1. Use Simultaneous Multisensory Instruction
Research shows that dyslexic kids who learn by using all of their senses (visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic) are better able to store and retrieve information. Teach your child to see the letter "a," say its name and sound, and write it in the air---all at the same time. Or give him a tactile experience of the letter "b" by having him draw it really large on the carpet. You can also buy letters made out of sandpaper or make letters out of plasticine, Play-Doh or clay. Doing all of these activities will give your child a visual memory from seeing the letter, an auditory memory from hearing the sound it makes, a tactile memory from writing the letter in cursive handwriting in the air and from touching the sandpaper version, and a kinetic (body movement) memory from having drawn the letter really large on the carpet.
2. Read With Your Child
Practice reading with your child. You can help him learn by reading to him often. Work with him to pronounce letters and spell out words. If your child learns best by hearing new information, listen to books on tape with him and then read the written version of the same story.
3. Start Early
The sooner you identify dyslexia and start remedial teaching, the better. By getting a head start before kindergarten, you can save your child years of failure and frustration. By the time most dyslexic students are identified, they're usually very confused by written language and years behind other kids at their grade level. Start early and start right by building a solid, multi-sensory preschool foundation. Then once your child is in school, make sure he gets immediate and intensive intervention. A strong foundation in early reading skills is essential for future academic success.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
A dyslexic child learns best when you work with one rule at a time. Practice each one until your child can use it automatically and fluently in both reading and spelling, then move onto the next rule. Instruction for dyslexic students must be much more intense, and offer much more practice, than for regular readers. Some studies suggest that the right kinds of instruction provided early enough may rewire the brain so thoroughly that the neurological glitch that causes dyslexia can disappear entirely.
