Tips to support my dyslexic child

Dyslexia is a neurological condition. Dyslexic child faces difficulty in academics. This blog talks about tips to support my dyslexic child.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological condition. The word dys refers to difficulty and lexia refers to language. This means difficulty in processing a language. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability. It is also known as Specific Learning Disorder. A dyslexic child faces difficulty with reading, writing and also spelling. Organization abilities are also affected. Dyslexic child shows disparity between his ability and performance. It affects academic performance in about 10 – 15% of the school going children.

Symptoms of dyslexic child

Symptoms of dyslexia may include the following –

• slow and inaccurate reading

• slow and messy handwriting

• difficulty in spelling words also

• difficulty in organizing ideas to write

• letter or number reversals

• difficulty in following multiple step commands

• confusion between left and right

• difficulty in comprehending what they read

• finds it difficult to copy words or phrases from the board

• academic performance is not grade appropriate

To know more about the signs and characteristics of a dyslexic child, read the following blog –

Tips to support my dyslexic child –

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects a child’s ability to read, write, and spell. While dyslexia is primarily associated with reading difficulties, it can also affect a child’s speech and language development. In this blog, we will provide Parents’ Guide To Dyslexia & Speech Problems.

1. Establish a routine

School going children have a very busy schedule. Providing structure and routine will help your dyslexic child. It will help them stay organised and also complete tasks on time. Have a dedicated space in the house for their studies. Plan the routine with short breaks to give them rest too. Dyslexic children find it hard to manage time and stay organized. Providing a routine will help them thrive.

 2. Practice reading

Dyslexic children face difficulty in reading. Make it a habit to practice reading with your dyslexic child. Paired reading is a great way to help them decode words. It also helps them read fluently. You can also try audio books. Sit and listen to audio stories with your dyslexic child. Stop often and ask questions based on what you have heard or read. Allow them to answer at their pace. In case, they find it difficult to answer, go back and read the part again. Chunk the passage into smaller parts when reading. Take small breaks in between also. Regular practice will help them improve in their reading.

 3. Make learning fun

Try playing different games when studying. You can play I spy, memory games and the like to make learning fun. This will engage your dyslexic child better. It will also build their vocabulary. Play games such as erase the sound to work on their phonics. This will help them with reading also. To know more about games to teach phonics, watch the Explore video here –

Try games such as setting a tune to a song or also mnemonics to learn spellings. To know more about different ways of teaching spellings, read this blog – Methodologies to teach spellings

4. Writing practice

A dyslexic child faces difficulty with writing also. Make writing practice fun for them. Use different tools to practice writing. You can try the sand board or also shaving foam to write words. Choose a topic of the child’s interest. Make a project using colored papers and glitter pens. This will engage the child to write. Have them draw a picture before they write. You can also help them jot down the major points before writing. They can refer to the points when writing an answer or passage. Provide a pencil grip if needed. Ensure the child’s posture is correct when writing.

For more tips on helping the dyslexic child write, read the following blog

5. Color coding

A dyslexic child finds it hard to stay organized. Try using color codes for them to help them differentiate between their school books. Involve them in the process of deciding colors for each subject. Number work can be red, English can be yellow and so on. Put a chart for the color codes on their study wall so they don’t mistake one subject book for the other. 

6. Build their self – esteem

A dyslexic child is often bullied. They also lack confidence because of their academic difficulties. Thus, it is important that you build their self – esteem. Firstly, praise them for little things such as packing their school bag or finishing their homework on time. Secondly, encourage their strengths and compliment them for it. Thirdly, help them explore their skills such as painting and dancing. Help them to work on the same. This will go a long way to build and boost their self – esteem.

7. Help with their home – work

Speak to your dyslexic child’s educator at school and work on a plan that works for him/her. Also be in regular touch with the educator to monitor their progress. Help them with their home work. Make a home work routine also. Use post its of different colors for each subject. Color coding helps them with organizing their work. Make a study area in the house. Ensure it is a quiet place with minimal distractions. Provide them with rewards for completing their homework. Use visual checklists to hep them keep up with their homework timeline.

8.Don’t compare

Always remember each child has different strengths. Never compare your child to the other. Work on their strengths. This will boost their confidence.

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