traditional classroom settings. Additionally, the tutor can personalise exercises to foster proper phonetic construction, a cornerstone of literacy development. Perhaps most importantly, the tutor can set the pace of the lesson to fit the learner, which ensures that there are no misconceptions or poorly encoded knowledge.

Our approach

At Chapkin Edwards, we combine world-class tutors with a truly bespoke approach for each student that captures the essence of their unique learning style. Our tutors are well versed in techniques such as the Orton-Gillingham Method and the Structured Literary Approach that help students with Dyslexia to build their literacy, helping them to become self-actuated learners.

Tutoring for students with Dyslexia at Chapkin Edwards

If you are interested in arranging personalised tuition catering to the specific demands of learning with Dyslexia, please get in contact here.