How to Help Your Dyslexic Child Improve Their Reading and Writing

Methods and materials can make a difference when helping a child with learning disabilities improve their reading and writing abilities. Here are some techniques that I found through my own research to assist my son who was diagnosed at six years old with dyslexia. We still use most of these and he is now 16 years old.

Make a phonetic connection.

Using index cards, glue and sand I made flash cards of each letter of the alphabet. I would show him one at a time and have him trace the letter with his finger as we repeated the letter. This helped to cement for him the sound associated with that letter. By using sight, touch and hearing it seemed to make a big impact for him.

Notice what they notice.

My son had no interest in books that were illustrated, however, books that featured color photographs caught his attention. Taking his cue I only purchased and borrowed books that had photographs. Those books were what I read to him and it helped keep his attention.

Maybe some music.

There are some studies that state classical music can help children process math including dyslexic children. I used it occasionally as quiet background music. As long as it was not a distraction I did not think it could hurt. If it was too quiet in the house my son seemed to feel more pressure. Background noise even such as the dishwasher helped him.

Try being a legal eagle.

Writing on yellow legal pads was much easier for my son. There are some studies that make a case for reading and writing with different colored backgrounds. From personal experience I would say that yellow legal pads as opposed to the glaring white notebook paper was easier for my son to use. On that same line of thinking using a blue tinted transparent report cover as an overlay helped my son read easier. You can buy them online made especially for learning disabled people for about $25.00 or you can buy one for fifty cents at Wal-Mart or Target first to see if you child responds to using such a tool and save yourself some money.

Find their favorite.

What subject or figure does your child find most interesting? Football, a celebrity or historical figure, airplanes, animals or whatever it may be is your in. Find a book or article about that subject and read it with your child or have your child read it depending on their ability. Then have them copy a sentence or paragraph from it onto their legal pad. This aids in improving both reading and writing skills.

Take it slow.

Don't push your child. Encourage them and let them know if they need to take a break that is ok. Dealing with a learning disability can be especially frustrating. That book will still be there in ten minutes. By making learning enjoyable they will be more open to practicing and improving their skills.

Don't give up.

It is not an option and let your child know it is not an option. For dyslexics reading and writing does not come easy but it does come. I know this to be true after spending the last ten years exploring my son's learning disability and discovering ways to help him.