Homeschooling Dyslexia

Dyslexics have a different way of processing and reading. Bad? No. Just different. How can you said your child in learning how to read?

1. Learn phonics – not sight words. Sight words may work for some students, but dyslexics benefit from learning phonics. Teach them the letter sounds, letter blends, and how words are built. This will provide them with a strong foundation. 
2. Understand their brains work differently. Don’t stess if they aren’t learning how to read how you did. There are many different ways to learn to read! 

3. Dyslexics see words as pictures and struggle with comprehension when they can’t associate a picture with a word. For example, “cow” creates an image of a cow. If there are too many words in a row that can’t be associated with a picture, the dyslexic can lose their train of thought, struggle with comprehension, or stumble on words. Try to associate words with pictures. 

4. Be patient. Patience is key. If you are frustrated, your child will be frustrated.

5. Practice! Practice reading every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. I have worked with students where reading for 10 minutes per day boosted them miles ahead of where they were. 

6. Pick a curriculum that is designed for dyslexia. There are many out there, but here are a few: 

PRIDE Reading Program is my favourite. I love the way it teaches basic phonetic rules and builds upon itself. It is Orton-Gillingham based (explained below)

https://pridereadingprogram.com/: Homeschooling Dyslexia

Time4Learning is also an excellent curriculum that boasts success with dyslexia

https://www.time4learning.com/homeschooling/special-needs/dyslexia/: Homeschooling Dyslexia

For a more affordable option, Amazon has lots of books and tools to either incorporate into your homeschooling routine or to use as a curriculum.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn off of qualifying purchases.

There are a couple popular training methods for dyslexia. Orton-Gilligham is one (and personally my preference): https://www.orton-gillingham.com/approach/

Linda mood Bell is another: https://lindamoodbell.com/our-approach

Both of these methods have their own academies that help dyslexic individuals succeed. You don’t need to enroll in their specific program, but I have seen the benefits of them. If it isn’t possible, there are more affordable tutors and curriculum that use their methods. 

At the end of the day, you know your child best and can help them learn to read. Do not doubt yourself! If you think it is too much for you, hire a tutor or gather other resources. BUT, remember that you are in control. Keep in tune with your child to ensure that they are thriving.