Dyslexia is a condition which affects a child’s ability to read, write and learn at par with other children of his age, but it is surely not a condition that should rob the child from leading a fulfilling and enjoyable life.
Once it is realised that the problems are actually associated with the child’s inability to process the visual and auditory information, it becomes easier for the parents as well as the teachers to condition the kid in a manner that would help him derive the optimum benefits from his innate abilities. After all, his understanding skills are just normal. The child requires a specific mode of instructions that will help him with his learning and while he expresses the same.
Tips for Encouraging a Dyslexic Child
Given below are some measures which parents and teachers can take to encourage a dyslexic child.
Positive Influence can Work Wonders
The child needs to be in positive company. This will not only provide them with the much required self-belief, but also encourage them in all their endeavors. So getting involved with the child is very important and can be done through –
- Spending a good amount of time with the kid, remember, quality time. The child should feel special and loved.
- Playing alphabet games can be of great help
- The child should understand that you are interested in his well-being and education and you need to be in constant touch with his teachers. Note, that the kid does not misinterpret this as a pressure that you are stressing him with.
- You must always be there when your child needs you. You should be a great source of support and encouragement to your child.
Reading Aloud Helps
Dyslexic kids have reading problems. You can help him by reading aloud regularly. It should be a simple read and you need to pint words as you read. Make sure that the child is enjoying his reading session and involve him by encouraging him to point out some box labels or slogans. This can be an educational game as well.
Write and Ask Him to Write
Make this a mode of communication. It can start off as a game which will gradually prove to help him immensely with his handwriting disabilities and spelling errors.
Keep Talking to Your Child
You must always encourage your child to freely and fearlessly express his thoughts. Talk to him. And as you do, try to make your child pay attention to the phonetics, the area which actually troubles a dyslexic kid. You can do this effectively by singing nursery rhymes. You will know that there are certain words that your child cannot easily grasp, you can ask him to pay attention to those which are mostly similar sounding ones. Here it is very important that you hold your patience.
Teach Time Management
Organising schedules are a tough ordeal for children suffering from dyslexia. You cannot force him to follow the clock, rather help him with his daily time management. Set up a routine where your kid will have ample time for studying, homework, play and rest along with other recreational time. You can use a timer when he is doing his daily tasks and encourage him to complete within the stipulated time. Give considerations when required, but never be harsh, and appreciate him when he successfully completes a task.
Work on His Strengths
Every child is born with his own set of weakness and strengths. A dyslexic child also has his own strong points. May be he responds very well to music or understand pictures or colours and graphics very well. Bank on these very strengths when you are teaching him his lessons. Explain the contents or the lessons to your child by using them as stimuli and you will be surprised to find positive results.