Today we are looking at a few tips on how to help children with dyslexia. Dyslexia can be very misunderstood and it can be very frustrating for a child, especially when the outside world doesn’t seem to understand, even though they are trying their best.
That’s why with these simple tips, you can help a child with dyslexia not just learn and focus, but also feel more confident, happy and proud of the things that they do achieve.
Give Plenty Of Praise
Number one in how to help children with dyslexia is building confidence! Lacking self confidence is something that many kids who have dyslexia deal with. They no doubt have already had adults yelling at them, be it at home or at school.
It can be really sad to see a child who feels they are not good enough to learn. That is why it is so important to give them a pat on the back, a well done, a great job for every achievement that they do. No matter how small it is. This will go a long way to making them feel good, building their confidence and also help with their desire to learn.
Never Ask Them To Read Aloud In Front Of People
This is more likely an issue at school than at home. Reading aloud is really tough for a child with dyslexia (an adult too actually) they will misread, mispronounce and skip words which can lead to them feeling embarrassed. Not putting them in this position is the way to go.
Kids With Dyslexia Are Not Lazy
Before they have been diagnosed as having dyslexia, it is a good bet that a teacher, parent or some other adult has called them lazy. The fact is kids with dyslexia have to work really, really hard in order to do a small amount of work. Keeping focused on things like reading, writing and even listening is a real effort for a child with dyslexia.
Always tell them how proud you are that they’re working so hard.
Just Because They Do Not Write A Lot Does Not Mean They Do Not Understand
Sometimes kids who have dyslexia have lots of ideas running around in their head, but getting them down on paper is what they really struggle with. Do not expect the same amount of written work from them. Instead, give more time for engaging them in conversation and hearing their answers and ideas that way and not just relying on what they have written down.
Talk With Them – How To Help Children With Dyslexia
No matter if it is a math’s lesson at school or if you are helping them with their homework at home. Discuss things with them, let them tell you what they understand, what they do not and help them, or find help with what they need help with.
Just standing there over their shoulder telling them what to do is not going to help. Before they do a task, talk to them and make sure they understand and let them know they can ask for help anytime.
Let A Dyslectic Child Use A Computer
How to help children with dyslexia using technology? As you know, writing is really tough for a child with dyslexia and even if they do have some great ideas, getting them written down on paper is super tough.
Allow them to use a computer, let them use things like a spell checker. This way you can see the quality of their work and they will have more fun working too which is always a nice bonus. Allowing them to use a computer will make homework much less stressful for them.
Another tip when using a spell checker is turning it into a little game. Whenever the spell checker finds a misspelling, you and your child try to find the mistake and correct the word together.
Innovative text to speech software that turns written text in to speech can also lend a helping hand. Smart gadgets like reading pens that can scan text, enlarge text and read out loud can also be a blessing. The University of Michigan has made an extensive list of all software and assistive technology available for dyslectic children. Technology alone will not be the magic word but it can definitely be a big help for a dyslectic kid.
Encourage Reading
While you would not want to force them to read aloud in class. One on one you guys can do some shared reading taking turns. Do not push them, let them go at their own pace and encourage them along the way, let them know they can ask you if they are struggling with certain words.
This does take a lot of patience and a great way to go about it is let them pick what they read. Do they like Star Wars? Read a Star Wars book. Do the like superheroes? Let them read a comic book. If they love what they are reading, they will be more likely to stick with it.
Do Not Be Down On Them For Forgetting Things
Be it their timetable at school, the sports kit for soccer or anything really. Remembering things is something that kids with dyslexia can struggle with. That’s why having patience and trying to come up with ways to help them is something you can do to help them. For example set up systems where they have a timetable on them at all times, they have a special area to keep their gym kit and so on.
Have A Lot Of Patience
Above all else, be patient with them. Dealing with dyslexia is a really tough and they need you to be there for them and be patient. Having a dyslectic child can be really tough for the parents too, but they need you to keep it together, keep dishing out the praise and helping them develop an interest and love for learning.
Final Words
Many dyslectic kids excel in music, arts, athletics, cooking and areas that need creative thinking. The sooner they are introduced to these the better, as being good at something builds confidence and confidence is what a dyslectic child desperately needs.
We hope you find our how to help children with dyslexia article useful. Please share as knowledge makes this world a better place.
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