How to help a dyslexic child who struggles with reading

It was the summer holidays of 1989, another warm sunny day with nothing to do. My mum took me to the local library, to join the “Reading Challenge”. I had to read two books a week for a month, rewarded at the end with a certificate, a sticker and rubber.  What more could an eight year old girl want!

I was then hooked on books for life. I loved books by Enid Blyton by Roald Dahl and I used to read every single night. I am dyslexic and believe that my love of reading helped me do much better at school. Books have never felt scary to me or like more school. The stories took me on adventures to foreign lands, where I met magical creatures. When I felt sad or mad they were an escape, a chance to relax and get lost in a story.

Champion Reader Card

The Mooki Cards contain a “Champion Reader” card. To help dyslexic children learn to love reading. Use the card below on your phone or tablet for free!

This card is based on scientific research, on “How books in adolescence enhance adult literacy”.

Reading is Important Dyslexia

• Children that grow-up in a house filled with books, research has shown are more likely to do better at school. Because they are exposed to books from a younger age, giving them a head start at school. The books may also give them extra knowledge, beyond the house, communities they live in.
• Reading books out loud to a child helps them understand more words. They will hear words not usually used in everyday conversation, widening their vocabulary. It also helps them develop listening skills, as they need to be able to follow and understand the story.
• Learning to love books, to read for pleasure. Means a child does not find books scary or that they are more schoolwork. When reading for fun, they are learning to recognise words, spelling and meanings. This makes them better at schoolwork and at understanding written instructions.  

Learn more about how reading helps dyslexic kids, see “Why is Reading so Important?”

Encourage Reading Books

Start Reading Young – Start by feeling books and looking at pictures. Make going to the library a fun day out. Combine choosing books with a craft activity morning at the library.  

Take Turns Reading Aloud – A dyslexic child may have a low reading age, yet are too old for picture books. Read aloud to books without pictures. Give child a chance to practise reading by taking turns reading a line each.

Fill Your House with Books – Buy second-hand books at charity shops and school fairs. Find books you enjoyed reading as a child, talk to the child about why you enjoyed the book and read together.

Helpful Blog Posts

• How can I support my child? Reading
• Importance of Reading
• Dyslexia and the Reading Brain
• 8 Multi-sensory Techniques for Reading
• Quick Facts Multi-sensory Learning
• Multi-sensory learning in classroom

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!

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