Helping a child with dyslexia to read can be quite a task for both parent/caregiver and the child.
On the bright side, there are dozens of activities and learning materials that are designed to make it less challenging.
These reading materials and activities are fun and exciting and more importantly educational.
They help using visual and textural cues to help in differentiating letters and words.
You can help improve comprehension by asking questions about the story and assisting them with audiobooks.
Getting help from professionals in teaching dyslexic children can further boost your child’s personal and academic success.
There are several methods and approaches that you can engage in teaching a dyslexic
Teaching with Tactile Aids
Encourage the child by getting them to practice writing in white flour or sand.
Dyslexic children respond best to interventions with a multisensory approach – which allows them to play and learn reading and phonics at the same time.
Get the child to spell out words by tracing them in the sand or white flour and have them make the sound of the letters out loud as they do so.
This can help them connect visual cues and tactile sensations to each letter and word.
Using white flour or sand can make learning fun for the dyslexic child.
Another method is by practicing word building with magnetic letters.
Let the child move the magnetic letters on the fridge or on other suitable surfaces.
Encourage the child to say the sound of the letters as they lay them out to form words.
When the words are formed, have them say it out loud.
Magnetic letters are great because they are colorful and the child can play with them while learning how to form words with them.
Other methods include: using flashcards; using a specific font that the child can get used to, especially ones designed for people with dyslexia.
Promoting Comprehension
Focus more on reading books that the child finds interesting.
Doing this ensures that the child will not see reading as a chore, but as something that they can do for fun.
Purchase books that directly match the child’s interest – the child is more likely to respond positively if they enjoy the book, and they will always look forward to reading again.
If the child lives dogs, then buy books that are about dogs or bedtime stories about dogs.
Read books with repetitions and rhyming out loud with the dyslexic child.
This is a great exercise that can help the child with identifying letters and learning word patterns.
Audiobooks also help a great deal with comprehension.
You can get the audiobook version of a book you are reading, and play it along as you read the book.
This will help the child see the words as well as hear what they sound like.
Getting Professional or Outside Help
If you are a parent with a dyslexic child, and you are not 100 percent sure about the condition of your child, getting an official on evaluation is very important.
Getting a proper diagnosis will go a long way if you are looking for outside help.
Your child’s reading, spelling, oral language, and writing will be evaluated and the results will be made known to you, including recommendations that can help with teaching your child to read at home and school.
Your child’s teacher at school can also be of help.
You can meet with your child teacher and express your concerns about your child’s dyslexia.
Explain in detail what your child responds best to for writing and reading.
Outside help is great if you are in need of support – meeting with a specialized tutor or educational therapist can be helpful.
They can help you with the information and knowledge needed to successfully teach your dyslexic child to read.