“My child was delayed in reading. All he wanted to do was play outside during his Kindergarten year, so we just let him enjoy his childhood. Then, around eight years old, he simply took off with his reading! Now he loves to read. If you just wait and give your child some time, I’m sure they’ll get it when they’re ready to learn.”
Have you heard this story shared in your homeschool co-op or at play dates? I know I have. Before I became a dyslexia practitioner, I passed on these stories many times to worried parents as a well-meaning friend. This type of story is meant to encourage the young and anxious new homeschool parent with a Kindergartener who simply wants to swing on the monkey bars and shows no natural interest in reading. And there is some truth to these stories: for some kids–for those without dyslexia–waiting to learn how to read may be a fine tactic. Finland has had incredible success with this approach, as formal schooling does not begin there until age 7.
But for students with dyslexia, this “wait and see” approach will not work. Why not? Dyslexia is not curable at this time. So waiting to intervene until third or fourth grade simply delays the urgently needed specialized reading instruction, which often takes years to complete. The plasticity of the young brain allows Kindergarten and first-grade dyslexic children to progress four times faster with early intervention than a dyslexic child in fourth grade who is just beginning. Early intervention is best for children who have dyslexia, and screening can begin as young as five and a half. (Some say dyslexia can be detected at even younger ages.)
If you are a homeschool parent, especially if you know dyslexia runs in your family, consider having your child tested for dyslexia. If requested, I will seek to provide you with a list of professionals in your area who can screen for dyslexia. I also can recommend a dyslexia screening to help out parents who are interested in learning more, but who are not ready to commit to a full evaluation at this time.
Homeschooling is one of the best possible choices for a dyslexic child, so know that you are giving your child a tremendous gift if you homeschool him. The special emphasis you can give on your child’s strengths and interests can build confidence. The wonderful play-based early childhood approach in Finland can be a relaxed part of your homeschool as well. Simply having your child engage in two hours of reading instruction per week (spread across two or three sessions) will help him grow in his reading ability, and he can move at his own pace without pressure. He can engage in co-ops and community classes to experience friendships and opportunities to develop his personal strengths. The International Dyslexia Association has a helpful fact sheet on homeschooling with further advice.
If your child is older and has not had intervention yet, please know that there is hope and help for your your dyslexic child. Anyone who is dyslexic can begin specialized reading instruction at any age. That includes any adults you may know as well! The Barton program is specifically designed to work well for adults, teenagers, and children; it is engaging and fun, but it is not childish in format or content.
If you have more questions, I would be happy to speak to you further in a free consultation. Please feel free to email me or call me at any time.
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