Are you sure it’s dyslexia?
It’s all too common for your child to receive a “diagnosis” of
dyslexia if they aren’t reading, or they have difficulty reading.
Dyslexia means “difficulty with words” and it affects millions of
children. Usually children with dyslexia have problems decoding words
and sentences, problems with spelling and recognizing words, and
reading aloud.
But all of these symptoms can be the result of another problem— a
child who has learned to read (or is learning to read) without using
phonics. When a child is unable to differentiate various sounds, or
components, that make up a word, it becomes impossible for them to
read that word. Phonics is a tool that allows children to sound out
vowels and parts of a word. Once children have mastered certain vowel
and consonant sounds, they are able to put sounds together to read
words. Phonics is widely renowned as one of the best ways to help your
child master reading. Check out one of the best products for phonics
below--The Phonics Game.
My child’s grades improved…so can your child’s
I’ll never forget the day I went to pick my daughter Jenny up from
school and noticed a few of the kids in her class working on the
computers. I asked Jenny’s teacher why some kids were working on the
computer and she explained that those kids were in the accelerated
reading program. These children were able to participate in special
online reading tutorials and book clubs—and get privileges that other
students in the class simply didn't have.
I can’t even explain to you the amount of heartbreak I experienced in
that moment. And when I looked over and saw Jenny, looking isolated
and dejected in the back of the classroom, my heart broke even more.
It was clear that the kids on the computer were part of a special
group, an elite group, and were considered the “cool kids” in the
classroom. Jenny’s poor reading habits were not only affecting her
grades—but her popularity as well.
No wonder she didn’t want to go to school!
Jenny had always had problems with reading—from the very beginning.
After a while, she expressed no interest whatsoever in picking up a
book, or even having a bedtime story. She would rather watch T.V. As a
working parent, it was all too easy for me to switch on the television
at night and forego reading to Jenny. Now, as a second grader, Jenny’s
difficulty with reading was affecting her ability to use the computers
at school—and be part of what she called the “in clique.”
I asked Jenny’s teacher for advice on how I could encourage Jenny to
take up reading again—and how she could improve without it being a
tremendous amount of work and sacrifice. Jenny’s teacher recommended
online tutoring. She said the exercises for reading were so fun and
exciting, Jenny wouldn’t even realize she was learning—she’d simply
think she was playing games and having “adventures.”
I decided to purchase the online tutoring package and realized what a
tremendous product it is. Not only did the online tutoring/home
schooling product guarantee Jenny’s grades would improve one full
grade letter—but also I was able to cook dinner and be at home with
Jenny while she worked on the computer in the next room. Within a few
months of using eSylvan, Jenny became excited about reading, and
school. She was asked to become part of the accelerated reading group
in school and her confidence improved greatly. I am so thankful that
we purchased an online tutoring product, and I highly recommend it to
any parent I meet. We all want what’s best for our children, and any
product that can improve grades and your child’s confidence is one
that all parents should invest in!
