Teach Speed Reading to Children with Dyslexia or ADD and See the Results

Children with ADD or dyslexia can be amazing speed readers. In the school system, children with these and similar problems are often pushed one side because they are unable to cope in the same method as 'normal' children. The truth is, children with ADD or dyslexia are far from 'stupid' and learning speed reading can have a positive effect on their school work.

Children who struggle with learning problems are perhaps not helped in a way that is beneficial to them. It is not a case of being 'slow' or 'stupid', yet these children are often left in the 'slow' class and then forgotten about. All of our brains work a little differently. This is why some of us love maths or English while others prefer art or sewing. A child with dyslexia or ADD is just the same. Their brains function differently to what is classed as normal. Even though these children are labeled as dyslexic or in having Attention Deficit Disorder, their brains are not dysfunctional.

In terms of our brain-works, everyone can be divided into categories of left or right brained individuals. Our right and left halves of our brain are not separate, but one whole brain. Either the left or right side is dominant. Most of us are left-brain dominant. The left-brain is responsible for methodical and strategic thinking, and this is where normal, slow reading takes place. On the other hand, our right-brain is capable of thinking 'out of the box'. It allows for creativity and pushes the boundries of possibility. This is where speed reading comes from. We fill in the gaps in text with our minds to make educated guesses as to what the text is saying, allowing us to read fewer words and still maintain meaning.

Children with Dyslexia or Attention Deficit Disorder are predominantly right-brained, and therefore, naturally geared towards speed reading rather than word-for-word reading. These children are often gifted in areas such as maths and will probably end up 'top of the class' in speed reading.

We all enjoy things that are within our field of interest and our natural capabilities. Children and their school work are no different. Teaching a child to read in the normal, left-brained manner who prefers to use the right-brain, will find reading difficult, tedious and sometimes almost impossible. Teach the dyslexic child a few speed reading techniques, and he will change his attitude towards reading. Reading will become a pleasure. Knowing that they are capable of speed reading techniques will greatly boost the self-esteem of the dyslexic or ADD child.

Have patience when teaching these children to speed read. Keep the speed reading lessons fun and interesting. If the child becomes bored or loses concentration, rather stop the lesson and try again another day. Don't push the child unnecessarily, as the child will end up feeling as if it is just another thing he cannot learn.

You may wonder why schools don't teach speed reading and right-brained learning methods to dyslexic and ADD children. This is because it is a relatively new discovery, and it is not realized that speed reading can have a dramatic effect on these children. Schools also tend to adopt learning methods that the majority of children will follow. Therefore, those students who learn better in other ways may fall behind and be classed as 'slow' or as having learning problems.

Efficient speed reading will always increase the level of comprehension. While speed reading, children with ADD or dyslexic will be able to understand and remember what they are learning. Unleash your child's right-brain potential and speed things up a little!