How to Help Reading Problems for Those With Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects millions of children. It distorts the brain's process of translating written images into language. This makes reading a difficult and frustrating task. There is nothing "wrong" with how these children think, or with their their vision or their intelligence. But even though this is the case, many people believe that children with dyslexia are lazy or stupid, or don't want to read. Although there are earlier signs, most cases of dyslexia are not discovered until the child reaches first or second grade and is expected to read at a certain level. While it cannot be cured, these children can be helped to read effectively.

Things You'll Need

• Age-appropriate books
• Word games (Scrabble, crossword puzzles, word bingo)

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Instructions

• 1

  Practice cooperation between parents and teachers. A unified approach that uses a consistent method in teaching reading skills is more effective. Parents and teachers should promote skills that complement each other, not fight each other, and they should give each other feedback.

• 2

  Talk to the dyslexic child about his particular problems. Dyslexia comes in different forms and does not affect every child the same way. Find the difficulties your child is having so that you can help him learn the proper strategies for him.

• 3

  Educate yourself and your child about dyslexia: what it is and what it does. Reassure him that it does not make a child "defective." This will help your child to be able to relax about the condition and feel more comfortable with it. The more relaxed your child is toward reading, the easier it will be.

• 4

  Play games with your child that use letters and words, to help associate reading skills with play. Scrabble (regular or Junior versions,) crossword puzzles and word bingo are great games to try.

• 5

  Read daily, both aloud to your child and privately within view of her. Help her to understand that reading is a valuable and enjoyable part of daily life.

• 6

  Employ phonics to help build the association between what a letter or letters look like and what they sound like. Familiarize yourself with the method that your child's teachers are using to teach phonics.

• 7

  Practice breaking down words into phonics continually. When your child asks what a word is or how it is spelled, have him break it down into letter sounds and spell it or sound it out himself. Help phonics to become habit for your child.