Reading with your child is so important throughout their primary education. It will help to foster a love of reading, help to build vocabulary, improve spelling and grammar and unlock their imagination. It’s even more crucial if your child struggles with reading. I’ve written this blog as a guide to some of the best reading books for 5 year olds with dyslexia.
If your child struggles at all with reading, it’s vital that they start to build their confidence and learn to love reading at a young age. This should start at home – and it begins by reading together. Reading to, and with, them will help them to develop a love storytelling, and will open their imagination. It will also hopeully lead on to them exploring books for themselves as they grow and gain confidence. Reading with your 5 year old will also:
- Improve vocabulary and language skills: Reading to a child with dyslexia exposes them to new words and helps them build their vocabulary. This can also improve their comprehension skills and their ability to express themselves verbally
- Increase attention span and focus: Dyslexic children may have difficulty focusing on a single task for a long period of time. Reading to them can help improve their attention span and increase their ability to focus, which can have a positive impact on other areas of their life, such as school work.
- Provide a model for fluent reading: Reading aloud to a child with dyslexia provides a model for fluent reading, which they may struggle with themselves. This can help them develop an understanding of how words and sentences flow together, and can improve their own reading skills over time
- Enhance imagination and creativity: Reading to a child with dyslexia can spark their imagination and creativity, as they visualize the story in their mind. This can be particularly important for dyslexic children who may struggle with other forms of learning or expression.
So… onto that all important list! What are the best reading books for 5 year olds with dyslexia?
Frog and Toad
One of my all time favourites from my childhood and stories that never get old, Frog and Toad is a classic book selection that should not be ignored. Raising important issues in a gentle way, these books are a must for now and throughout their early primary education.
Dr Seuss
A list of reading books is never complete without a selection by Dr Seuss. Every story provides core vocabulary which helps to shape language development and encourages all children – even reluctant readers – to try to learn new words. They are witty, encourage all children to use their imagination and often focus on morals and building character. They have been a firm favourite in our house for many years.
The Day the Crayons Quit
A long-time favourite with all three of our kids. This funny story also has an important message attached to it. The crayons in Duncan’s crayon box decide they’ve had enough of being treated so badly and have therefore quit. It introduces the theme of expressing emotions and also discusses how important cooperation is. A must have for every 5 year old’s home library.
Giraffes can’t Dance
This is a great book to teach kids from as young as pre school about self love and self confidence. it also introduces the theme of never giving up. Gerald can’t dance and is teased by the other friends, but he doesn’t give up and discovers a dance he can do perfectly. The story is told in a rhyme which helps kids engage with the story.
A Twist of Tales
I don’t think any of us can be in any doubt that Julia Donaldson is a master storyteller for younger children. In this book, she takes a modern twist on three classic folk tales. Children are taken on a fantastical journey to open their minds and imagination. With no big block texts, plenty of great illustrations and some good morals throughout, this book is the perfect accompanyment to bedtime.
The Little Engine That Could
If your child is feeling at all discouraged with reading, this story will change their view. A classic for so many generations, the story is both relatable and very sweet. It’s the perfect boost for any child struggling with any issue. It reminds us to keep going and not give up when things get tough.
Dragons Love Tacos
A fun story with great illustration. This books will keep every child entertained and wanting to read it again and again. It’s one of a set by the same authors – it will undoubtedly leave you wanting to read them all!
Beegu
Beegu is a heartwarming story about a little alien with floppy ears and three little eyes. She captures the heart of every little child who reads the book as she searches for her parents. The book tells a story about accepting those who may be different to us and remaining hopeful when all hope is lost. A must have for every child’s library.
Brilliant Bea
A story for kids with dyslexia, Brilliant Bea is endearing and empowering, showing every child who reads the books that a learning difference like dyslexia doesn’t define you. Beatrice learns differently and her teacher recognises this. Together they find ways that Beatrice can tell her stories and share her talent with her class.
Did You Say Pasghetti?
This books features Danny and his dog Dusty as they embark on an adventure to understand dyslexia. It’s a great read for children of all ages with dyslexia. The message conveyed is that its ok for all kids to learn differently and it’s important for children to develop a positive attitude to learning as well as to be kind. It also tackles some of the struggles kids with dyslexia face such as frustration, low self-esteem and negativity.
I could (and will) add to this list regularly. However, those listed above are unquestionably our favourite reading books for 5 year olds with dyslexia. They helped our daughter and monay others foster a love of reading, build self confidence and unlock imaginations.
If you are setting up a home library, I highly recommend you visiting this page to find some of the best tools and resources for dyslexia.
If you are a teacher who has stumbled across our reading list, click here to find out if your classroom really is as inclusive as you think it is!
***As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases***
However, this has in no way influenced my choice of what I have listed in this post.
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