by Karen Rogers

Created on: September 11, 2008

Helping your learning-disabled child learn to read can be a positive life-changing experience for you and your child. Unlike the past, where physically or mentally handicapped children were hidden away or warehoused in institutions, today's learning-disabled children have specially trained teachers and learning programs designed to meet their needs. This article will focus on parents helping their pre-school, kindergarten or elementary school learning-disabled child learn to read.

If it's been awhile since your child was assessed, have your child re-tested to determine at what level your child is functioning. Knowing and understanding your child's learning disabilities allows you to focus in on your child's strengths. You might also want to meet with your child's teacher to get firsthand information on your child's progress and how you can best help. Some children benefit from alphabet flash cards, whereas others may need emphasis on writing skills.

To start, make your learning-disabled child an active participant in the reading process. Take your child to the local bookstore and let them select an age and ability appropriate book that interests them. Visit your local library for additional books and materials that they might enjoy. Also, many bookstores and libraries have scheduled activities for children, so you might want to check and see what reading programs are available that your child can participate in.

Pick a reading time when you and your child are calm and relaxed. After your child's bath might be the best time to sit together, or maybe your child prefers a bedtime story when they're tucked into bed. Try different times and situations and see which ones work best for both of you.

Now select a story your child enjoys or let him/her choose their book. As you read the story out loud, follow the text with your finger to help reinforce the connection between the spoken and written word. Talk about the pictures and illustrations, and listen to the comments you child makes. If your child becomes restless or distracted, take that as a sign to end the reading session on a positive note. Don't worry that you haven't spent enough time reading to your child. The most important thing is that you do read to your child every day. If you find yourself getting tense or frustrated, stop right there, end with praise, a hug and a kiss, and try again tomorrow.

Don't worry if your learning-disabled child's progress is slow. The goal is to help your child learn to read, not beat the clock. The reading race in not won by the swiftest but by the one who finishes. And helping your child learn to read is one of the greatest gifts he or she will ever receive from you.

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