Teach Secondary Issue 14.7

Without the right kind of support and resourcing in place, students with dyslexia risk falling behind academically and facing reduced life chances. Given the poor outcomes and personal struggles typically associated with dyslexia, teachers are understandably keen to make use of interventions and supports that can successfully improve reading outcomes for this group – and yet in the majority of schools you’re unlikely to encounter an especially wide choice when it comes to dyslexia-friendly books. Thankfully, however, Barrington Stoke is on hand to help plug the gap, being a specialist publisher of books produced with the needs of dyslexic readers of all abilities very much in mind. As such, it knows full well that students with dyslexia specifically experience difficulties with processing written information , and gives this due consideration when it comes to the ‘user experience’ of its titles. The books under consideration here – specialist editions of those Shakespearean mainstays Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth – therefore employ a unique, dyslexia- friendly typeface to facilitate smoother and easier reading, combined with highly accessible, clutter-free layouts and generous spacing to allow for student notes. Moreover, the pages in question are printed on an off-white heavier paper stock designed to reduce visual stress and improve focus by preventing overleaf print from showing through. Seemingly small features like this ultimately combine to make a huge difference, by removing barriers to reading, building confidence and promoting inclusion in the classroom. As for the content of these recent additions to the Barrington Stoke catalogue, you’ll already know that they’re two of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Both include the full, unabridged text, based on the ‘Alexander Text’ of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (but no foreword or explanatory content, making them suitable for the exam hall), and are presented as fully accessible versions, complete with larger print, easy-to-read fonts and expanded line spacing on matt buff paper. At the end of the day, all reading is good reading, right? Not if you happen to be dyslexic, and only have access to texts that are at odds with your needs. What makes these books stand out is that they emphasise accessibility first and foremost, attend to the considerations that really matter and go all-in on friendly formatting. The publication of dyslexia-friendly books like this is an essential step towards making great literature available to everyone. They’re the sort of thoughtful, Open up The Bard’s words to everyone with these dyslexia-friendly books A T A G L ANCE ENG L I SH • Super-readable, dyslexia-friendly books for students studying Shakespeare • Visually optimised for dyslexic readers • Both feature a specially designed font and use of tinted paper • Thoughtful layout choices remove barriers to reading For more information, visit collins.co.uk/pages/barrington-stoke Reduces visual noise and supports comprehension Excellent use of design, layouts and paper selection Generous line, character and word spacing Ideal for all students with additional literacy or neurodiversity needs Effective, accessible and enjoyable You’re looking for accessible Shakespeare editions optimised for dyslexic readers, by specialists with considerable expertise. V E RD I C T P I CK UP I F . . . REVIEWED BY: JOHN DABELL Barrington Stoke Editions – Shakespeare yet essential resources that can facilitate an easier reading experience and greater inclusion at a stroke – when used by capable teachers implementing carefully considered practice, of course... R E V I E W teachwire.net/secondary 80