Getting your dyslexic kids to read can be a huge challenge! Here are some tips and ideas to get them reading: • Using “fun” lower-level books/graphic novels/picture books/comic books to make reading easier and more enjoyable • Getting them to pick out books from a store, comic book store, used bookstore, or library • Reading books that have been made into a movie and having a movie night afterward • Taking turns reading out loud to each other • Getting books about a topic they are already interested in • Reading the books yourself as well and engaging them about it • Letting them buy books at their school book fair • Tracking the number of books, pages, or chapters they read with a reward when they hit certain amounts • Reading time earns them screen time • Letting them pick out whatever books are currently “cool” • Reading to them a novel that is above their skill level but they may be interested in • Having a regular family reading time that everyone sits down to read • Setting up a cozy/luxurious reading time with candles, tea/hot chocolate, cozy blankets, treats… • Demonstrate reading as a fun activity as much as possible (if you don’t read why would they ever want to?) • Read with them and give them all the words they are struggling with (sounding out is a lot of work and often makes them lose the story, assisting them in this way can help them get into the story) • Try to associate something special with reading (a special blanket, snuggling a parent or stuffed animal, a treat or special drink, special slippers) • Make it a challenge to see how much they can increase the amount of time they can read silently (start with 5 minutes and increase it slowly)
Remember ALL reading is good reading! The more positive they feel about it the more they will do it, and that will lead to much faster progress.
