10 Tips to Help with Dyslexia at Home
Here are ten simple strategies that you can do at home with your child if you suspect they have dyslexia.
Read with your child. Read WITH your child. You can read to your child; it is also important to read with your child.
Limit corrections. Your child is working so hard! Strategize your corrections to build confidence.
Be patient and understanding. A child with dyslexia already worries about how people see them at school: home is a safe space! Let them know you understand the struggle and do not laugh at their mistakes.
Repetition. Children with dyslexia need to hear vocabulary said aloud often to comprehend the meaning in different contexts (I read a book vs. I read the situation). Try having them write 5 words, 5 times, for 5 days - on the fifth day ask your child to write the words from memory while saying them.
Change mediums. If your child is struggling, get creative! Ask you child to write words in different colors, using different mediums like chalk, crayons, markers, paint, playdough, sand, or legos.
Play word games. Here’s an easy example: Find a game board, or make your own. In each space, write a phonemic word or a sight word. Use anything as your game pieces (like Lego), and roll the dice. As you progress through the board, ask your child to read or write the word.
Discover interests and follow them. If you can help your child discover what THEIR interests are, your child will develop a stronger urge to read about their interests. Give your child the opportunity to explore and learn more about their natural, instinctual interests through hands-on learning opportunities: camps, clubs, sports, arts, etc. A child who is given the opportunity put into action natural interests is exponentially more likely to work hard to read about these interests.
Engage in conversation. Listen and ask questions. Because of their brain structure, children with dyslexia are processing such vast concepts, and connections happen independently of their ability to read and write. That persistent “why” question your child asks, has a reason - you can help make those connections by listening and answering their questions.
Turn off Technology. A child with dyslexia is often diagnosed with ADHD, and technology mimics that constant change of ideas, courses of interaction and thought. If your child has dyslexia, he or she is capable of deeper and broader thoughts! If you are going to use technology, use it intentionally to deepen your child’s understanding of a subject he or she is interested in, and find sources that linger on images, voices, and thought for a bit of time. This will help your child focus and concentrate on a specific subject to solidify concepts.
Celebrate the wins. When your child succeeds at something that has been a struggle, congratulate them! A child with dyslexia often feels a bit behind or left out as they watch their friends progress more quickly in reading and academics. Celebrate accomplishments both in and out of school. Their wins in any arena are wins and worth celebrating!
Give these a try! You will b amazed at the progress your child shows if you give them these opportunities to learn at home - and grow in confidence with your gentle support.