A six year old consistently confuses d and b in both reading and writting. What can I do to help?

Answer 1

Believe it or not, learning to form letters correctly trains the brain to see them correctly. So I'd start with that. Letters should be made from top to bottom, left to right. To make a d you need a doorknob and a door. Explain that the doorknob comes first or you can't open the door! Make the doorknob circle by starting at the top of the circle and go counterclockwise. Then add the door by adding a line, drawn top to bottom. Remind him/her to put the doorknob first to open the door!

To make a b, first have your child make a "bat". Remember to start the stroke at the top and pull down. Then add the ball. Circles start at the top and are formed counter clockwise. Keep reminding him/her that b are made from bats and balls.

d's are doorknobs and doors
b's are bats and balls.

This should help, but it won't be a quick fix. Reversals are pretty common in children this age.

In the past, kindergarten and first grade spent a lot of time teaching handwriting. When kids learned correct letter formation, (in my opinion) there were fewer problems in both reading and writing. Now with No Child Left Behind legislation, children are pushed to write before they know how and pushed to read way too soon.

If you notice there is also confusion about p and q or they read saw for was, it might not be a bad idea to explore the possibility of dyslexia...but it's still early to know for sure.

You might also want to check out a program called "Handwriting without tears" by Jan Olson. She has a website and her materials are pretty inexpensive.
http://www.hwtears.com/

There is also an excellent book about dyslexia called "Making the Words Stand Still" by Donald E. Lyman
http://www.amazon.com/Making-words-stand-still-Donald/dp/0395362199

Answer 2

As so many have already advised: don't worry!

There is so much pressure on young children to read and write before they are ready for it. In many countries (e.g. Scandinavian) they don't even start school until the year the child turns 7, and still they quickly catch up with (and supersede) British children in terms of reading and writing standards. There comes a time for every child when they are 'wired' for these types of activities.

Make sure you don't make an issue out of this, that could make it a self-perpetuating problem.

If you feel you have to help; my son has just taught me a great game: he enjoys pointing out the likeness to letters and numbers in food, a spot on the floor, rubbish in a puddle, marks on trees... etc. Anything and everything goes, today it was the way a caterpillar rested on a leaf (7 and, turned around, L). Be playful and don't make your child feel 'under instruction'.

All the best to you both!

Answer 3

Hi... If its any consolation...

My last name is bell...as you can see...Until I was about that age I would write kirsty dell.... But i have no troubles now!! He/She is not unique in that...If you make it an issue it becomes one..I dont recall ever having it made a big deal of..The only reason I know at all is looking at my school books from back then and having written it loads..

When you're a kid things just click... Its pretty easy mistake, they are reverse images...

Good luck, but you dont need it

HAving read some of the other comments.....May I also add..I am not dyslexic..I in fact have a First Class degree (which im not saying a dyslexic person could not achieve...My brother has it and is very sucessful...)...So although these conditions are around, dont worry just yet about that!!
xxxx

Answer 4

I teach K-1 special ed and really if this is all you have to worry about with your child, stop worrying. Some kids do this through 2nd grade and it's very common. Do not jump to any conclusions that your child is dyslexic. This is considered OK as long as you are "kindly" working to help your child find a strategy for remembering the correct way -- make two flash cards -- put 'b' things (pictures) on the b card and do the same for a 'd' card. They will learn.

Answer 5

It could be dyslexia ( try asking if he/she can name the days of the week and months of the year), there are often small mistakes consistently made which can give an indication.
Good luck with the education authority though if you want special help with child, they are not keen becuase all money is being spent on teaching foreign kids to speak and read english (something that I feel the parents should have done BEFORE emigrating to England!)

Answer 6

It's very common my nephew has been having the same problem.
My sister is doing a thing called tow by tow (not sure if that is the correct spelling)
He is now 8 and has come on leaps and bounds doing this, you have to buy the book from the school but It might be worth a try!
Charlie is doing so well now even his head mistress has commented on his progress.

Answer 7

If your aim is to teach your child becomes smooth in examining both capital and lowercase letters. Then you definitely will be needing the program, Children Learning Reading from here https://tr.im/08MsW .
Children Learning Reading teaches your son or daughter phonemes so they've a really strong schedule in the skills that will allow them to go on to be a prolific reader. With Children Learning Reading will also centers on developing on the abilities learnt to allow your son or daughter to get their examining abilities to the next level.
With Children Learning Reading is simple to instruct your youngster just how to read.

Answer 8

6 years is still a bit young to worry, I would think if it was dyslexia there would be other words or letter problems. When I was young the teacher used to tell us that d can be joined on to the next letter but b couldn't, this may help but If you are very concerned I would discuss it with the school teacher.

Answer 9

DO NOT WORRY. This is a very common thing and it is developmental. I teach special education and people ask me about this all the time. It is not dyslexia. Be patient and the problem will most likely correct itself.

Answer 10

My daughter does the same thing, I'm drawing the letter so she can write inside in, just a row of B's or D's.

bgiii 2000 - thats an excellent idea, I'm going to give that a go