My top ten resources for dyslexic learners

 1. Stile Trays
A very versatile resource which allows 
children to practice their skills without writing. They are self checking so a child can work independently. This can be a real confidence boost!

                                                                                     

2. Alpha to Omega  
A structured spelling programme best used with the alphabet arc and magnetic letters.  Children work systematically through letter patterns and only write words that they have already practiced with magnetic letters.  The dictation sentences are carefully constructed to allow children to aim for accuracy and success.

 




         

3. Units of Sound computer program. A very effective way of systematically learning and practicing letter patterns or 'units of sound'. It constantly revisits previous letter patterns helping them to be retained.  There are memory and dictation sections which help to develop memory skills. It is now available online which allows it to be used at home as well as at school.

 4. Toe by Toe
This is still the most effective way to improve the reading skills of anyone who is struggling.  Best used everyday for 5 -10 minutes (3 times a week can still be effective.) It systematically works through letter patterns starting with alphabet sounds and 3 letter words building up to polysyllabic words. At every stage the phonic skills are practiced with nonsense words and in carefully constructed sentences.

 5. Smart Phonic magnetic letters
These magnetic letters are joined together to make common digraphs particularly vowel digraphs. Many dyslexics learn best in a kinaesthetic way and these letters make letter patterns explicit.  Great for word building and making sets of words with the same pattern. They can be used to make Alpha to Omega word lists.

 6. Gel Boards seem to be an under used resource. Many dyslexics find letter formation and pencil control difficult. Gel boards are an excellent and fun way to practice handwriting patterns and letter formation. If you press too hard the marks do not show properly so it is a good way of training children not to use too much pressure when they write.

 7. Word Shark
Great interactive games which can be set to match the letter pattern a child is working on.
Children can work on 3 letter words right up to more complex prefixes and suffixes.

 8. Nessy Learning, Hairy Phonics and Hairy Words
Really fun interactive games and apps. The Nessy Learning Programme can form the central part of any intervention plan. It has a reading and spelling challenge to set the correct level. It then provides memorable video animations for each letter pattern. There are games and worksheets to allow practice in lots of different ways.

 9. Wellington Square Books
Many teachers think that these books are a bit outdated, but in my experience the children who read them really enjoy them. Aimed at Junior age children who are still in the early stages of learning to read. All the books are carefully graded to only introduce a few new words at a time (in a similar way to Oxford Reading Tree).  The support materials are excellent and provide a wide range of activities to support early comprehension skills.

 10. Active Literacy Kit
A little known resource available from Dyslexia Action.  It is excellent at pinpointing weaknesses in children who are slow to develop their literacy skills. Each child has their own combination of activities to strengthen their skills. It works on the alphabet sequence, auditory discrimination, reading fluency and spelling. Very easy for both teaching assistants and teachers to use.