Encouraging the Learning Disabled Child to Read
Read Across America Activities for Kids with Special Needs
Mar 1, 2009
Many families and schools celebrate Read Across America Day. Try these ideas to engage reluctant readers with special needs. Read Across America activities are not supposed to be only for bookworms. If a child struggles with reading due to a learning disability or developmental delay, reading may not be a preferred activity.
Have Appropriate Materials
Look for books that are at the child’s reading level. This seems like a given, but it is unlikely that a child will even attempt to read something that is too difficult. Many books are on the market that fit into the hi-lo category (books written at an easier reading level, but with topics that interest older readers).
Consider audio books. Some children with visual or physical impairments may have difficulty with traditional paper books. Some kids with learning disabilities may have difficulty with sounding out the words or understanding figurative language. Using audio books can allow more kids to access “the word in print”.
Make up a Read Across America game. Write basic sentences on strips of paper. Tell the young reader that his task is to read from coast to coast. He will read one sentence as he begins on the west coast. (Use the game pieces from a board game and a map of the United States to mark the progression across the country.) If he reads the sentence correctly, he will move on to read a sentence to get to the Midwest, and finally he will have the opportunity to read to get to the east coast. . . Sure, the idea for Read Across America is for every child (in every location) to be reading, but this play on the basic idea will get some involved in a clever way.
Have a Reading Plan
Plan for buddy reading. Whether the child is reading at school or at home, having a stronger reader as a partner can help with the difficult words and read alternate pages.
Try fill-in reading. A parent, older sibling, or teacher can serve as the primary reader. As she reads aloud, the struggling reader should follow along on a shared or duplicate book. Then pause periodically for the child to fill in the word that is next.
Use prediction reading. Take a few minutes to look through the pictures in the book to be read. What is the story probably about? After discussing the predictions, it is time to actually read. Later, discuss whether or not the predictions were true.
Having a few well-chosen reading materials and ideas can help the child who struggles to read enjoy the fun of Read Across America. Parents and teachers can work together to make the day enjoyable, despite a reading disability.
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