Reading at Home - Reading Tips for Parents of Children with Disabilities 

By Kristen Anuik | Posted: Thursday March 30, 2017

This week, Kaikorai Primary School celebrated Book Week. I had the opportunity to see it in action and I was thrilled to see so many students excited about reading! But what if reading is sometimes difficult for your child? 

Here are some tips you can try at home to make reading an enjoying activity for you and your child. 

Reading Tips for Children with Dyslexia

Have your child read aloud to themselves.

Put a ruler or bookmark under text, or use a clear ruler with a “reading window,” to follow the lines of type when reading. 

Highlight every other line of text to follow the lines of type when reading. 

Read aloud to your child and point to the words as you read to them.  Have your child follow the movement of your finger. 

Have two copies of the book so you can read side-by-side with your child.  

Reading Tips for Children with Speech and Language Difficulties

Children with speech and language problems may have trouble sharing their thoughts with words or gestures. They may also have a hard time saying words clearly and understanding spoken or written language. Reading to your child and having her name objects in a book or read aloud to you can strengthen her speech and language skills. 

• Discuss the story with your child. ("Why do you think the monkey stole the key?")
• Help your child become aware of letter sounds. (While pointing to a picture of a snake, ask: "What sound does a snake make?") As your child develops, ask more complex questions. (While pointing to a picture of a ball, ask: "What sound does 'ball' start with?")
• Play sound games with your child. List words that rhyme ("ball," "tall") or start with the same sound ("mommy," "mix").

Reading Tips for children with ADHD 

If your child has ADHD, paying attention for long periods of time can be a challenge. So, meet the challenge head-on — make reading time fun time for you and your child 

• Turn off the TV and radio and find a quiet spot to read without distraction.
• Choose books that interest your child, such as books on animals or sports.
• Read aloud and talk about the pictures. Allow your child to pick books too, and ask your child to read aloud.
• Praise your child's efforts at reading!

 Reading Tips for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Whether your child has mild or severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, making reading a fun activity can help your child's learning and social skills. You'll find sharing books together can be a good way to connect with your son or daughter. Reading also helps your child's language development and listening skills. 

• Sit on the floor next to your child.
• Read aloud. Talk about the pictures and read the text.
• Find books on topics that interest your child, such as books on animals or sports.
• Find books that have buttons to press that make sounds. Borrow library audio books that your child can start or stop by pressing a button.

Reading Tips for Children with Hearing Loss or Deafness 

• Read the same story again and again. This will help your child catch words he may have missed before. Explain the story as needed.
• Make sure your child can see your face and the pictures. This will help your child follow the story, even if he doesn't catch all the words.
• Use stuffed animals to act out the story.
• Continue to teach your child to sign.

Reading Tips for Children with Low Vision or Blindness

• Sit your child next to you. If your child has low vision, make sure there is plenty of light to help your child see the page.
• Read aloud. Talk about the pictures and read the text.
• Find large print books on topics that interest your child, such as books on animals or sports.
• Find books that have buttons to press that make sounds. Buy audio books that your child can start or stop by pressing a button.
• Find Braille books if your child reads Braille.
• Praise your child's efforts at reading!

Reading Tips for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Like all children, your child will learn and develop, yet she will likely develop more slowly than other children her age. Reading aloud and talking about the story and the pictures will help your child improve her vocabulary and help teach grammar. Here are some other tips to help your child enjoy books and reading. 

• Borrow books from the library on topics that can strengthen your child's daily living skills, such as books about bedtime or going to the dentist. Also, pick books about things your child enjoys, such as animals.
• Read aloud and talk about the pictures. Ask your child to name objects or read aloud.
• Praise your child's efforts at reading!
• Find books that have buttons to press that make sounds, and buy audio books.

HAPPY READING! 

 www.readingrockets.org

http://hi.dyslexiaida.org

Mrs Ferguson (SENCO)