Learning Support Options

From his experience working with dyslexics, Peter Whitt offers practical classroom accommodations for students who struggle, especially those with phonetic or processing difficulties.

• Minimize distractions.

• Reduce written workload; allow oral quizzes/tests.

• Avoid public exposure of struggles; build success experiences.

• Pair students thoughtfully.

• Grade primarily on content rather than spelling.

• Use word boxes, motivational charts that everyone can contribute to, and finger-counting or other tools when helpful.

• Minimize homework.

• Introduce tools such as Times Tales for math facts.

He also stresses identifying the root (often dyslexia) rather than simply urging students to “try harder.”

Presented by Peter Whitt at CASBI 2026, Strasburg Mennonite Church, Strasburg, Virginia.