How to Create Reading Games for Students With Dyslexia

Using games to teach reading is a great way to break the monotony of some reading programs. There are several games available to buy, but making them is easy and allows you to meet the specific needs of students with dyslexia.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. Research dyslexia. Find out what symptoms and deficits a student with dyslexia has. Assess the child's knowledge of the alphabet. Practice making letter sounds. Combine letters and letter combinations to create words. Teach the rules of the English language. Review frequently.

2. Look through reading instructional catalogues. Some games are very expensive but can be reproduced easily. Other games need to be modified to meet the needs of your students. Look through catalogues or go to an educational store. Have your notebook handy and write down ideas and the materials that you will need to create or modify the better games that you find.

3. Modify popular board games to meet the needs of your students. Find a game your students love and change the rules, using game pieces or cards to teach whatever reading skill you are trying to reinforce in the class.

4. Brainstorm with other teachers. You and your colleagues learned a great deal of information during your own schooling. Tap into that knowledge by holding think-tank parties during planning periods or in your class after school.

5. Encourage your school's administration to allow for time to collaborate as educators during staff meetings.

6. Tap into your students' creativity. Tell your students you are trying to think of a game idea but you are just stuck and cannot come up with anything. You will be surprised how many students will jump at the opportunity to create an incredible game and solve a problem for their teacher.

Tips & Warnings

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