Strategies for learning to read

As someone with dyslexia, I know from experience that reading does not come easy when you have this disability. One thing to remember, is that a student that has dyslexia is not a lost cause. It will take more time and more effort but being a good reader is something totally achievable for someone with this specific disability. In this post, I will list a few strategies that have been proven to help people with dyslexia learn to read. 

• Read Alouds- It is important to see early on that reading can be fun. Also to know how reading a book should sound and the basics of books in general. When it comes to having the child read out loud, it think it would better just to not. This can be a very hard thing for struggling readers to do. 
• Use a tap recorder- When learning to read, I wouldn't use the tape recorder solely. Playing the recording while the student follows in the book is a great way for them to get more familiar with reading and hopefully not as frustrated from the beginning. This would also be great to help them find things like main characters, setting, plot, etc. If reading is a huge struggle for them, these things can be forgotten. 
• Repetition is key. 
• Simplify or lessen- The more overwhelmed there are, the more likely they are to become discouraged. When learning to read, I think it is totally appropriate to give someone with dyslexia a some what shorter or easier reading assignment. Not because they are not smart enough to do it, but because it will take longer for them to get it done. Another option could be to give them the same assignment but allow a little bit of extra time for them to complete it. 
• Find books in the reading level- For the most part, giving them a book higher than their reading level has bad consequences. YOu may have good intentions when doing this, but expecting them to read something they can't is very discouraging for the student.

These are just a few ideas for teaching students with dyslexia how to read. The most important thing to remember is to keep reading fun. Allow them to gain confidence in reading before everything else. I believe being a good reader comes from enjoying it and being confident in it.