As a parent of a child with dyslexia, I’ve often felt overwhelmed by the amount of resources for dyslexia out there. This isn’t particularly a bad thing as the more information, the more awareness. But it does make it more difficult to root out the good from the not so good.
Research never used to be my strongest skill! A busy working mum of three, I have little (no) time for much else other than the day-to-day necessities. However, once I went down the rabbit hole I never came back up.
Down the rabbit hole
I’m still down there, researching. Whether it’s for the best resources for dyslexia, the best online support, the best courses for parents, the best way to teach, to homeschool, to advise. The list is endless.
I’ve put together a list of the resources for dyslexia that I feel are most valuable to us parents – both in the UK and the US. I could list much more – but these are great starting points. Each site I list is perfect for parents who want to understand dyslexia better and want their child to use technology in a way that really supports their learning style.
Touch-type, Read and Spell (TTRS) – We have tried many different touch typing course for all of our kids. While this is not a free course, it is without doubt the best one we’ve tried and well worth the money. It follows the Orton-Gillingham (multi-sensory) approach and helps kids to read as well as touch-type.
Readability – This is a great program for kids who are struggling to read and need some extra guidance. Readability prompts your child to read aloud and offers real-time pronunciation correction. If they encounter difficulties, a simple tap on the speaker icon allows Readability to read the selected passage or word aloud. By automatically selecting appropriate reading material, Readability optimizes learning and reduces reading challenges. With vibrant illustrations and engaging grade-level stories, your child will be motivated to learn and improve their reading skills.
US-based resources:
International Dyslexia Association – An online resource offering a wealth of professional advice, conferences, membership and
University of Michigan – A dedicated dyslexia website offering a wealth of information and advice as well as educational games and tests.
Michigan Dyslexia Institute – A non-profit organization providing teacher training, cooperative programs with schools and general information about dyslexia, diagnostic evaluation, and support for reading, writing, spelling and math.
Nessy – Here you will find free worksheets and bite-sized information. The section for parents and homeschoolers here includes a screening test and information on the Nessy Program.
Enchanted Learning – This site offers free learning resources, lesson plans for homeschoolers and worksheets.
Reading Rockets – This site has a dedicated section for struggling readers. Including support for aorents, articles, videos and webinars.
UK resources:
The British Dyslexia Association – Offers parents professional advice from experts. There is a membership scheme to help with the ongoing costs of running the association and for a reasonable price, parents are given access to conferences, newsletters and training events.
Nessy – Here you will find free worksheets and bite-sized information. The section for parents and homeschoolers here includes a screening test and information on the Nessy Program.
Barrington Stoke – This UK-based publisher focuses on publishing books for struggling readers and kids with learning difficulties. It is their aim to ‘work with the best writers and illustrators to publish super-readable, accessible books that help every child experience the joy of reading.’ They have some great books available and will ship overseas.
Toe-By-Toe – This book is designed for anyone who finds reading difficult. We used it with Ella and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Over 25 years of fieldwork went into the development. This research ensures that it really is easy to use and so very useful. What’s more, you don’t have to be trained to use it!
BBC Bitesize – Comprehensive online learning resources for all ages. It is there to help with homework, revision and learning. Kids and parents will find free videos, step-by-step guides, activities and quizzes categorised by level and subject.
The Dyslexia Shop – A one-stop shop for every product your child with dyslexia could possible need from learning aids to books and from educational games to electronic text scanner pens, you will find everything you child could possibly need throughout their educational journey and beyond.
Take your time, visit the sites, read, share and educate yourself. Once you have an idea of how to help your child, you can work with them to give them the support that they really need. Feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or advice you may need. You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter.
Recent Comments