Did you know that many famous people, such as Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci were diagnosed with dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that is neurological in origin, meaning that it is brain-based. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word reading and poor spelling and decoding abilities that do not progress as expected with well-intentioned and targeted intervention.
Dyslexia affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. It is important to identify and provide appropriate interventions for dyslexia in children as early as possible to help them overcome the challenges it poses. Here are some ways to help children with dyslexia:
Early identification and diagnosis: Early identification of dyslexia is crucial for providing appropriate interventions. Teachers and parents can look for signs of dyslexia such as difficulty with phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and decoding skills.
Multisensory teaching: Children with dyslexia benefit from multisensory teaching that involves using multiple senses such as sight, sound, and touch to help them learn. Teachers can use methods such as the Orton-Gillingham approach that uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques.
Assistive technology: Assistive technology such as text-to-speech software, audio books, and speech recognition software can help children with dyslexia access written material and complete written assignments.
Accommodations: Accommodations such as extra time on tests, using a spell-checker, and providing a quiet workspace can help children with dyslexia complete their work.
Specialized instruction: Specialized instruction such as reading intervention programs can help children with dyslexia improve their reading skills.
Positive reinforcement: Encouraging and praising children for their efforts and progress can help build their confidence and motivate them to continue learning.
It is important to remember that dyslexia does not affect intelligence, and with appropriate interventions and support, children with dyslexia can succeed in school and in life.
5 Different Strategies to Help Dyslexic Children
Most children with dyslexia can learn to read fluently if they have support at home and school. Here are five different ideas and activities that you can try to encourage them and support their learning process:
1- Read aloud
We always promote reading aloud to children to improve their information processing skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. Children with dyslexia may have a hard time thinking in words or reading them straight off the page, and it’s still important to help them expand their vocabulary by having a constant flow of words — without any pressure. (2). In our EdTech programs in Colombia and Africa, we offer children the possibility to listen to interactive audiobooks narrated by our volunteers. This approach is helping many struggling kids to increase their literacy skills.
2- Find decodable books
Reading material that is full of familiar single and closed syllable words will make decoding easier. (3)
3- Give struggling children a break
For dyslexic children, some schoolwork or activities might be exhausting, allow some time to them to recharge batteries.
4- Celebrate Every Success
Celebrate every single success. Meet your child on their reading level and celebrate the achievements at that level. (4)
5- Set Realistic Goals
You need to set up an achievable goal for you and your student that will positively affect their reading. (4)
20% of African Children Suffer From Dyslexia, and Literacy helps build a better future for children with learning disabilities.
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Encouraging and praising children for their efforts and progress can help build their confidence and motivate them to continue learning.
Specialized instruction such as reading intervention programs can help children with dyslexia improve their reading skills.
It is important to remember that dyslexia does not affect intelligence, and with appropriate interventions and support, children with dyslexia can succeed in school and in life.
Support for Dyslexics and Online Resources
- Brian Balance: Amazing website with useful articles and webinars. They also offered a non-medical program in-center or at home. The program is designed to strengthen and build brain connectivity so your child can find success in the classroom and unleash their untapped potential.
- International Dyslexia Association: A non-profit education and advocacy organization devoted to issues surrounding dyslexia. This organization based in the United States serves individuals with dyslexia, their families, and professionals in the field.
- Dyslexia Association Australia: An Australian non-profit formed in 2007 concerned with the well-being, identification, and instruction/treatment of dyslexia and related language-based differences.
- The Dyslexia Foundation: An American non-profit organization assisting children with dyslexia to establish higher levels of learning through specialized programs promoting better reading.
- The Dyslexia Association of London: This organization has been in operation since 1972. They offer resources to their members to unlock their potential through the careful promotion of events, support groups, and creative opportunities.
If you want to help struggling children in literacy, we have many open volunteer opportunities that you can check here.
Sources:
1- DSF Literacy and Clinical Services
https://dsf.net.au/what-is-dyslexia/?gclid=CjwKCAjwn8SLBhAyEiwAHNTJbd3CdoRW13-F5hvXjwe
OJoHPR0Xd6RgvO5pWUhCBF-d7ulQVSaWvGhoCRGYQAvD_BwE
2- Brian Balance
https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/ways-encourage-creativity-kids-dyslexia
3- Read and Spell
https://www.readandspell.com/dyslexia-reading-strategies
4- Yale University
