Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that can affect a child’s ability to learn reading, writing and spelling.
With one in 10 of the UK population estimated to have dyslexia, this means there’s a potential 6.3 million people who might have the condition, according to http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/
But dyslexia not only affects children academically, it can also be the source of great frustration for a child, which in turn can affect their self confidence whether that’s at school or at home.
The typical signs of dyslexia can include:
- Slow reading and writing
- Writing letters the wrong way round
- Inconsistent spelling when writing
- Difficulty understanding written information
- Finding planning and organisation challenging or difficult
Fortunately there are ways that parents can help their child cope. Read our guide below to help you find ideas and inspiration to helping children manage dyslexia.
Explore Other Learning Methods
While dyslexia can be challenging, having the condition shouldn’t prevent children from learning how to read, write and spell.
It is still important to encourage children to learn,which is why it’s helpful to look at alternative methods of learning, which can help make the learning process less stressful for a child.
There are essentially three forms of learning that dyslexic children can benefit from:
- Visual learning using pictures, videos, and other visual aids to support learning.
- Audio learning using audiobooks or rhyme and song.
- Kinaesthetic learning where children learn through activities such as improvised games that can encourage data retention.
Whichever method you choose to use, it’s important to make sure that there is a good dialogue between you and your child’s teacher. Above all else, your child needs consistency to help them through those problems. Combine these learning methods with reading and writing, and your son or daughter should see positive results.
Think Outside Educational Learning
Learning through traditional methods isn’t the only crucial part of a child’s development.
Evolving as a person is equally important, and encouraging your child to build a positive and confidence mindset can be crucial.
Dyslexia can apply pressure on a child. Taking them out of a pressurised learning situation can be extremely beneficial. Learning in a fun environment that promotes positive encouragement such as a martial arts for example, which is built on a foundation of recognition and reward, can help dyslexic children build up their confidence. Similarly, reading up on their new hobby can encourage improved reading without the need for exams and tests.
There are other activities too. For example, music can be a useful communication tool for overcoming personal issues, and learning with dyslexia is one of the most common. Again, learning a new skill can work wonders for self-esteem and confidence.
These ideas not only teach crucial self-development skills. Perhaps more importantly, they allow kids to make friends more easily. Given that this can be a challenge for some dyslexia sufferers, this is a great benefit.
Reassure Them
Dyslexia has the potential to slow a child’s progress in the classroom. This can become a source of embarrassment but reassuring children that we all face different challenges in modern life, can help them cope better.
Regularly encouraging a child to embrace other strengths can help reassure them that their progress is great, no matter how slow it may it be. Don’t be afraid to share stories about problems you had learning either. Let’s face it; that connection can go a long way to making them feel less vulnerable.
There are many cases of famous dyslexia sufferers who gone on to achieve great things in their careers for example, the great scientist Albert Einstein. Using examples like this can help children understand that they are still capable of achieving their personal goals.
Most of all, the support and understanding of key people around children is important to helping children overcome the difficulties of dyslexia.
Be Active
Perhaps the most important factor for parents in this challenge is to being able to stay pro active. Identifying the problem is positive start but will require ongoing support and activity to help a child cope with their condition.
Reading with them, and making them feel comfortable with their problem, will give them a far better chance of battling it. Not only can it boost their drive and confidence, it crucially gives parents to the opportunity to track progress and change strategies accordingly.
Once again, ensuring that you have a positive relationship with teachers and tutors is vital. After all, consistency is a key element in any child’s educational development.
