Addressing Reading Disabilities
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Posted by Lynn Moore Apr 9, 2007 |
Are you looking for books to boost your child’s interest in reading? Of course, many kinds, or genres, are on the book shelves. Some people love to read mysteries; some love to read history. Many children and teens with disabilities love graphic novels.
- Graphic novels provide lots of picture prompts.
- The pictures show step by step what is happening.
- The text in graphic novels is short and sweet.
- It is clear from the dialog balloons exactly who is speaking.
- The slap stick humor in many graphic novels appeals to the sense of humor.
- Graphic novels look cool.
What kind of graphic novels are available?
- Beginning readers (such as those published in the Phonics Comics series by Innovative Kids)
- Picture storybooks in graphic novel format
- True comic books
- Classics and other books rewritten into graphic novel format
What other kinds of books are good reads for children with reading disabilities?
- Any of the numerous learn-to-read series that are on the market
- Books with repeating text
- Books with a strong connection between the pictures and the words
- Beginning chapter books
- Hi/lo books (high interest level/low reading skill required)
Activities to Encourage Disabled Children to Read
- Listen to parents read
- Read with a parent (taking turns for every other page)
- Joining a library book club
- Reading books for prizes at school (theme park tickets, free fast food, school prizes)
- Reading to a younger sibling, a doll, a pet, etc.
And . . . the number one way to encourage children with disabilities to read is to let them see YOU reading!