Dyslexia software

Your local school system is trying to get off cheap. I do think it is better than a resource room which would most likely be the alternative.

You could try earobics or fast forward done at home but supplement it with a program that addresses phonemic awareness like phonographix, the book is called reading reflex. If the school is paying try to get fast forward.

Also check out www.starfall.com

I don’t think it all can be done by computer unless your child’s problem is very mild.

How is earobics done - if I were to try it with my son after school, how much time a day is required, and does it hold a 7 year old’s interest?

I haven’t done it but have seen the website and sampled it. It is a series of games. Phonographix worked for my son. His problem is more in the visual realm.
I think Janis has done it, I forget who else.

I don’t know your child so I can’t answer if it will hold his attention. I think you really have to approach it by asking him if he wants help with something that is difficult for him. Tell him he is very smart but his ears don’t hear the sounds in the words very well and you want to help him fix that. Its his ears, not him. Tell him it will make his school work easier once he can hear the sounds better. Get his approval first. He has to buy in. It has to be something he wants to accomplish.

Once he agrees you can set up a time schedule. Agree ahead of time that for one half hour starting at 4:00 this is what he will do. Let him even pick the time and help make the decision about how long he should do it every day. Show him the website and let him get a feel for what they suggest. Decide ahead of time how long he will work at the program and you could try letting him pick rewards for mastering specific levels but don’t make it all about the reward. It should be about his own achievement.

Then you can remind him about your agreement when he slacks off. Let him know you think it is great that he wants to help himself and that you know he can succeed in anything he tries.

If things are really tough and he gets very stressed let him take a break. Show empathy for how hard it must be. Sometimes when I do this. My son says, “No, just a few more minutes.” He just wants someone to acknowledge that it is tough and that gives him some of the strength he needs to finish.

It is his battle. You are just there to help him fight it.

Sound Reading, which has a computer CD available that provides good practice. Website is http://www.soundreading.com.

Lexia Learning also has computer CD’s, which I’ve heard are good.

You still need a human to actually do the teaching, especially with a 6yo. The software merely provides supplemental practice. Many 6yo’s would still want a human body sitting next to them while they work on a computer.

Many dyslexics have auditory or visual processing deficits that can be reduced. Some types of auditory processing deficit can be helped with FastForWord. If your child has an auditory processing problem and the school is planning to provide FFW, they are a gem! FFW would cost you at least $1,000 to do at home (assuming you become a provider).

Nancy

this isn’t software, but if your childs problem is severe, I would recommend the wilson learning system. My 10 yr. old is as severe as they come and this progam has seen her improve an entire grade level this yr.! this is a systematic phonics program, and you need to find a teacher in your area. the Wilson web site has listiings. my daughter has also used earobics and I think that if the problem isn’t to severe it may be helpful.

We have done both Lexia and Fast Forward and neither helped that much. Tutoring one on one with a sound phonemic awareness program like LIPS is your best bet, but it is expensive so that is likely why the school wants to use cheaper forms of remediation, ie computer software.