Reading Tips for Teens with Dyslexia : An Easy Guide for Parents and Teachers!

Dyslexia is not an uncommon condition as it affects about 3 to 6 per cent of the total population. It is observed that often teenagers with dyslexia have trouble reading at grade level. This is due to ineffective reading instruction. Their problems range from letter or word reversals when reading and writing, difficulty in repeating what was said to them, poor handwriting and drawing, difficulty in comprehending written or spoken directions, putting their thoughts on paper, etc. But most parents and teachers do not have access to helpful tips for reading for teens with dyslexia and this results in ineffective teaching.

Parents can help their teenagers overcome their perception problems with simple exercises designed to improve their children’s reading abilities with a few simple techniques. Patience and care are all that are required here.

At the same time, a teacher should always remember that when teaching a dyslexic teenager to read, a comprehensive neurodevelopmental exam is important. This means that they should be tested for hearing, vision, neurological development, coordination, visual perception, auditory perception, intelligence and academic achievement in school. They should also follow all the helpful tips for reading for teens with dyslexia that they can find.

Some very common and small steps from the parent's side can make a difference in the life of the dyslexic children. Here are some helpful tips for parents in helping their dyslexic teenagers:

• Parents should encourage self-organization as this is one of the difficulties their teenager face.
• A sustainable routine should be encouraged by parents as this will be more effective.
• They should encourage their child to practice with them or in their presence and correct them gently if they go wrong.
• Parents can assign a specific place in the house for reading.
• They can maintain a planner and keep track of their child’s development.
• They can take the help of a speech therapist to help their child overcome difficulties.
• Another helpful tip for reading for teens with dyslexia is to get attractive books that will make the child want to read it.
• Parents should never ever push their teenage child into reading if he or she does not want to at that moment. Instead, let the child pick the time and place.
• Always remember to praise when the child reads well.
• Use books with colors, different text sizes, and line spacing so that it is easier on the child.

It is so true, when we say, "A teacher builds the future of a child." Therefore, a teacher has a very significant role in providing the helpful tips for reading for the teens with dyslexia. Here are some guiding points for the teachers:

• It is important to teach a dyslexic student to become an independent learner. A multi-sensory approach works the best here.
• Since no two students are the same here, one has to understand each student's specific difficulties and learning style.
• It is very important to develop a teaching strategy that is specifically designed to meet the student's needs.
• Teachers should always involve the students in the learning processes.
• Teachers should always take care to establish clear goals for their students and review them periodically.
• Students should be asked to read books that they find interesting.
• The most helpful tips for reading for teens with dyslexia is that reading time should be kept short so that the student does not lose interest mid way.
• Teachers can make the entire reading process fun by introducing books that have a lot of colorful pictures in them.

With these helpful tips for reading for teens with dyslexia, parents and teachers can be equipped to deal with reading problems of dyslexic teenagers. Try to follow these guidelines and see the fruits of your hardwork flourishing!

Reading Strategies for Children with Dyslexia in Classrooms: A Must Know Tool for Teachers!