I just purchased the Reading Reflex book to try to help my 13 yr old dyslexic 7th grader learn to read. He is currently reading at a low 3rd grade level. After reviewing the book I feel a little overwhelmed. I didn’t learn to read by phonics and now I worry that even with this book I won’t be able to help much. Any advice? Should I start at the very beginning with him, or go farther into the lesson plans. I appreciate any help.
I know that my son will never have the love for reading I have, I read about 4 books a week. But I want him to be able to cope in life. His spelling is probably worse than his reading. I at least want him to be able to complete a job application.
Thanks again
That’s the first step.
Then, what I would do is start at the beginning with him but, if it’s clear he knows something, move on. It can go very, very fast at the beginning. Some people get through all of basic code in the first session, because the child has it down pretty well.
The hardest thing about doing Reading Reflex is just starting. I sweated a lot before we started, and it’s really unnecessary. You don’t have to teach it perfectly. You just have to sit down and start doing it. As you go along, you will learn what works and what doesn’t, and it will become more clear what he actually knows and what specific things he has problems with.
If you run into problems, post on the bulletin board at the readamerica website, or on the “Reading and Math” homeschooling bulletin board at http://www.vegsource.com.
Incidentally, at his age and reading level you can probably skip the manipulatives if you want, and just use a white board and markers. It’s a little less work that way.
Mary