Backwards Letters: Could It Be Dyslexia? (continued)

Myth #3: Dyslexic kids can’t read.

Fact: With proper instruction, dyslexic kids can read, write…and thrive in school. Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, say Selvin and Marzola, but with proper teaching methods, kids can develop different pathways to get the information they need. Multisensory and tactile forms of instruction—methods that use the whole body to trace letters, or that train kids in how to say their sounds as they connect them to words—are particularly effective. What’s most important, the two experts emphasize, is starting early. Sadly, says Selvin, researchers have found that “if a child does not read on grade level by third grade, there is a 75% chance that that child will never read on grade level.”

So what does this mean for you and your kindergartener? The next time your child proudly writes “bog” instead of “dog” in a story about her lovable pooch, you should probably grin and enjoy it. But if the kindergarten year is nearly over and that same kid can’t spell her own name, looks blank when you ask her to tell you the beginning sound in a word, and just doesn’t grasp those all- important alphabet letters, don’t hesitate to step in. Talk with your teacher, and consult a specialist who can make sure you’ve got the right facts. Reading is a lifetime’s adventure, and with proper help, just about every child can enjoy it