What Can You Do to Help?

Discuss It

This is as new to them as it is to you. The word “dyslexia” itself can be overwhelming, especially for a young child. Describe what the condition is and that it may present some challenges in their learning. Make sure that your child understands this is nothing to be ashamed about. They are equally as intelligent and academically capable as their classmates, but their brain works a little bit different. Remind them that they are not alone and they can achieve anything, just like any other kid. Have an open, honest conversation with them and encourage asking questions.

Notify the School

Providing extra support for children with dyslexia can be very beneficial academically. Making sure the teacher and other staff are aware of it is important, as they can help advance their reading, writing, and speaking skills in the most efficient way. It can be helpful to speak to them about a learning plan that you can continue outside of class at home. Another thing to consider is that children who demonstrate and are diagnosed with dyslexia are eligible for accommodations. This may help them in testing situations or with assignments, as dyslexia can affect the speed at which they process and read. These accommodations may include extra time on tests, quiet work areas, avoiding calling on them in class, etc. Remind your child that these accommodations are not something to be ashamed of but rather just an extra tool to help them succeed.

At Home Studying

Creating a study schedule that fits your child is crucial. If dyslexia is slowing down the learning process, it may be helpful to build in extra study time at home to give them the best chance of being at the same academic level as their classmates. This may include speaking to your child’s educators at school and asking for the material they have or will learn to supplement their learning at home. It may be beneficial to do extra work at home after a lesson or obtain a copy of the notes in advance while they are in a safe and comfortable space. Understand your child’s study limits and be reasonable in how much they can handle in each study session.

Multisensory Instruction

Every individual is different; therefore, there are different learning styles that may suit your child best. One thing to consider is multisensory instruction, in which kids use more than one sense at a time when learning. It can be particularly helpful in students who struggle with visual or auditory learning. This gives children more than sight to make connections and learn concepts. It incorporates all five senses – sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste. This more in-depth teaching style may result in better memory of the information. Further, hands-on learning can help with collecting information, making connections, and problem-solving.

Building Reading Skills

Children diagnosed with dyslexia have difficulties reading. Although there is no set way to improve this skill as each child is unique, practice and routine may evolve their reading abilities over time. There are many different ways to build this skill, such as:

• Audiobooks. This incorporates senses other than vision, as mentioned in multisensory instruction.

• Re-reading their favourite books. This may build familiarity and make it easier for them to recognize words.

• Encourage reading for fun. Although this condition may give rise to negative emotions, like frustration, once they begin to find success in it, they will start to see reading as a pleasure. Without suggestion, they would choose to read, further building that skill.

• Silent Reading. Allow them to spend time reading alone, both quietly and aloud. Children need time to develop fluency and require independence to evolve their reading skills. You can’t be by their side all the time to guide them through it; therefore, they need to learn how to overcome reading challenges on their own.

• Reading aloud. Allowing your child to read alone silently may build independence in reading; however, reading with them may be beneficial as well. Hearing someone else read may spark interest and offers opportunities to work on comprehension that they may not have been able to process alone. This can allow the child to focus on the meaning of the words and use their imagination. Further, working with them allows the child to ask questions about anything they may be confused about.

• Talk about the story. Have a conversation about the writing piece and encourage questions and discussion. Stimulate conversation by asking questions such as “What do you think happens next?” or “What did you think of the story?”

• Details. Sometimes a child may need help noticing the details in a word, especially if there is unusual spelling or pronunciation. Help them to analyze the word and process all the details by showing the word, reading it aloud, and breaking it into all its individual sounds.

• Make it fun and interesting. Incorporate word-matching games, word walls, photos or word searches to encourage reading. They make get bored and annoyed at sitting reading books all day, so including an enjoyable aspect to learning can help.

• Keep it manageable. A child has limits, and exceeding them can make reading more stressful. Adding new words before your child has mastered one can create more confusion and frustration. Once they find success in processing a word, introduce more (at their comfort level), and this will get them feeling good about reading. Further, it will keep motivation and spirits high.

Recognize Their Strengths

Individuals who are diagnosed with dyslexia are unique in their strengths and weaknesses. Although it may be easy to focus on your challenges, also be aware of and celebrate your child’s strengths. There are different types of strengths – character, social, literacy, language, math/logic, talents, etc. As your child explores their interests and passions, they may uncover new strengths. If they need it, help them identify what they’re good at. Talk to them about their successes - this can make them feel confident in times of uncertainty. You may also use what they enjoy and are good at to supplement challenges they experience in learning. 

Emotional Support

This can be an overwhelming and emotional time for the child. They may feel upset or frustrated at the challenges they face in learning. As a parent, it is important to be supportive in their schoolwork; however, remember to provide support for them mentally as well. Provide encouragement and positivity by:

• Reminding them that they are not defined by their diagnosis, and they’re skilled and smart in many ways.

• Celebrate all of their success, big or small.

• Take time off and do things with your child that they love to do. This can be a good balance with their challenges in schoolwork.

• Praise their strengths. Don’t let their struggles be the main focus.

• Help them understand that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Little improvements are still a huge success.

• Display a positive attitude for them. Show them that they can make mistakes and struggle, but they can push through and succeed.

• Be there for them outside of their learning. Acknowledge their academic success but also provide support for their mental health.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help.

There are other parents who have experienced dealing with a dyslexia diagnosis. They can be a good source of support and advice. Individuals who have been through a similar situation may be the best resource, as other friends and family may not understand it to the same extent. There are also online communities you may reach out to for help. You and your child are not alone!