Children with ADD, or attention deficit disorder, often have difficulty reading because they become easily distracted and lose interest. Visual stimulation, high art-to-text ratios and information provided in small, easily digested sections are key to helping the ADD child read. Regular review of material shortly after the child has read it helps to reinforce and establish the material in the child's memory. A parent or educator can co-read with the child to make the process more interesting and interactive.
Step 1
Create an integrated reading environment. Tape common words that identify everyday objects around the house and car, and ask your child to read them aloud. These could include table, chair, door, oven, refrigerator, bed, bicycle and other daily-use objects.
Step 2
Help your child read constantly. Ask him to read the weather report daily. Have him read signage while you drive, product packaging while you shop or menus at the local restaurant.
Step 3
Provide reading materials that match your child's interests and reading level. For younger children, this might be picture books about dinosaurs, fairies, super-heroes, horses or other interest your child has expressed. For older children, reading materials could include comic books, anime, short adventures or other subjects that capture and hold his attention.
Step 4
Keep reading assignments short. Distractibility or hyperactivity in the ADD/ADHD child makes it difficult for him to concentrate for long periods.
Step 5
Review each short section as soon as your child has completed it. Ask him to tell you about what he read. Let him write out key words, characters and events. Review each synopsis with him each day before he begins reading the next section.
Step 6
Take turns reading with your child. Alternate reading sentences, paragraphs or short chapters. Read cereal boxes, captioned television, movie credits or newspaper headlines.
Step 7
Provide visual aids to help your child build confidence in his reading ability. This could include pictures or recordings of the story that the child can refer to while reading. Record simple sentences, and ask your child to write them out and read them back to you.
Step 8
Assess your child's reading level regularly. Wait until your child is comfortable and proficient at one level before introducing more difficult reading.
Tips and Warnings
- If your ADD child still resists reading, try the reward system. Offer a trip to the sweet shop or an extra 30 minutes on the computer when your child reaches his reading goal.
- If your ADD child is medicated, avoid reading after the medicine has worn off. You want your child to be refreshed and focused when reading.
Things You'll Need
- Tape
- Cardboard
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Tape recorder
- Magazines
- Comic books
- Newspapers
