How do you teach a child with dyslexia to read?

Question

We can't use phonics - he has a hard time even recognizing letters because they look different from day to day. Also the English language has too many rule-breaker words. Overlays don't help. We are homeschooling. I am an education major (senior) and have more training in teaching reading then any of the people at our local school. I am making some progress - would like to make more. Child is almost 9 and reading at a first grade level.

Answer 1

If he DOES NOT "see" the letters correctly, that is NOT just dyslexia. It is probably because he also needs visual therapy through an occupational therapist and/or vision specialist. Ask a local OT working with the public schools about who they recommend for the diagnosis and therapy plan (usually an opthamologist, but not every opthamologist has the correct training for this).

http://www.vision-therapy.com/About_Vision.htm

http://www.memorialhospital.org/OccupationalTherapy.htm

http://www.hollywoodvision.com/html/vision_therapy.html

Here are some simple activities for you to do while you are waiting on the diagnosis and therapy plan:
http://www.turningpointtechnology.com/Software/TF/Eye%20Track%20Software.htm

Continue to provide phonics instruction. If you have the proper training for LD phonics remediation, you also know that there is a developmental "click" or "leap" that occurs. The constant exposure to phonics means that he'll suddenly be able to apply it, and show a huge gain in his reading level over only a couple of months, WHEN HE IS READY PHYSIOLOGICALLY.

If he is having vision issues, teach him the phonics rules through oral recitiation while you do the exercises the OT or vision specialist give you. Don't forget to keep building on his knowledge, starting with "vowel plus consonant is short," all the way up to the three sounds of "s", the five sounds of "ough," etc., even if he's not visually perceiving the letters at that point. Take it slow... the more advanced rules may not be something you hit until next year.

You should also have him play "catch" with you (start with a soft, larger ball like a kickball), do very simple (preschool) mazes and gradually work up in difficulty (VERY gradually), etc. My guess is that when he attempts a maze, he can't make heads or tails of it right now.

Answer 2

My son had dyslexia and so do I. I am also a special ed teacher and have a master's degree so don't give up. 1. You should be able to find a resource in the special ed dept. of your college. 2. Learn about the vision training exercises that are available. Within 6 weeks my son made a big jump in his reading ability.It is the single best thing that worked with my son. Trace letters out of sandpaper and have him use his fingers to go over and over the letters, put salt in the top of a shoe box lid and have him trace letters in that, same with sand. Write letters in chalk on the sidewalk and have him jump on the letters. If he has trouble counting by 5's this also works well. Sounds strange, but it works.
3. Find something that he is good at doing that doesn't involve dyslexia. Keep in mind that this is only one portion of his life. 4. Keep reading out loud to him. His auditory comprehension is probably much higher than his reading level. Watch the TV news and discuss current events.

Answer 3

Hey there,
There are numerous documented benefits and advantages of teaching children to read early on, and teaching them to reading using phonics and phonemic awareness instructions. It is clear that early language and reading ability development passes great benefits to the child as they progress through school at all grades, and that early language and reading problems can lead to learning problems later on in school.

For a simple, step-by-step program that can help your child learn to read visit this web site: http://readingprogram.toptips.org
Bye

Answer 4

My son didn't respond to anything until I got our first computer and he suddenly was able to write and read! The keyboard seemed to make the difference to his brain and he blossomed.
His father and I both had difficulties as children and I believe that time will help a dyslexic child if someone with patience is there to keep them trying and working at it.

Answer 5

I would check into 2 options
1) Multi-sensory (VKT- Visual, Kinesthetic, Tactile or "see-hear-say-do") programs such as Wilson or Orton-Gillingham.
2) If nothing else is working- go with a sight-word program such as EdMark. This kind of program helps students who can memorize words, but cannot decode.
I hope this helps!

Answer 6

I am a special ed. teacher and have had occasion to use books on tape It helps build word recognition and comprehension. Don't forget literacy building is a process and you will help your child discover his or her own learning style.They will modify appropriately with you as a guide.

Answer 7

try talking to a special ed teacher who deals with children with dyslexia they may be able to direct you to support groups or programs that are available through the Internet.