Research has shown that reading contributes to vocabulary development. Our knowledge of vocabulary directly affects our ability to understand what we read.
It has also been demonstrated that the more one reads, the better reader one becomes.
Therefore, it is very important that we encourage children to read as much as possible.
So, how do we get children who are dyslexic to read? It’s a good question. None of us likes to do something that we are not very good at.
One way that has proven successful is to have children and teens read in areas of interest.
Rosalie Fink has published on successful dyslexic adults who learned to read by pursuing areas of interest. Because the topic was of such high interest to them, they were highly motivated to read about the content and persevered despite the reading challenges.
One of the difficulties we face is finding reading material that is rich and of interest to the child, yet is not so difficult that he or she can’t access the text.
We have identified some sources that have adapted context and vocabulary rich novels, including some of the classics, for the struggling reader. We’ve also provided a link to the International Reading Association’s resource list of books that students in grades 7–12 have identified to be of interest to them.
Whether you are a parent or a teacher, make time in the day where kids have time to read for fun. Leisure reading will promote reading skills. And, importantly, let them choose—whether it’s a novel, a comic book, a sports magazine—the goal is to read, read, read and enjoy it!
Back to Front and Upside Down
Follow Stan as he overcomes his frustration with letters, with a friend's help, and learns to make his letters come out "the right way round and the right way up."
Capstone Press
Capstone Press offers high-interest educational and illustrated books aimed at different reading and interest levels. There are different series, including one with graphic-novel biographies, and one with more historically focused books.
Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever
Henry Winkler (a.k.a. “The Fonz” from Happy Days) is the co-author of a series featuring a young dyslexic. The protagonist, Hank Zipzer, is inspired by Winkler’s own experiences in school and on the set of Happy Days, where he used his humor and imagination to succeed despite his dyslexia.
High Noon Books
High Noon Books offers a wide selection of books for low-level readers, including a Streamlined Shakespeare series, which presents six classic Shakespeare plays in an easier-to-read format. The website also offers classics such as Great Expectations and The Count of Monte Cristo, as well as Sci-Fi, Mystery, and Sports books.
Saddleback Educational Publishing
The Saddleback classics (e.g. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Pride & Prejudice) are adapted for developing readers at a 4.0–5.0 reading level. The adaptations still contain the author’s style and themes, but they have fewer words, shorter paragraphs, and less complex wording. Some even have audio.
Young Adults’ Choices Reading List—International Reading Association
This is a list of books recommended by teenage readers in grades 7–12. The website also offers Teacher’s Choices and Children’s Choices lists.
For even more books to get kids reading, check out TimeOut New York's 50 Best Books for Kids.
