Not Logged In
You need to be logged in, be a member, and get a ticket to attend this session.
School I give permission to record or livestream Presentation (45 minutes)
Making Extensive Reading Accessible for Reluctant & Struggling Readers
Graded readers are often created with the assumption that all learners can seamlessly decode text, leaving behind those who struggle with reading. This session shows how I have adapted the Easy-Read standard —originally created for native speakers with intellectual disabilities, low literacy, or difficulty processing complex information—to make graded readers more accessible for lower-secondary language learners. By simplifying the language and the way it is presented on the page, these materials support those with reading difficulties and make the information easier to read and understand. I will demonstrate how modifications in layout, text structure, illustrations, dialogue, and narrative style enhance readability, alongside a progressive introduction of vocabulary and the integration of paratextual elements that provide a single-page reading experience without overreliance on glossaries. Additionally, I will discuss how AI-driven tools can streamline these adaptations through “student personas,” allowing educators to tailor texts to specific learner needs.
-
Margarita Pérez García is a Venezuelan author of easy-to-read Spanish literature for beginners and a Spanish, French and ESL teacher in NSW, Australia. She focuses on supporting struggling readers and creating accessible texts for language learners. Her books explore themes of identity, resilience, conservation, cultural heritage, and social challenges. Since 2016, Margarita has used comprehension-based methods, particularly Story-Listening, to support students' comprehension, reading fluency, and deeper engagement with text.