Are you looking for ways to support kids with reading disabilities? If so, keep reading.
1. Record complicated reading content for the learner to listen to while they read along.
2. Minimize the amount of content the learner reads at one time (e.g., lessen reading content to individual sentences or one paragraph, etc.). As the learner shows success, slowly increase the amount of content to be read at one time.
3. Alter or adjust reading learning materials to the learner’s capacity and ability level.
4. Establish a system of reinforcers, either concrete (e.g., extra computer time, helper for the day, etc.) or informal (e.g., smile, handshake, praise, etc.), to urge the learner to be more successful in reading.
5. Keep a simple image-coded phonics chart available at all times for the learner to use when decoding words.
6. Record the learner reading aloud. Play it back so that they hear omissions, additions, substitutions, or reversals.
7. Support the learner in reading written information. As the learner shows success, slowly decrease the assistance, and require the learner to independently assume more responsibility.
8. Make sure that the reading requirements of all subjects and tasks are within the capacity and ability level of the learner. If they are not, adjust the reading content to the learner’s capacity and ability level.
9. Make sure that the learner’s knowledge of a particular skill is being assessed rather than the learner’s capacity and ability to read instructions. Reading instructions to the learner can enable success.
10. Get the learner to write those words in which they omit, add, substitute, or reverse letters or sounds. Get the learner to practice reading those words.
11. Create a list of those words in which the learner has made omission, addition, substitution, or reversal errors when reading. Get the learner to practice reading those words.
12. Utilize a highlighter to find crucial syllables, words, etc., for the learner. These words and phrases become the learner’s sight word vocabulary.
13. Utilize a cardboard window to focus attention on a single line as you read.
14. Get the learner to point to syllables, words, etc., as they read them to help them recognize omissions, additions, substitutions, or reversals.
15. Teach the learner to use context clues when reading to aid word recognition and meaning. These skills will be particularly helpful when they are experiencing difficulty with reversals.
16. Teach the learner essential word lists (e.g., Dolch) to assist in reading.
17. Create a list of words and phrases from the learner’s reading content that they will not recognize (e.g., have the science teacher find the words and phrases the learner will not know in the following week’s task). These words and phrases will become the learner’s list for reading learning activities for the next week.
18. Get the learner to find words and phrases that they do not recognize. Make these words part of the learner’s sight word list to be learned.
19. Record pronunciations of words that the learner commonly mispronounces so that they can hear the correct pronunciation.
20. Get the learner to read written information more than once. Place emphasis on accuracy, not speed.
21. Give extra time for the learner to read instructions.
22. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.
23. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.
24. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:
10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read
7 Must-Have Apps to Make Students Love Reading
7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools
9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources
