Wednesday 9 October 2013

How To Handle Children With Reading Disorders

By Catalina Nielsen


Every child should have a good start in life. However, this is sometimes hampered by learning disabilities that come in various forms. This serious condition does not only affect early childhood, but may also affect the entire development and social life of the individual. Reading disorders should be addressed early so that they do not have major consequences.

Dyslexia is a condition where the child has difficulty with reading, decoding words, comprehension and fluency. Causes vary between individuals but these are normally underlying neuropsychological deficits as well as co-occurring learning disabilities. However, it should not be taken to mean intellectual disability.

The other condition is Hyperlexia. This occurs in cases where the child has a higher learning ability than his/her age. Such children normally have above average IQs. Nevertheless, the affected child may face challenges when it comes to understanding speech, as they are normally autistic.

Many theories have been put forward to explain how those with learning disabilities can be assisted. Some are based on research that target a particular underlying problem, while others are broad based. Some possible solutions have not been studied well and therefore still hold some controversies. Below are some suggestions and strategies that are known to work.

It is important to engage in word games. This is a great way to help the child with recognition as puzzles and such related games can engage children because they are enjoyable. The individual will become better in understanding difficult words and their vocabulary will also improve.

Make reading aloud a habit. Encourage the child to read common things such as street signs, directions, and labels. This does not have to be at home or in the classroom; it can be done anywhere the opportunity presents itself including in the car or store. It will be easier for them to learn when they do it in turns.

Make the activity enjoyable. Engage the child in discussion regarding what is being read. When they see that others are enjoying the activity, they will also want to be involved. Make this a daily activity so that they can get used to some words.

Offer a lot of encouragement. It is not advisable to show anger or any negative emotions when the progress is slow. Instead, you should appreciate the little steps they are taking. Engage the child in discussion over what you have just read. Make them explain what they have understood so that they can apply the information.

Make use of listening books. Make the child listen to textbooks, trade book, videos and other audiovisual materials. This will help them see what they are reading in diagrams and be to relate with real life. Screen readers and related assistive technologies can be quite helpful.

Make bedtime reading a habit. This will stimulate their abilities and help develop language. You can use novels above their age to help develop creativity due to the high vocabulary level. Discuss each chapter with them to see what they understood.

Children with reading disorders learn best when they use multiple senses. Multi-sensory instruction enables the child to hear, see, touch, and act out words. All these sense should be put to use to help the individual engage and learn faster.




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