As parents, we are constantly questioning if everything is ok. Are we doing this right? Are we missing signs? Should we be working on any early intervention? Throughout this article, you will learn what to look out for and how to better equip your child when it comes to reading preparedness.
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and I had the pleasure of interviewing Jenni Roig, M.Ed., a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist from The Roig Academy. Jenni is the co-founder and Head of School of The Roig Academy, an IB k-8 local school that prioritizes evidence-based methods and offers a nurturing environment where students can thrive. She began her journey 25 years ago when she realized that students, who were full of potential, were being left behind as a result of having dyslexia and/or other learning differences.
Jenni recognizes that children who have learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADD may feel frustrated in a traditional setting which, in turn, makes them fall behind their peers. With research-supported teaching methodologies and specialized instruction, these same students will thrive.
Reading Preparedness
I asked Jenni what the term “reading preparedness” meant and how we, as parents can prepare our children for reading at different developmental stages. She defined it as, “the skills and foundational abilities that set the stage for a child to become a successful reader. These include oral language skills, such as vocabulary and listening comprehension, and early literacy skills, such as recognizing letters and sounds, understanding how books work, and developing a love for stories. It’s about equipping children with the tools to decode words, comprehend text, and eventually become confident, fluent readers.”
We can begin to prepare our children for reading from the day they are born. From birth to toddler, Jenni says it is all about exposure to language. It is vital to talk, sing, and read to your baby daily. It may seem simple but, these tasks help develop listening skills, phonemic awareness, and a vocabulary foundation.
During Preschool, it is important to be playing games and reading picture books together can be very beneficial at this age. During the elementary years, your child should start to decode words and recognize the connections between sounds and letters. Comprehension begins during early interactions with picture books and asking questions. This can include summarizing stories, predicting what happens next, or relating stories to their own experiences.
Warning Signs of a Learning Difference
Jenni lists 6 early warning signs that parents can watch out for. These signs include difficulty with:
- Rhyming
- Recognizing letters and sounds-specifically letters in a child’s name
- Pronouncing words
- Learning the alphabet, nursery rhymes, or songs
- Remembering instructions
- Staying focused or engaged on a task
If you suspect that your child might have a language-based learning difference, Jenni recommends seeing professional guidance. The earlier these signs are noticed and addressed, the more likely the child will be able to catch up to their peers and be taught how to read. This will not only help academically but will also have a positive impact on their self-confidence.
The Roig Approach at Home
Jenni has been very successful in helping children with language-based learning differences turn into lifelong learners with a love for reading. I asked her how we can apply some of her approaches at home. Jenni recommends using multi-sensory techniques, encouraging children to engage with stories, and practicing phonics in a fun way. Mistakes should be seen as learning opportunities. Maintaining a growth mindset at home, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, can help children feel more confident and motivated.
To All Parents
Trust your instincts. If you see any warning signs and feel your child may have specific learning needs, seek early intervention. Dyslexia, or any other learning difference is not a STOP sign, it is simply a roadblock. Learning strategies that are rooted in research, will help students with dyslexia to succeed. With appropriate instruction and support, students can thrive.
