Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects processing written language. It is not due to low intelligence or lack of effort. It is also not caused by problems with vision or hearing but rather due to brain dysfunction.
Recent brain function studies with fMRI have reported weak activity in areas such as the left parietotemporal region, which is involved in sound processing, and the left fusiform gyrus, which is involved in the visual recognition of letter shapes and spelling.
Dyslexia arises from a combination of cognitive function weaknesses, such as:
Weak decoding ability to link letters and sounds.
Weak visual recognition ability for letter shapes and sequences.
Weak naming speed ability to efficiently recall names from pictures or words.
“Sawaru Glyph” is an innovative multisensory learning approach that combines visual, tactile, and auditory elements to enhance reading and writing skills. The program leverages haptic awareness and the integration of touch and vision to create a more effective learning experience.
By engaging multiple senses simultaneously, “Sawaru Glyph” helps learners form stronger associations between letters and sounds. This is achieved through the tactile exploration of raised letters or letter sequences while reading them aloud. As a result, individuals can more easily recall sounds simply by looking at letters.
The program’s emphasis on touching letters while reading contributes to the formation of detailed memories of letter shapes and spellings. This dual-coding process, involving both visual and tactile senses, enhances the ability to visualize letters during writing and recognize words while reading.
Studies on “Sawaru Glyph” have shown improvements in naming speed performance, potentially reducing the cognitive load associated with reading.
Interestingly, this approach mirrors ancient reading practices from 5,500 years ago, when the earliest writing systems involved letters carved into clay tablets. It’s believed that people read these by both looking at and touching the letters while vocalizing them, highlighting the longstanding importance of multisensory integration in reading.
Given its multisensory nature, “Sawaru Glyph” may be particularly beneficial for individuals with dyslexia who struggle with traditional reading and writing methods.