Help at Home

This document describes some ways in which you can help your dyslexic child at home. It can also be downloaded as a PDF here

This page provides a quick summary of ideas. For more details, and further ideas, see the following pages.

Summary

Remember that a dyslexic child will have had a hard day at school because of their difficulties. At home, it is important to consolidate the learning process in a fun and relaxed way. Never let any session become stressful for either of you, as this would be counter-productive.

Things you can do

Boost your child’s self-esteem. Tell them about famous people who are dyslexic.
Play games (like I-Spy) to help with sounds or Scrabble to help with spelling.
Read together with your child using ‘paired reading’.
Ask your child about what they have read to encourage understanding.
Try using audio books.
Some dyslexics find coloured overlays help their reading.
Try different techniques for learning spelling, such as writing words in sand or using shaving foam.
Mnemonics can help children learn difficult words (for example, Big Elephants Can Always Upset Small Elephants –> because)
Play simple games to practise sequencing with your child, for example by memorising/repeating phone numbers or car registration numbers.
You can also use simple ways to try and improve memory, for example can they remember what you bought from the shops yesterday?
Check your child’s homework diary and help them get organised with the things they need, such as the right books, quiet environment etc.
Get your child to practise simple tasks that can help with co-ordination, for example tying shoe laces and all kinds of ball games and balancing tricks.
There are different types of computer programs and games that can help the dyslexic child.