Question
My son (9) is really struggling with dyslexia. He works with a paraprofessional at school, but Is there anything we can do at home to help him with his work?
Kellie M
Answer
Hi, Kellie!
Dyslexia is a very common learning disability–so common, in fact, that it’s now thought to affect more than 65% of the current student population! This means that it isn’t just some people who struggle with dyslexia to varying degrees; it’s MOST people! Fortunately, educational psychologists and other education professionals have identified some ways to help kids with dyslexia succeed in and out of the classroom.
- Create a supportive environment: Kids with dyslexia tend to get distracted when reading because they often have to use more focus and brain power to compensate for the movement of the letters. One great thing you can do is establish consistent, calming routines for homework and study time, and make this time as distraction-free as possible.
- Use multisensory learning techniques: We champion multisensory activities a lot here at VT and we’re not going to stop anytime soon. Why? Because they’re great for learning! Try activities like tracing letters in sand or using audiobooks with text. This helps kids process the words in different ways, making it easier for them to retain information. Remember, just because people with dyslexia learn differently doesn’t mean they’re not learning or can’t learn with the right approaches.
- Explore assistive technology: Have you ever tried out text-to-speech software or dyslexia-friendly apps? They're awesome for boosting learning! And you know what? There are some seriously amazing dyslexia-friendly fonts floating around too. Imagine being able to print out or use Dyslexie font on an iPad for your own reading sessions or helping someone else practice. It's a game-changer! Plus, there are loads of books now published in these fonts, perfect for making story time even more enjoyable.
- Dyslexia is a learning disability, and with it will come many struggles. It’s important to be patient and encouraging. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, and always let your son know that he is smart, he is important, and that you love him.
Resources We Love
We have some great dyslexia-specific reading groups at VT. Check out our Orton Gillingham reading group series!