For parents of children with dyslexia, learning to read can feel like an uphill battle. But with the right strategies and tools to fit your child’s learning needs, children with dyslexia can become confident, capable readers. Dyslexia doesn’t mean a child can’t learn to read—it simply means they need a different approach.
As a special education teacher and reading coach who has experience teaching children with dyslexia, I have seen children make great progress using a combination of structured, evidence-based strategies.
Here are 10 effective strategies to help kids with dyslexia build their reading skills and confidence.
1. Use a Structured Literacy Approach
A structured literacy approach is the gold standard for helping children with dyslexia learn to read. Using this method, the concepts are taught directly and clearly by explaining and modeling rules and strategies.
Why it works:
Structured literacy provides children with a predictable framework for learning phonics (the connection between letters and their sounds), spelling, and decoding (translating printed words into speech). Instead of guessing at words, children learn to recognize patterns and apply rules.
How to apply it:
- Look for programs based on structured literacy principles, such as the Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System.
- Practice phonics at home by reading alphabet books (Dr. Seuss’ ABC An Amazing Alphabet Book and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom)
- Do a Word of the Day. Introduce a new word daily, talk about its meaning, and use it in sentences.
2. Incorporate Multisensory Learning Techniques
Children with dyslexia often benefit from engaging multiple senses when learning to read. Multisensory learning involves sight, sound, touch, and movement to reinforce new concepts.
Why it works:
Using different senses helps strengthen pathways in the brain, making it easier for children to retain and recall information. It also makes learning more captivating and attention-grabbing.
How to apply it:
- Have your child write each letter of a word in sand or shaving cream on a baking sheet while saying the corresponding sound for each letter. Then, underline the word as your child blends the sounds to say the whole word.
- Skywriting uses muscle memory to reinforce the sound letters make as they are written in the air. Kids use their pointer finger and middle finger as their “marker” (keeping elbow and wrist straight) as they write letters in the air. They can either say the sound of each letter or name the letter as they write the word.
- Tapping out sounds gives kids the chance to feel and hear how sounds are blended to make words. Take the word mat. Kids tap their pointer to their thumb as they say the “m” sound, tap their middle finger to their thumb as they say the “a” sound, and tap their ring finger to their thumb as they say the “t” sound. Then, they blend the sounds together to say the word mat.
3. Break Tasks into Small, Manageable Steps
Children with dyslexia often feel overwhelmed by lengthy or complex reading tasks with multiple steps. Breaking tasks into smaller steps makes learning more manageable and less frustrating.
Why it works:
Simplifying tasks reduces mental effort and strain, allowing children to focus on one concept at a time.
How to apply it:
- Focus on one sound pattern or rule per lesson.
- Break reading assignments into short sections with breaks in between (make the break something personally enjoyable to the child, such as dancing, some would you rather questions or a game of Simon Says).
- Use visual aids such as charts or checklists to show progress.
4. Practice Phonemic Awareness Skills
Phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words—is a critical skill for reading success. Many children with dyslexia struggle with this foundational skill.
Why it works:
Strong phonemic awareness helps children decode unfamiliar words and improves overall reading fluency.
How to apply it:
- Play sound games like having your child say the first sound in a word or read rhyming books (ex, Rhyming Dust Bunnies) and have the child name rhyming words.
- Use objects like blocks or counters to represent each sound in a word. Move or tap a block for each sound heard.
- Sing songs that emphasize sounds such as B-I-N-G-O and Apples and Bananas.
5. Focus on Decodable Texts
Decodable texts are books that align with the phonics skills a child is currently learning, meaning the books are at the right level for the child to be able to read without too much struggle. These books are specifically designed to reinforce decoding skills and build reading confidence.
Why it works:
Decodable texts ensure that children practice words they can sound out, reducing frustration and improving fluency.
How to apply it:
- Choose books that match your child’s current phonics level. This is something you can check in with your child’s teacher about if they are in school, or you can use the five-finger rule at home.
- For the five-finger rule, choose a book and turn to any page. Hold up one finger for each word your child has difficulty reading. If there are five words that your child has trouble reading on one page, the book is most likely too challenging for them at the moment. You can always do this process on multiple pages. If the book is too hard, you can read it aloud to your child or take turns.
- Gradually increase the difficulty as your child masters new sound patterns.
- Celebrate successes with a high five, victory dance, or sticker chart when your child reads a book independently. Show your child you are proud of their efforts, and teach them to be proud of themselves too!
6. Build Sight Word Recognition Gradually
Sight words are high-frequency words (meaning you see them often in various forms of writing). They don’t follow predictable phonics rules. Examples of such words are “the,” “said,” and “was.” Recognizing these words instantly helps children read more fluently.
Why it works:
Memorizing sight words reduces the effort put into decoding, allowing children to focus on comprehension. Be sure to introduce new sight words one at a time. Practicing sight words can be enjoyable with a little creativity!
How to apply it:
- Rainbow Writing: Have kids write each word multiple times in different colors to create a rainbow effect.
- Hopscotch Words: Draw a hopscotch grid with chalk and write words inside. Kids jump and read the word they land on.
- Word Detective: Give kids a magnifying glass and have them search for sight words in books or magazines.
7. Use Assistive Technology and Tools
Technology can be a game-changer for children with dyslexia, providing tools to support reading and reduce frustration.
Why it works:
Assistive tools can help children access text, build vocabulary, and improve comprehension.
How to apply it:
- Use text-to-speech apps to help your child follow along with books.
- Try dyslexia-friendly fonts when typing, which are designed to reduce letter confusion. Some examples of clean, evenly spaced fonts are Arial, Verdana, Lexend, and Trebuchet MS. It is recommended to use at least size 12-14.
- Encourage your child to use audiobooks alongside looking at the physical book to build comprehension while developing decoding skills. You can even ask Alexa or Google to play an audiobook!
8. Create a Supportive and Encouraging Environment
Children with dyslexia often face challenges that can impact their self-esteem. Creating a supportive environment helps them stay motivated and build resilience.
Why it works:
When children feel supported, they’re more willing to persevere through challenges.
How to apply it:
- Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
- Use positive reinforcement, such as “You worked so hard on that word!”
- Encourage a growth mindset by reminding your child that mistakes are part of learning. It can be helpful to dig deep and try to remember a time when you were struggling. Tell your child your story of putting the effort into persevering and how one small step at a time leads to progress. Being able to build connections with your child helps them to not feel alone.
9. Incorporate Daily Reading Practice
Consistency is key to building reading skills. Regular practice—no matter how short—reinforces what your child is learning and improves fluency.
Why it works:
Daily practice helps solidify new skills and prevents regression.
How to apply it:
- Setting aside time each day for your child to practice reading books that interest them is one of the most valuable ways to strengthen reading skills. Make sure your child is reading in an environment that is comfortable with limited distractions so they can dive in and enjoy. Below is the recommendation for time spent reading at home based on age:
- Early readers (Kindergarten – 2nd grade): 15-20 minutes of reading daily, often with adult support.
- Middle elementary (3rd – 5th grade): 20-30 minutes of independent reading daily.
- Middle school (6th – 8th grade): 30-45 minutes of reading daily
- Use a mix of phonics activities, sight word reviews, and books that your child is comfortable reading.
- Keep sessions short and positive to avoid burnout.
10. Work with a Dyslexia Specialist or Tutor
Sometimes, the best way to support your child is to bring in a professional who has experience working with children with dyslexia and structured literacy approaches.
Why it works:
Specialists provide personalized instruction tailored to your child’s unique needs.
How to apply it:
- Look for tutors certified in Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or similar programs.
- Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher or specialist to maintain insight into their progress.
- Consider programs like Savvy Learning that offer specialized support for children with dyslexia.
Conclusion
Helping a child with dyslexia learn to read may feel challenging, but with the right strategies, progress is possible. From structured literacy approaches to assistive technology, these research-backed methods can make a significant difference in your child’s reading journey.
The most important things? Patience, encouragement, and consistency. Celebrate your child’s progress and remind them that every small step is a step toward becoming a confident, capable reader.
With the right support, children with dyslexia can unlock the joy of reading and thrive academically and beyond.