Vocabulary development in both languages

Vocabulary development is a fundamental part of the educational process, but when it comes to students with dyslexia in bilingual settings, unique challenges arise that require specific approaches.

This session explores effective strategies for fostering vocabulary development in both languages, recognizing the complexities associated with dyslexia and highlighting the importance of an inclusive educational response tailored to individual needs.

Fundamentals of Vocabulary Development

Vocabulary development is essential for effective communication, reading comprehension, and overall academic success. In bilingual settings, students with dyslexia face the additional task of acquiring and consolidating vocabulary in two languages. Understanding the fundamentals of this process is crucial for designing effective interventions. Phonological awareness, the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in words, is a key precursor for vocabulary development. For students with dyslexia in bilingual contexts, this aspect takes on additional relevance. Specific activities to develop phonological awareness in both languages simultaneously should be implemented, thus laying the foundation for vocabulary expansion. Multisensory approaches are particularly effective for students with dyslexia. By integrating multiple learning modalities, such as sight, hearing and touch, neural connections are reinforced, facilitating vocabulary retention.

Strategies such as the use of images, practical activities and tactile resources benefit both visual and auditory memory, giving students a more complete understanding of vocabulary in both languages.

Contextualization of Vocabulary

Vocabulary takes on meaning when it is learned in relevant contexts. For students with dyslexia in bilingual settings, vocabulary contextualization in both languages should be encouraged. Integrating vocabulary learning with real-life situations and everyday experiences helps students relate words to their practical application, thus facilitating retention and effective use.

Technology plays a vital role in vocabulary development for students with dyslexia in bilingual settings. Interactive apps, online educational games and specialized platforms can provide a personalized approach to vocabulary learning in both languages.

Assisted reading and pronunciation functions also provide additional support, allowing students to address words in their written and