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.