Games to Play With Kids Who Have a Learning Disability

A child's learning disability doesn't have to prevent him from enjoying games.

A learning disability can leave a child feeling bitter and frustrated in school. Fortunately, minor learning disabilities don't have to be a permanent problem for your child. You can help her overcome her learning disability by playing educational games with her. Just remember to work slowly and give plenty of encouragement to your child to hold her focus.

Reading Relay

When a child has a reading disability, identifying written words based on their sounds can be difficult. Playing a reading relay game can be an enjoyable way to teach him how to identify words quickly based on their spelling. Write down a different word on seven cue cards. Show him the cards and pronounce the words on each one aloud. Have him read the cards aloud to familiarize himself with the words. Post the cards at the end of a hallway and have him stand on the opposite end. Tell him a word and blow a whistle to start the relay. He should run down the hall and retrieve the card with the correct word as quickly as he can.

Marshmallow Math

Math can be a difficult subject for a child with a learning disability. Seeing actual items multiply in number and disappear may help her to understand the concept of math. Provide her with a number of marshmallows. Have her count the marshmallows she has and instruct her to add or subtract a certain number of marshmallows. For example, if she has three marshmallows and you tell her to make eight, she should add five to her pile. Reward her with a marshmallow every time she gets a correct answer.

Sign Alphabet

You are missing an opportunity to play with and teach your child whenever you take a quiet car ride. Instead of driving in silence, play the sign alphabet game. This helps a child with a learning disability recognize the different letters of the alphabet. You start at "A" and work your way to "Z" in alphabetical order. Anytime he sees a sign starting with an "A" or the next letter in the alphabet he needs, he will call out the name of the sign. This game can get a little frustrating because the signs pass so quickly, so be gentle and encouraging while you play.

Tongue Twister

When a child has trouble learning the proper way to pronounce words may benefit from tongue twisters. Tongue twisters force her to think about what she is saying and how she says it. Don't rush her, though. If you try to make her say the tongue twisters too quickly, she may become frustrated with the game and refuse to participate. Have her pronounce the tongue twisters correctly a few times slowly before you make her increase her speed.

References

• Maria Friar; Special Education Teacher; El Dorado Springs, Missouri
• Kids Running; Sight-Word Scramble; Carol Goodrow
• Learning Disabilities Association of America; Helping Young Children With Learning Disabilities at Home; Doris J. Johnson

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish