As a parent, you may wonder if your child is showing signs of dyslexia. Recognising these signs early can help you provide the right support for your child's learning journey. Here's what to look out for and how to help at home.
Potential Signs of Dyslexia in Early Childhood
Preschool Years
Even before starting school, some children may display early indicators of dyslexia:
- Delayed speech development compared to peers
- Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or the alphabet
- Problems pronouncing words correctly (e.g., saying "hecilopter" instead of "helicopter")
- Trouble recognising rhyming patterns in words
- Difficulty remembering the names of colours, friends, or teachers
Primary School Years
As children begin formal education, signs of dyslexia may become more apparent:
- Inconsistent or unpredictable spelling
- Confusion over letters that look similar (e.g., 'b' and 'd')
- Reading slowly or making errors when reading aloud
- Answering questions well orally but struggling to write answers down
- Difficulty following a sequence of directions
Supporting Your Child at Home
If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, there are several ways you can provide support:
1. Read Together Daily
Make reading a shared, enjoyable experience. This not only improves reading skills but also promotes bonding and creates a sense of security in learning. If you have a local library membership, you can access free audiobooks and e-books via the BorrowBox app. Visit this page for more information: https://www.borrowbox.com/
2. Focus on Sight Words
Help your child recognise common words that appear frequently in text. This can improve reading fluency and confidence. Here are some suggestions for teaching sight words at home: https://homeschooling4him.com/fun-ways-practice-sight-words-at-home/
3. Create a Nurturing Study Space
Provide a comfortable, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere for learning. Practice patience, as all children learn at their own pace.
4. Praise Effort and Success
Highlight your child's achievements, no matter how small. This can boost confidence and encourage continued effort.
5. Use Multisensory Learning Techniques
Incorporate sight, sound, and touch when teaching new concepts. Many children with dyslexia benefit from engaging multiple senses. Here are some ideas from multisensory literacy activities: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z8fdr2p
6. Turn on the Subtitles
Research shows that having subtitles on while watching television can improve reading speed, reading accuracy, and reading comprehension. This helps children associate spoken words with their written counterparts and enhances vocabulary. This association also helps children understand how words are formed and structured within sentences.
7. Consider a Tutor
A specialist dyslexia tutor can provide tailored support and help your child develop effective learning strategies. Search the British Dyslexia Association tutor list to find a specialist in your area: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/tutor-list
By understanding the signs of dyslexia and providing supportive strategies at home, you can play a crucial role in helping your child overcome challenges and thrive in their learning journey.
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