Dyslexia is a fairly common challenge and can be discouraging for children who deal with it, but it is not an impossible obstacle! If your child is dyslexic, here are some ways you can support them and help them succeed.
1. Know what dyslexia is
First of all, it is important to know what dyslexia is, and what it looks like. Dyslexia is defined by the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity as an “unexpected difficulty in reading.” Basically, children with dyslexia have trouble matching the words on the page with the sounds the words make. You can look for these common signs of dyslexia, such as poor spelling and trouble recognizing words. For a definite diagnosis, you may want to have your child assessed.
2. Work with their strengths
Learn what your child’s strengths are and work with them! What reading and writing methods click with them the most? Try using personalized, direct, and systematic methods. You can also make your child’s learning experience multi-sensory, which may help them recognize and understand words more easily. For example, you can connect each word with a picture. Or, cut out the letters of the word and have your child trace the letters while saying them out loud.
3. Encourage them
Your child will likely encounter many learning difficulties in school, as a result of being dyslexic, so they need plenty of encouragement! Praise them when they learn something, don’t compare them to other students, and make sure their teachers are aware of their struggle. Get involved with your child at home so they don’t feel like they’re trying alone. Work with your child instead of letting them work by themselves. And when they are successful, display their accomplishments!
Dyslexia doesn’t have to be an insurmountable challenge. You can help your child learn to succeed and do their very best in school and beyond!
