Dyslexia Bits: Understanding Abstract vs Concrete Learning

19 Mar 2022 · 2 min

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2:03

In this brief presentation, Lois Letchford, the "Literacy Problem Solver," argues that language is inherently abstract, which creates significant challenges for literal‑thinking children learning to read. She proposes a concrete approach: turning any book into a play or drama, having children act out sentences, and embedding sight words in meaningful, physical activities. By converting abstract text into hands‑on experiences, children can learn by doing, make mistakes, and receive error correction, leading to dramatic improvements in reading and writing for vulnerable learners. Letchford emphasizes practical steps—placing sight words in understandable sentences, acting them out, and using tangible actions—to make literacy instruction more accessible and effective.

Chapters

Abstract versus concrete learning. Language by its very nature is abstract. You can't see it. Concrete is something that you do. So when learning to read, a lot of the concepts are abstract, and this for children who are literal causes enormous challenges. So what do we do? The simple thing to say is make it concrete. How do we do that? What I do is turn any book into a play or drama and read it as such. By doing that, we're taking the abstract nature of literacy and language away and making it concrete. So instead of just reading, the child picked up a ball, the child actually does it. The change in the learning of the child is phenomenal. And then it goes back to how children learn best. You learn by doing. You learn by making mistakes and correcting it— error correction. So for children who struggle, The more concrete you can make the learning, the easier it is for them to learn. And you say that and you think, well, how do I make these words concrete? How do I make sight words concrete? Put them in a sentence. Put them in a sentence that the child understands. Act that sentence out or have them do things around the sentence. Everything that you do is made easier when you do it than when you're just hearing it. So connect with me, Lois Letchford. I'm the Literacy Problem Solver. I work to teach the most vulnerable students to read and write effectively.