What makes reading magical? Is it the excitement fluttering in your chest as you pick out a book at the library or bookstore? Is it the crisp smell of a new book or the earthy smell of an old one? Is it imagining yourself in the setting? Is it building a connection to the characters? I believe that all of these things and more make reading magical, but can reading still be magical if it’s also a challenge?
Of course! You just have to find the right angle, especially for kids with dyslexia. They might avoid reading because they experience frustration and low self-esteem for not being able to keep up with their peers, but it’s important to encourage them to read to foster their imagination. With support and practice, they can overcome obstacles and form a love for stories and reading.
As someone who works in education, I’ve put together five tips to make reading magical for kids with dyslexia. Try all of these methods to see which one works the best for you.
Before Getting Started
Dyslexia. What is it? According to the International Dyslexia Association, “Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words.”
Before you dive into the deep end of reading, you should test your child’s reading level. Making sure you choose books that have words with the phonics they have learned will help them be successful.
1. Read Aloud
Once you find out their reading level, have them read those books out loud. Help them along the way and ask them questions about the book. If they’re getting tired or discouraged, take turns reading a page out loud. If they’re limited to only reading books that are at their level, they’re going to get bored. When they’ve finished their reading level book, have them pick any book that’s above their reading level and read it out loud to them.
2. Make Reading a Routine
Reading is like working out the brain. And working out is strenuous. You can’t expect your brain to be Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson after one day of reading. So, make it a routine to see results. Get home from school, do your homework, read. Change into pajamas, brush your teeth, read. When school is in session, complete the reading log assignments. During summer, look into local library summer reading programs and challenges.
3. Merge the Books with Reality
Has anyone read The Lemonade War and didn’t get a craving for lemonade? Or read a Harry Potter book and didn’t want to whip out a wand? To build a strong love for books, plan fun and memorable book-related activities. Make some tacos and read Dragons Love Tacos. Read Charlotte’s Web and visit a farm. Read books from the Emily Windsnap series at the beach and try to spot a mermaid in the ocean. If merging elements of books with reality happens every once in a while, it will make the activities more special and will expand their imagination when they’re reading at home.
4. Create a Book Together
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working with kids, it’s that kids are storytellers. Whether it’s telling me what they did over the weekend or explaining the intricate rules of the made-up game they’re playing, kids love to talk and tell stories. What better way to make reading magical for kids with dyslexia than to have them create their own story? The possibilities are endless. Write down what they come up with, have them illustrate, and then read their story together.
5. Use Technology
The last tip is to use educational websites. Starfall is a website and app designed for children with special needs and learning disabilities that works on phonemic awareness, structured phonics instruction, and high-frequency sight words. Epic is an awesome website with numerous books, audiobooks, and learning videos that can spice up their reading routine. Raz-Kids is also a great option with audiobooks and quizzes to assess comprehension. Once a website or app gives kids the opportunity to level up and earn prizes, they’ll be into it.
Using these tips to guide your child’s reading journey will help them be successful and make reading magical.
Want to read about more ways to help those with dyslexia? Click here.
Find books kids will love on Bookshop.org.
