Dyslexia is a learning “disability” with strong ties to visual-spatial learning. Dyslexics think in pictures, struggle with language and may even struggle with sequencing. These learners can have brilliant visual- spatial abilities and need some extra help developing reading and literacy skills. These are a few activities you can do at home to help your child improve their learning skills and gain confidence:

• Clay models for non-picture words – Dyslexic kids are visual learners and need images to connect to the words they are reading. Using Play dough or modeling clay to form letters, words, correct reversals in numbers and in letters can provide the visual tactile connection they need.
•  Write note cards – Again, as visual and tactile students, note cards provide them something to look at while also giving them something to hold. Making and reading note cards aloud, helps cement the learning, while engaging employs their motor and auditory skills.
• Make sand trays – Sand trays are simply tray-like containers that contain sand, beans or shaving cream. Like clay models, sand trays allow children to spell words or draw pictures in the sand, engaging their tactile and visual skills.
• Audio books – Recorded stories are great for children who may struggle to read the words in a book. While they continue to develop their reading skills, they can enjoy reading while listening. Read and record a favorite book that they can follow along with, rent from the library or download some family favorites.
• Hands-On Museum Visits – While we want all children to develop strong literacy skills, not all learning comes from the written word. Hands-on museums provide hands-on learning experiences and interactive activities that visual children thrive on.

iPad Apps: Along with hands-on activities, there are some iPad applications that help children improve their reading abilities. These are two, of many, that work well for children with dyslexia:

• Prizmo: When children struggle with reading it can affect all of their homework assignments. This app can help them keep up. Prizmo allows users to scan any type of text document and the program reads it back aloud.
• The Writing Machine: Because dyslexic kids are highly visual, connecting images with words is highly beneficial. The Writing Machine App helps children develop literacy skills by correlating pictures and words, reading text and sounding out letters.

What is your child’s learning style?  There are three basic learning styles; visual, tactile, and auditory.  Take the test and get immediate results: Is your child a visual learner? 

Bette Fetter Founder and CEO of Young Rembrandts and Author of Being Visual [email protected] Follow Bette on Twitter