It is estimated that 15-20 percent of the population experiences challenges with reading. This translates to one in five children who may be affected by reading difficulties such as dyslexia and in need of identification and support. As parents, we all want to ensure our children are poised for success in the classroom. How can we know what is developmentally appropriate for our children as early
readers and what might actually be a sign pointing to a learning obstacle? Years of research has helped experts in the field of dyslexia understand early flags and how to address those areas through intervention. Let’s begin first by explaining exactly what dyslexia is while dispelling common myths.
Simply stated, dyslexia is “trouble with reading”. According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties.
In 2002, the International Dyslexia Association adopted the following definition of dyslexia, “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
This definition can serve as a guide for parents in identifying signs of dyslexia in their children. Is there a family history of learning difficulties? Does your child struggle with learning letter names and the sound associated with those letters? Is your child able to identify words that rhyme? You may also notice difficulty recalling sight words such as, have, said, or what and using phonics skills like knowing the sounds of individual letters to read decodable words. Dyslexia is not simply letter reversals. It is not a lack of effort on the part of your child and dyslexia is not something individuals “outgrow”.
We’ve created a “checklist” to help parents identify some of the signs and symptoms of dyslexia in kindergarten.
(Adapted from the International Dyslexia Association, www.readingrockets.org)
If you notice some of these signs in your emergent reader, there is a solution! An early literacy screener was developed to help you identify your child’s risk for dyslexia. Testing across the 5 critical reading skills; phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension is so important!
In the Sprout program, your child will be assessed by an expert Literacy Specialist, who will be looking at this 5 components of reading. In the game, Pip School, the friendly toucan Pip will play games with your child to help them master skills in these 5 critical areas.
