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My little girl when in year 2, aged 6. Struggled in class, I knew to help her I had to return to the basics. I speak to mums on my Facebook “Dyslexia Support” group everyday. That have children much older, some at high school that are struggling. Unable to write simple sentences and read books.
How to teach a dyslexic child to read, write and spell
The best place to start when teaching a dyslexic child. Is to check they know basic English. That they can read, write and spell simple 2, 3, 4 letter words.
- If they are unable to do this, then harder work will be very difficult for them to do. Once you are confident they can do this, you can move onto harder words with them.
- Dyslexic children who are lacking the basics in English, may struggle in class. Unable to answer questions, follow instructions and complete writing tasks.
- The child may try to hide their inability by misbehaving in class and get frustrated. This can lead to frustration and angry outbursts.
What is the best way to teach children to read at home?
If your child is falling behind at school you can give them extra help at home and ask for extra help in the classroom:
- You don’t need an expensive private tutor or subscription apps.
- Parents, carers can teach them, how to read and write in your own home.
- Teaching is about so much more than reading and writing. As a parent, carer, you know your child best.
- The child trusts you and you are able to give them the emotional support that they need to best learn.
Below is a teach at home guide. Covering how best to teach a dyslexic child at home and what to teach them. The information is backed-up by scientific research.
What to Teach?
When starting to teach using the “Mooki Cards”, it can be hard to know where to start. The cards contain activities that teachers and private tutors use to teach. Yet all dyslexic children are different, so it can be confusing to know what to teach first.
Below is a step by step guide, of how to use the cards to teach at home. Many of the activities I have used with my own little girl. The linked blog posts contain top tips for using the cards.
Start Here! 3 Letter Words
The best place to start when teaching a dyslexic child. Is to check they can read, write and spell basic words. Even if the child is older and doing much harder work. They may have gaps in their learning, which makes learning new things much more difficult.
Use the card to check the child can read, write and spell common 3 letters words. The post contains step by step instructions. To help you, help your child learn any words they don’t yet know.
Word Lists
Once your child can do 3 letter words. Work through the word lists below. Help your child learn to read, write and spell all the words. The word lists are taken from the “National Curriculum”. Primary school aged children need to know these words, to build strong foundations in English. If the child knows all the “100 Words” on the list below, they should be able to read 50% of all books.
Reading Staircase
Try the “Learn Reading” section. This includes six fun games that you can play with your child, to help them become better at reading.
National Curriculum
If you are unsure what classwork your child should be learning at their age. Below are checklists of teaching levels set by the “National Curriculum”. Use the checklists to spot any gaps in your child’s learning, then practise these areas using the “Mooki Cards”.
I will be adding to this list more school year groups over the next few weeks.
Teach at Home
Give Comfort
Before starting to teach, ensure the child feels safe and secure. In a space that is dyslexia friendly. The child needs to feel calm, ready to learn. You can support the child emotionally by using the “Mooki Cards” in the section below:
Motivate
Dyslexic children struggle with focus, sometimes displaying ADHD type behaviour. They maybe unmotivated to learn new things. Especially if they have struggled in the past at school. Finding it hard to get organised and to do things independently. The “Mooki Cards” have two sections to help with this:
Hear Instructions
One of the most important things to do when teaching. Is to first make sure the child knows what they are being asked to do. Speaking or writing down instructions is not enough. You need to check if the child understands. This can be done by using the “Mooki Card” below:
Dyslexia Friendly Teaching
Dyslexic children learn better when they are taught using dyslexia friendly methods. When helping your child to learn, use the methods in the “Teaching Toolbox”. My favourite cards are the “Multi-sensory Learning” and “Rule of 10” cards.
Top Tips!
Once you know which areas you child is struggling with, practise more.
- Try not to do too much, complete just 1 or 2 task per day.
- A task maybe learning how to write a new letter or to spell a new word.
- Or playing a game from the “Learn Reading” section.
- A dyslexic child may need to learn something 10 times to remember it.
Good luck, you can do it!
For more support or if you have any questions. Join my Facebook group, “Dyslexia Mums Support Group U.K”.
All the cards are available as part of a “Mooki Cards”. Complete with 56 cards and storage wallet. Perfect for using at home or in the classroom. Order your “Mooki Cards” here!