7 Tips to Boost Reading Skills (Even When It’s a Challenge)
Learning to read is a fundamental milestone in your child’s educational development. However, for children with dyslexia and other reading challenges, gaining reading skills can be an arduous and frustrating process.
Dyslexia, in particular, affects the way individuals process written language, making reading a complex and often overwhelming task. With the right support, strategies, and a nurturing environment, children with dyslexia can develop their reading skills and discover the joy of reading.
In this blog post, we’ll explore effective techniques and empowering approaches to help children with dyslexia and other reading challenges embrace reading with confidence.
This post was sponsored by BuddyBooks. All opinions are my own.
How to Boost Reading Skills for Dyslexic Kids
Early Identification and Intervention
The first step in supporting children with dyslexia and reading challenges is early identification. Parents, teachers, and educators should be aware of the signs and symptoms of dyslexia, such as difficulty recognizing letters and sounds, reversing letters or words, and struggling with spelling and decoding. Once identified, appropriate intervention programs, such as specialized reading instruction, can be implemented to address their specific needs. Early intervention is crucial in building a strong foundation for future reading success.
BuddyBooks by ObjectiveEd
BuddyBooks was created to help kids find the joy in reading. It’s an online resource that uses digital books to encourage kids to read and helps them when they struggle.
It works this way: the child and the computer alternate reading one sentence at a time. That keeps the child engaged in the story as they co-read with the computer. Since the child is reading every other line (using a microphone connected to your PC), it’s a lower cognitive load. That means that children can read at their interest level, instead of their reading-skill level, which some children might think are more kiddie books. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and bolsters their reading confidence.
As the parent, you have access to the BuddyBooks dashboard, which shows not only how long and how well the child is reading, but it also shows you where they need help. You can view passages where they struggled and you can even listen to the recorded passages, so you’ll know exactly how to target your reading instruction for them.
Although BuddyBooks has its own built-in library of books, it works especially well if you are eligible and enrolled in Bookshare. It’s a program that qualifies children with a confirmed reading diagnosis to free digital books. This gives you access to thousands of books, from classics to current popular favorites.
If you aren’t sure if your child is dyslexic or you don’t have a formal diagnosis yet, BuddyBooks offers a money-back guarantee on the cost of NeuroLearning screening for parents who purchase BuddyBooks. If the tested child is not eligible for Bookshare, BuddyBooks will refund the $50 for the screening. If the child is eligible, the child would have access to the entire Bookshare library at no cost until the child is 18. Bookshare books can be accessed from within BuddyBooks by entering the Bookshare username and password into BuddyBooks. Bookshare books are also available using Bookshare’s web browser reading app, but that does not provide any of the features of BuddyBooks.
Use the coupon code JQ-HASHS to save $100 off the cost of BuddyBooks, bringing it to just $99. The coupon expires on July 16, 2023, so head over to BuddyBooks now to take advantage of this significant savings!
Multisensory Approach
Children with dyslexia often benefit from a multisensory approach to learning. This approach engages multiple senses, such as sight, hearing, and touch, to reinforce reading skills. For example, incorporating tactile materials like sandpaper letters or textured cards helps children associate the shape of letters with their corresponding sounds. Combining visual aids, auditory cues, and kinesthetic activities can enhance reading comprehension and retention, making the learning experience more engaging and effective. Reading and spelling games can be very fun and effective, too!
Phonics Instruction
Phonics instruction is a key component in teaching children with dyslexia to read. By systematically teaching the relationship between letters and their sounds, children can decode words and improve their reading accuracy. Interactive phonics games, word-building activities, and mnemonic devices can make phonics instruction more enjoyable and memorable. Breaking down words into smaller phonetic components and practicing word families can further strengthen their reading skills.
Assistive Technology
The digital age has introduced an array of assistive technologies that can significantly support children with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Text-to-speech software, such as screen readers or audiobooks, can help children follow along with the text while simultaneously listening, promoting better comprehension. Dyslexia-friendly fonts, such as OpenDyslexic, are designed to enhance readability for individuals with dyslexia. Additionally, speech recognition software and word prediction tools can assist in writing and spelling tasks. Integrating these tools into a child’s learning environment can provide them with greater independence and accessibility.
Encouragement and Emotional Support
Building a positive and supportive environment is essential when teaching children with dyslexia to read. These children often face frustration, low self-esteem, and a sense of failure. Encouragement, praise for effort, and celebrating small victories can go a long way in boosting their confidence and motivation. It is crucial to focus on their strengths and unique abilities, reminding them that dyslexia does not define their intelligence or potential. Providing a safe space for open communication and expressing emotions can help alleviate anxiety and foster a love for reading.
Individualized Instruction
One of the advantages of homeschooling is individualized instruction. We can can completely tailor our lessons to our child’s strengths.
Recognizing that each child with dyslexia and reading challenges has unique strengths and weaknesses is essential. By breaking down reading tasks into manageable chunks, setting achievable goals, and providing frequent feedback, children with dyslexia can experience success and build confidence in their reading abilities.
Teaching children with dyslexia and other reading challenges to read requires patience, understanding, and tailored strategies. By employing early intervention, multisensory approaches, phonics instruction, assistive technology, and emotional support, we can empower these children to overcome obstacles and embrace the joy of reading. Remember, every child deserves the opportunity to explore the wonders of literature, and with the right guidance, they can unlock their full potential as confident readers and lifelong learners.
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