The sooner you know your child has dyslexia, the faster you can help them. If your child struggles with reading or writing, trust your instincts and explore tools like the NeuroLearning Dyslexia Screener or the Shaywitz Dyslexia Screener. Getting an early diagnosis opens the door to effective support, giving your child the best chance to succeed.
2. Find the Right Reading Program
Your child needs the right kind of help to improve their reading skills. Programs based on the Orton-Gillingham approach are great because they break learning into small, easy-to-digest steps. Ideally, they’d have access to 90-minute sessions with a trained teacher every day.
If that’s not an option for your family, don’t worry. Lexify™ Play 'n Read is a highly effective online dyslexia therapy program that transforms struggling readers into confident learners through proven, research-based methods and engaging, interactive games. It’s affordable, fun, and flexible, making it easier to fit into your busy life.
3. Use Hands-On Learning
Kids with dyslexia learn best when they use multiple senses at the same time. Combining sight, sound, and touch helps them better understand and remember new information. Here are some practical ideas:
Word Building with Letter Tiles: Use magnetic or foam letter tiles to build and rearrange words. This tactile activity helps children visualize and feel how letters come together to form words.
Writing in Sand or Shaving Cream: Have your child trace letters or words in sand, salt, or shaving cream. This makes learning fun and engaging while reinforcing letter formation.
Clap or Tap Syllables: Break words into syllables by clapping or tapping them out. For example, clap three times for "ba-na-na." This helps kids understand how words are broken down into smaller parts.
Use Color Coding: Highlight or underline vowels, consonants, or syllables in different colors to make patterns more visible and memorable.
Create Word Art: Let your child write out spelling words using colorful markers or even create them with playdough. The creative process helps reinforce learning.
Incorporate Movement: Combine physical activity with learning by having your child hop, jump, or toss a ball for each letter or syllable in a word. Movement boosts engagement and memory.
Hands-on activities make learning feel less like a chore and more like play, which is how kids with dyslexia learn best!
4. Use Helpful Tech Tools
Technology can make a huge difference for children with dyslexia by reducing barriers to learning. Here are some tools and resources to explore:
Text-to-Speech Software: Tools like NaturalReader and Read&Write by Texthelp allow children to hear written text aloud, aiding comprehension.
Word Prediction Programs: Co:Writer helps with spelling and sentence construction by predicting words as they type, reducing frustration and boosting confidence.
Audiobooks: Platforms like Learning Ally and Audible give children access to literature and improve listening skills without the decoding struggle.
Reading Practice Apps: Fonetti listens as your child reads aloud, offering real-time feedback and encouragement. This makes reading practice fun, builds fluency, and keeps your child motivated.
Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts: While some fonts are marketed specifically for dyslexia, many families find clean sans-serif fonts like Poppins to be effective. Download it from Google Fonts and pair it with apps like ClaroPDF for customizable text settings that improve readability.
By using these tools, you’re giving your child the opportunity to focus on learning rather than struggling with decoding, empowering them to succeed.
5. Create a Positive Learning Space
A supportive environment at school and home can make all the difference. Work with your child’s teachers to ensure they have the right accommodations, like extra time on tests or access to audiobooks.At home, celebrate their progress—no matter how small. Encouragement and praise go a long way in helping your child feel confident. Remind them that dyslexia doesn’t define who they are; it’s just one part of their learning journey.
You’re Doing Great!
Being a parent of a struggling reader is challenging, but every small step you take is a step toward their success. Whether it’s spotting the signs early, trying Lexify, or using tech tools, you’re giving your child the tools they need to thrive. Stay patient, keep cheering them on, and celebrate every win—big or small. You’ve got this!
Danielle Pettifor, SLDS
The Dyslexia Code
