For a child who finds reading hard, home reading can become a daily battle. It does not have to be. A few short, friendly routines can build skill and, just as important, keep the child from learning to hate books. Home practice supports good teaching at school; it does not replace it.
Keep it short and regular
The British Dyslexia Association suggests a short, regular time every day, sharing the book together rather than “hearing” your child read. A short, happy session each day is better than a long, tense one now and then.
Four routines to try
- Paired reading. Let your child choose a book. If it is too hard, read the words together at your child’s pace. Agree a signal, such as a tap, that means “I’ll carry on alone”. If your child makes a mistake, say the word and carry on together. Talk about what you have read at the end of a page or section.
- Echo reading. You read a short section, then your child reads the same section back.
- Repeated reading. Choose an easy, interesting passage, read it aloud, then ask your child to read it back to you, with gentle help on errors. Reading the same passage again helps build fluency. Poems, and scripts that you act out together, are good for this.
- Reading to your child. Keep reading stories aloud, however old your child is. It builds vocabulary and a love of stories.
Choose the right book
The BDA’s parent guide says that if a child makes mistakes on many of the words, the book is probably too hard to read fluently. Choose a simpler book to read alone, and share harder books by reading together or listening.
Use audiobooks and tools
Listening to audiobooks can keep a reluctant reader interested in stories. Some apps highlight the words on screen as they are read. Reading pens and e-readers can help too. Audiobooks should not replace the reading practice that is part of your child’s support, but they are useful when a book has to be read for content. See assistive technology and accessible books.
Any language counts
Read in whichever languages your family speaks and enjoys. Stories in a home language build vocabulary and love of reading, and they are not a problem for a child with dyslexia. See dyslexia and learning several languages.
Protect your child’s confidence
- Praise effort and progress, not only accuracy.
- Do not make your child read aloud in front of others if it upsets them.
- Stop before frustration builds. End on something your child enjoyed.
- Explain in simple words that their brain works differently for reading, and that it has nothing to do with being clever or hard-working.
Dr Sally Shaywitz points out that parents have a critical role in keeping a child’s sense of self-esteem. See confidence and emotions.
Sources
- British Dyslexia Association, How can I support my child? Reading.
- British Dyslexia Association, Reading guide for parents (helpline postcard).
- Reading Rockets, Can you recommend a reading routine for parents with dyslexic children?
- Understood, Dyslexia: ways to help your child at home.
- Iowa Reading Research Center, Supporting a child with dyslexia at home.
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice. If something here does not match your situation, please speak to a qualified professional.