How to Create Reading Games for Students With Reading Disabilities

Using games to teach reading is a great way to break the monotony of some reading programs and to keep students' interest level at its peak. Several games are available for purchase, but making games is just as easy and allows you to meet the specific needs of students with dyslexia or other reading disabilities.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Educational Catalogs
• Alphabet Stencils
• Pads Of Paper
• Dr. Seuss Reading Games Software
• Scrabble Junior
• Board Games
• Card Games
• Children's Puzzles
• Toy Alphabet Magnets

1. Research reading disabilities. Learn about the symptoms and deficits of students with reading disabilities.

2. Create games that assess the child's knowledge of the alphabet. Encourage the child to make letter sounds and to combine letters to create words.

3. Make games that teach the rules of the English language, and use the games to review the rules frequently.

4. Look through catalogs that offer reading games and other instructional materials. Some games are very expensive but can be reproduced easily. Some popular games can be modified to meet the needs of your students.

5. Go to a store that sells educational materials. Have your notebook handy and write down ways to create or modify great games that you find there.

6. Modify popular board games to meet the needs of your students. Find a game your students love and change the rules, games pieces or cards to teach the reading skills that you are trying to reinforce in the classroom.

7. Brainstorm with other teachers. Hold "think tank" parties during planning periods or in your classroom after school.

8. Encourage your school's administration to allow teachers to collaborate during staff meetings.

9. Tap into your students' creativity. You will be surprised how many students will jump at the opportunity to create an incredible game for classroom use.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative. If one game doesn't work, change it so that students find it more interesting.
• Vary instruction methods to keep the interest in reading alive at home and in the classroom.
• Buy trade and self-help books for ideas on instructional and parenting techniques.
• Create a game section in your school's library. Have teachers create games that other teachers can check out, add to or revise.
• Use competitive games only when competition is appropriate. Adapt some games to encourage cooperation rather than competition.

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