When a language disorder such as dyslexia presents a range of barriers to learning that include making reading difficult, how can we ignite a love of reading within a dyslexic child? Georgina Durrant from the SEN Resources Blog and author of “100 Ways Your Child Could Learn Through Play” shares some great insights in the video below.
So, what did I learn from watching Georgina’s video?
For me, the huge takeaway is that it really doesn’t matter what the reading content is, if it encourages reading then let the child engage.
For example, some people may be a little judgemental about the use of comics to encourage reading. Yes, comics may not be the best quality literacy tools for children, but they tell stories, they engage the imagination. Children who read comics may be tempted to use their own creativity to engage further.
The crucial point is that the child needs to be allowed to use their own ways to engage. We need to encourage their ‘hooks’ rather than dictate the hooks. What engages a child will be different to what may engage ourselves. If we try to force types of text on a child, we may discourage them. Let us watch to see what engages the child and then encourage them to do more and celebrate the ‘victories’!
Let us be reading role models!
The other point that I liked was our role as parents or teachers to role model the importance of reading. When my children were young, we used to read stories together especially at bedtime. It was fun, relaxing and most of all safe even if mistakes were made. We also listened to audio books too that encouraged engagement with stories.
Many of the readers of this blog will know my thoughts about assistive technology, for example, the Reader Pen, which can assist with reading. Technology such as the reader pen can help to reduce fatigue and anxiety and might just give the child what they need to be able to engage with reading, rather than worry about what a ‘slog’ reading may be.
Watch more videos from Succeed With Dyslexia.
The video that Georgina was talking in was in collaboration with Succeed With Dyslexia. they have a range of videos that any parent, teacher or SENCO would find useful as they look for strategies to support the dyslexic learner.
