What Parents Can Do

[Holly]

As a reading teacher, and a parent of a dyslexic child I am writing to parents in the community to tell you that there are things that you can do to help your child right now. One of the most important things is easy and costs no money-- just time. Read aloud to your children each night. Remember that the read aloud provides the child with sense of story and enjoyment that they may not be able to attain on their own due to dyslexia. By reading aloud and discussing the books with your child you will help to develop both their receptive and expressive vocabulary --- this is critical to support their thinking. When the parent takes away the decoding work, the child is able to build comprehension, enjoyment and enhance background knowledge! It is also important for the child to read aloud each night.. but it must be a book that is "just right" this means not too easy and not too hard. You may ask your child's teacher for suggestions. I always remind my students that they are all very smart and that each of us learns differently-- and at our own pace. I tell them it is my job as their teacher to figure out how they learn best so that they may continue to grow as both readers and writers. Building confidence is key!!

[Phillip]

Time, patience and attention! It is the most important triada.