Effective Dyslexia Intervention: The 6 Components

Unfortunately, you cannot simply give a child a book and have them magically learn how to read. This is especially true for students needing high-quality, effective dyslexia intervention. So how are you support readers with dyslexia? What are the components of effective dyslexia intervention?

While there are countless misconceptions about dyslexia, the remedy is clear: Children need systemic, cumulative, and explicit instruction to learn how to read. This means instruction must be sequenced logically, building off previous skills, and taught without assuming children will master these skills on their own.

The International Dyslexia Association identified six crucial components for effective dyslexia intervention. We would be wise to see that all students receive these effective reading interventions. What’s best for our students with greater challenges in learning oftentimes would benefit all students.

The 6 Components of Effective Dyslexia Intervention

1. Phonology

What it is: Phonology is the study of sound patterns and their meaning.

Why it is important: It helps students understand that letters and words correspond to spoken sounds and words.

Examples: Rhyming, counting words, counting syllables.

2. Sound-Symbol Association (Phonics)

What it is: Phonics is the ability to identify and manipulate the connection between letter names and their sounds.

Why it is important: By developing a greater understanding of the relationship between letters and sounds, students are better able to decode and blend words.

Example: “Ch” makes the / ch / sound.

3. Syllables

What it is: A syllable is a unit of a word that contains one vowel sound.

Why it is important: Understanding the six different syllable types supports students in both reading and spelling multisyllabic words.

Example: Basket = Bas*ket. Ra*di*o = Radio.

4. Morphology

What it is: A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning. Morphology includes base words, roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

Why it is important: When students have a strong sense of morphological awareness, they are better able to read, spell, and understand related words.

Example: Replacement. Re = again. Ment = the act of doing something.

5. Syntax

What it is: Syntax is the set of rules and processes that need to be followed to convey meaning. This includes grammar structure and order of language.

Why it is important: It helps students better understand the meaning of a passage.

Example: Subject — Verb — Object

6. Semantics

What it is: Semantics is the study of words and their meaning.

Why it is important: Students need explicit instruction to develop a stronger understanding of the nuances of their native language.

Example: To refer to someone as an angel doesn’t mean they live in heaven.

Supporting Your Child with Effective Dyslexia Tutoring

Is your child being taught using a structured literacy approach that includes the 6 components of effective dyslexia intervention?

Do not hesitate to ask your child’s teacher or school how exactly they are teaching your child how to read. Every child can learn how to read with the right reading instruction, a

Because of this foundational belief, we include all six components of effective dyslexia intervention in our work with all of our students.

Click here to schedule your free consultation to see how Strive Learning Solutions can partner with you in supporting your student. All of our dyslexia specialists are trained in Orton-Gillingham, have a Masters, and 5+ years of teaching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the six components of effective dyslexia intervention?
According to the International Dyslexia Association, effective intervention must include six components: phonology, sound-symbol association (phonics), syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Together, these elements form the foundation of structured literacy.

Why is structured literacy essential for students with dyslexia?
Structured literacy provides explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction, which is exactly what students with dyslexia need to master reading. Instead of guessing or memorizing words, students learn the building blocks of language step by step, ensuring long-term reading success.

How can parents know if their child is receiving effective dyslexia intervention?
Ask your child’s teacher or tutor what approach they use to teach reading. If it includes explicit instruction in phonics, syllables, and morphology — and builds skills in a logical, sequential way — it’s likely aligned with structured literacy principles.

Does Strive Learning Solutions offer dyslexia tutoring based on these six components?
Yes. Every dyslexia specialist at Strive Learning Solutions is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach and incorporates all six components of effective dyslexia intervention into their lessons. We provide in-person tutoring across the Denver Metro area — including Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Golden — as well as virtual sessions for families anywhere.