Even though the hurdles are high, we can bridge the gap. Here is how we do it using the Science of Reading:

1. Prioritize Phonological Awareness: This is my "number one" for a reason. Students with dyslexia need to practice manipulating spoken language. A great starting point for little ones? Nursery rhymes! They help children hear rhymes and patterns. Read to your child every day and incorporate nursery rhymes into the rhythm of their day. The book, Mother Goose Treasury (which can also be found here), is an excellent one that has tons of well-known nursery rhymes that are sure to keep your students engaged. This edition of Mother Goose is the exact one I use with my kids, and I love the illustrations. Listening to music is another great way of prioritizing phonological awareness. Students not only listen to the words, but they are listening to the rhythm, which is excellent practice for literacy skills in the future. One of my kids' favorites is Gracie's Corner. My children love it and are learning rhyme, rhythm, and beat before they begin learning to read. 

👉🏽🎼Speaking of music, want to try a half-hour music lesson free of charge? Try Lessons With You, a virtual music company that personalizes music lessons specifically for your child. 

2. Explicit Decoding: We have to teach the "code" of the English language. Time after time, the research is clear about how the majority of students learn to read and process language, which is by way of explicit, direct instruction. This involves three big steps. For phonological awareness, this includes: Segmentation (breaking words apart), Conversion (matching sounds to letters), and Fusion (blending them back together).

At Holmes Tutoring, we don't guess. We use structured, scripted, and carefully sequenced programs designed specifically to take the "ambiguity" out of speech. These programs are rooted in Direct Instruction, ensuring your child isn't left guessing what a word might be based on a picture.

I have been using these methods for years, and seeing a child move from "I can't" to "I'm reading" never gets old. One of my favorite homeschool programs that explicitly teaches phonological awareness, phonics, reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary all in one comprehensive program is Funnix.

Funnix is one of the main programs I use here at Holmes Tutoring for my younger audience (K-3). It's fun, easy to implement, and cost-effective. It is pretty much the digitalized version of Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. It's perfect for busy homeschooling families because there is little to no prep work.

If you are looking for a screen-free alternative that's multisensory and designed for students with dyslexia, try All About Reading. This program covers a broader scope and sequence and reaches students past the K-3 level as compared to Funnix. The program is direct instruction and scripted. Decodable readers are a part of this program, which aids in reading fluency and further enhances comprehension.

I rely on Direct Instruction teaching methods because they work! If you need extra help in teaching your student how to read, don't hesitate to reach out or join a reading cohort. I hope to see your students in my classroom! 

Get a copy of Alabama's Dyslexia Resource Guide found here.