Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit
Federica Chiarucci
How can the treatment of specific learning disabilities be combined with teaching activities and homework assignments? Families often request support in managing homework because many students identify study-related difficulties as a priority. An enhancement programme has been created to explore study strategies aimed at supporting reading comprehension using school reading materials. The project is based on the progressive strategic teaching methodology applied to certain areas of intervention in reading comprehension: vocabulary development, identification of main characters, recognition of links and information hierarchy through the use of guiding questions and study maps. These strategies were integrated into the stages of the study method: planning, comprehension and processing, memorisation and review. The activity was conducted with M., a Year 7 student, in the study of history, geography, and science. The programme has shown how a systemic approach actively involving both the student and the family can enhance reading comprehension and promote the acquisition of a good study method. This experience has highlighted the importance of careful observation as well as of allowing sufficient time for personalised programmes which are useful not only for learning but also for the student’s personal growth.
Keywords
Reading comprehension deficit; Study method; Motivation; Homework assignments; Reading comprehension strategies.
