Dyslexia Support and Structured Reading Instruction | Provo Mountain Academy

Learn how structured, multisensory reading instruction supports students with dyslexia. Discover how Orton Gillingham aligned approaches help children learn to read with confidence.

Scott Long, M.Ed.

7/7/20262 min read

Supporting Students With Dyslexia Through Structured Reading Instruction

When a child struggles to learn how to read, it can be discouraging for both students and parents. Dyslexia is more common than many people realize, and with the right support, students with dyslexia can absolutely learn to read successfully.

One of the most encouraging things about modern reading instruction is how many effective resources now exist to support students with dyslexia. Many of these tools align closely with the Orton Gillingham approach by using structured, multisensory instruction that helps students build reading skills step by step.

Why Structured Support Matters

Students with dyslexia often benefit from instruction that is clear, explicit, and systematic. This means breaking reading down into its most basic parts and teaching those parts in a logical order. Rather than assuming students will pick up patterns on their own, teachers explain concepts directly and provide repeated practice using multiple senses.

There are many resources that support this kind of instruction, including hands on materials, phonics programs, and structured routines that reinforce learning over time. When used consistently, these tools help students make sense of how language works.

A Personal Perspective

To deepen my understanding of reading instruction and dyslexia, I earned a Science of Reading certificate through Arizona State University. During that program, we spent significant time studying how the brain processes language and how dyslexia affects reading development.

One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of a multisensory approach for students diagnosed with dyslexia or those who may have dyslexia. The professor emphasized that effective instruction starts with the basics and moves forward in a very explicit and systematic way. When reading is taught clearly and intentionally, students are far more likely to succeed.

Seeing the research behind these methods reinforced what I have already witnessed in classrooms. When students with dyslexia receive the right kind of instruction, it makes a meaningful difference in their confidence, progress, and overall attitude toward learning.

What This Means for Students

Supporting students with dyslexia is not about lowering expectations. It is about providing the right tools and instruction so students can meet those expectations. With structured, multisensory reading instruction, students gain the skills they need to read with confidence and understanding.

At Provo Mountain Academy, we believe every child deserves instruction that matches how they learn. When students are taught in a way that works for their brains, reading becomes possible and empowering.

Written by Scott Long, M.Ed., Co Founder of Provo Mountain Academy