Dyslexia is a common learning disability that can effect everything from a child's ability to read and write to their organization skills, memory and focus. In order to adequately harness a dyslexic child's academic ability, teachers need to focus on what the children can do, rather than what they can't, whilst using a multi-faceted approach to learning. A number of very simple tweaks can help dyslexic children, whether in the classroom or at home, and some of these tips and tweaks are listed below.
Engage all of Their Senses
Instead of just teaching your child through repetition, make an effort to engage all of their senses. Use touch, light, movement, sound and sight together to create a multi-faceted learning experience that will not only be more appealing to the child, but that will allow them to express themselves and explore different answers without feeling restricted by a piece of paper. Here are a few tips for multi-sensory learning.
• Make sand or bean trays. Let your child create words, letters or shapes in the sand or beans as this is less restrictive than getting them to use a piece of paper and a pen.
• Use games and creative activities to engage children in learning activities.
• Use colour cleverly. Most dyslexic students can read and understand words more easily on a pale yellow sheet of paper rather than a white sheet of paper. Green is also a bright, positive colour that could be used in place of red. You might also want to try offering pens and pencils in a variety of colours so that your little ones can get on with reading and writing activities that are just a little bit more colourful.
• Try note cards. Let your children touch and feel the activity instead of just showing it to them as this will also improve motor skills.
Change Activities According to the Child's Mood
A technique often used in dyslexia schools is to change the activities depending on the child's mood. Some dyslexic children find it even more difficult to recognise letters, shapes and numbers when they're feel tired, drained of energy, sick or poorly, so it's important that you're able to alter and adapt activities when needed when your child's mood is low and their energy flagging. If you were planning on reading a book, for example, but you can tell that your little one is finding it difficult to concentrate, switch to a creative moodboard or mind tree activity instead.
Discuss the Reading Materials
Instead of just focussing on getting through a book and feeling proud that your child managed to read a sentence or paragraph alone, focus on discussing the reading materials so that they can come to understand them rather than just read them. Let your child discuss the materials not only so that they can let you know how they're getting on but also so that they can start to learn where to break their words, how to finish sentences, how to begin sentences and how to use punctuation. Discussion is also a good way to take a break, especially when your child starts to flag a little bit. It's a great way to get their energy levels back up.
Take Your Time
Rushing a dyslexic child will only make them more stressed and more upset. Take your time with them and do things slowly, never rushing and never cajoling, but always positive and encouraging. If you're feeling frustrated, remember how difficult it is for your child and try to see things from their point of view. Take short breaks regularly and move from activity to activity so that you don't get stuck for hours on one task.
Reach Out for Help
If you're struggling to engage your dyslexic child or if you feel like they are not flourishing at school, it might be a good idea to reach out for help to a specialist dyslexia school. These schools have many, many years of experience in dealing with severely to moderately effected dyslexic children and they'll be able to see exactly what makes your child tick.
A dyslexia school such as Appleford School will be able to identify your child's unique needs so that they can reach their full potential.
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