Fun Reading Games and Activities to Support Children with Learning Disabilities
For many children with learning disabilities, reading can be a challenging task. However, with the right approach, it can also be a source of joy and a journey into the world of imagination. In this post, we'll explore fun and interactive reading games and activities designed to support children with learning disabilities and turn reading into an adventure.
1. Picture Storytelling Relay
Children with learning disabilities often thrive with visual cues. Use a picture book without words and have your child narrate a story based on what they see. Take turns to build a story together, enhancing their narrative skills and imagination.
2. Word Fishing
Create a "fishing pond" using a small blue fabric or paper. Write words on paper fish and attach paper clips. Make a fishing rod with a stick, string, and a magnet as the hook. As children "catch" the words, they can read them aloud, promoting recognition and pronunciation.
3. Reading Treasure Hunt
Place word cards or sentences around the house or classroom and create a map with clues. As your child finds each "treasure," they read it aloud. This game not only makes reading fun but also involves physical activity, which can be especially beneficial for children who are kinesthetic learners.
4. Interactive Reading Apps
There are many apps available that turn reading into an interactive experience. These apps often include games, animated characters, and rewards that encourage children to engage with reading material in a fun way.
Here are a few to consider:
Epic! – Often described as the Netflix for kids' books, this app provides access to thousands of high-quality children's books, audiobooks, and learning videos. It's an excellent resource for diverse reading levels and interests.
Bookshare – This app offers a vast collection of audiobooks and read-along tracks for children with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers. It allows kids to listen to their books, following along with highlighted text.
Reading Eggs – Created by educators, Reading Eggs makes learning to read interesting and engaging for kids, with great online reading games and activities. It’s especially good for younger children just starting their reading journey.
Starfall – A free public service, Starfall offers a variety of interactive activities, games, and books that aim to make reading and phonics fun. It's particularly helpful for children in the early stages of reading.
Storyline Online – This app streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. It can be a delightful way for children to see and hear book narratives.
These apps are fantastic tools that can adapt to individual learning needs and help make reading a more enjoyable and less daunting task for children with learning disabilities.
5. Story Cubes
Using cubes with pictures or words, roll the dice and have your child construct a story based on the outcome. This game encourages creativity and helps with constructing sentences and narratives.
Conclusion:
Reading doesn't have to be a solo or stationary activity. By incorporating these fun games and activities, we can help children with learning disabilities experience reading in a new light. Not only do these activities make reading more enjoyable, but they also build essential skills that contribute to reading success.
Remember, the key is to celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Encouraging children to enjoy reading is just as important as the reading itself.