Dyslexia doesn’t have to be a barrier to the wonderful world of books, says Emma Steel.
I’ve had the privilege of working with many bright and unique children, each with their own strengths and challenges. One of the most common is dyslexia, which can make reading a bit like solving a daily puzzle. But with the right strategies and a dash of creativity, we can turn the act of reading into an exciting adventure for our dyslexic readers.
Choose the right books
Selecting books that captivate a child’s interest is the first step towards unlocking the magic of reading. Look for stories with engaging plots, vibrant illustrations and relatable characters. Books specifically designed for dyslexia are even better—they often feature clearer fonts, more spacing between lines and shorter chapters. These elements make the reading experience less daunting and more enjoyable.
Use audiobooks and video-books
Audiobooks are a great tool for dyslexic readers. They allow children to enjoy stories without the struggle of decoding words, which helps build vocabulary and comprehension. Video-books or visual stories are a great way to entertain and engage someone while moving through a narrative, showcasing exciting illustrations while the text is read aloud.
Break it down
Reading a whole book can seem overwhelming, so breaking reading time into manageable chunks can make a world of difference. These chunks can then be followed by a fun activity, which could even be linked to what has just been read, but a short movement break might also be useful. This keeps the experience positive and prevents that dreaded frustration from building up. Think of it as a series of mini adventures, each one bringing the reader closer to the finish line.
Use multi-sensory learning
Incorporate multiple senses into the reading process by using items to engage touch, sight and sound to reinforce learning and make reading more interactive and fun. One of my favourite activities was immersing my pupils in the story we were reading. We created Frankenstein’s Monster when reading Frankenstein, which kept them engaged and focused, and most importantly enhanced cognition and comprehension of the text.
Progress might come in small amounts, but every victory is worth celebrating. Whether it’s finishing a page without frustration or mastering a new word, positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages a lifelong love of reading. Every reader progresses at their own pace, and each step forward is a triumph.