The Best Reading Apps for Dyslexia

Are you on the lookout for the best reading apps for dyslexia to support your child’s reading journey after a dyslexia diagnosis? You’re in the right place! Today, we’re diving into the world of reading apps specifically designed to empower dyslexic learners and make reading a joyful experience.

As moms, we understand the importance of fostering a love of reading in our children, but we also know that traditional methods may not always meet the unique needs of dyslexic learners. That’s where technology comes in! With the right reading apps, we can provide our children with personalized support, engaging activities, and access to a world of literature tailored to their abilities.

Join us as we explore some of the best reading apps for dyslexia, handpicked with love and care to help your child thrive. From interactive games and multisensory exercises to dyslexia-friendly fonts and customizable features, these apps are designed to boost confidence, improve reading skills, and ignite a passion for learning.

So, whether you’re looking for supplemental support to complement your child’s education or searching for tools to build literacy skills at home, we’ve got you covered. Let’s empower our dyslexic learners to shine bright and embrace the joy of reading with these fantastic apps. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect reading app for your child’s unique journey.

What is Dyslexia?

Definition and Common Characteristics of Dyslexia:

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects how the brain processes language, particularly in the areas of reading, spelling, and writing. While dyslexia varies from person to person, there are some common characteristics to look out for. These may include difficulties with phonological awareness (the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words), decoding words, recognizing sight words, spelling, and reading fluency. It’s important to remember that dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence; many dyslexic individuals are highly intelligent and creative thinkers.

What we noticed was just a struggle to sound out words from the very beginning. Our daughter also struggled with retaining words from one page to the next. She would read the word with help on one page, and see the same word on the next page and struggle to read it again.

Is Dyslexia Genetic?

Yes, dyslexia can run in families. I was diagnosed as “borderline” dyslexic when I was in the 2nd grade, so I wasn’t completely surprised when my daughter was also diagnosed. Research suggests that genetics plays a significant role in the development of dyslexia. Children with a family history of dyslexia are more likely to develop the condition themselves.

Having a family history of dyslexia does not guarantee that a child will develop the condition, but it does increase the likelihood. Similarly, not all children with dyslexia have a family history of the condition. Overall, dyslexia is a complex and multifaceted condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

How Dyslexia Affects Reading and Learning:

Dyslexia can impact reading and learning in various ways. For example, individuals with dyslexia may struggle to accurately decode words, leading to slow and laborious reading. They may also have difficulty recognizing common sight words, which can hinder reading fluency and comprehension.

Spelling may be a challenge due to difficulties with phonological processing and sound-symbol correspondence. Additionally, dyslexia can affect other academic areas, such as writing and math, as well as overall self-esteem and confidence.

Dyslexia is Manageable with the Right Support and Resources:

Moms, it’s important to know that a dyslexia diagnosis is not the end of the road—it’s the beginning of a journey filled with possibilities and opportunities for growth. With the right support and resources, children with dyslexia can thrive academically and beyond.

There are many evidence-based interventions and accommodations available to help dyslexic learners succeed, such as specialized reading programs, assistive technology, and accommodations in the classroom. By working closely with educators, specialists, and other professionals, moms can ensure that their child receives the support they need to reach their full potential. Remember, every child is unique, and with love, patience, and the right tools, they can overcome any obstacle that comes their way.

Support for Dyslexia

When I was in graduate school for my speech pathology master’s degree, one really exciting thing I was a part of was a reading camp geared towards students struggling to read and some had been diagnosed with dyslexia.

We taught these students several reading skills to help them read, but in 2009 there were limits to the technology available for these students. If they got stuck on a word they didn’t know, they couldn’t just pull out a tablet to look up the meaning and move on or have an entire page read to them if they needed.

Now, support for dyslexia is completely different!

My daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was in the fourth grade. After years of struggling to read and fighting a losing battle, we finally started seeing progress when we started working with reading therapist using a different reading model to teach students with dyslexia.

After a year of therapies and reading support, my daughter can actually read! She may not be at a 5th grade reading level, but she is has made leaps and bounds in her reading and I am so proud of all the work she has put into it.

Even with all her progress, she still needs reading and dyslexia support. That is where we like to use some technology and apps for dyslexia to support her when she needs help reading.

Technology Support for Dyslexia

We know how important it is to find the right tools to help our kids thrive in their learning journey. So, drumroll, please! Here are some of the top-notch apps that have been shining stars in supporting dyslexic students and boosting their reading skills:

Speechify – Text to Speech App

Let’s delve into the wonders of Speechify, an app that’s truly a game-changer for dyslexic readers. With its innovative features and user-friendly interface, Speechify opens up a world of possibilities for dyslexic learners. One of the standout benefits is its text-to-speech functionality, which allows users to listen to any text, whether it’s an article, a book, or a document, read aloud in a natural and engaging voice. This feature not only helps dyslexic readers overcome challenges with decoding and fluency but also promotes comprehension and retention.

Additionally, Speechify offers customizable settings to suit individual preferences, such as adjusting reading speed and font style. With its seamless integration across devices, dyslexic readers can access their favorite texts anytime, anywhere, making learning more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Whether it’s tackling textbooks, diving into novels, or catching up on articles, Speechify empowers dyslexic readers to absorb information effortlessly and succeed in their academic pursuits.

Both my daughters use this app to help with reading homework. It allows them to read books that are longer and at a higher reading level. I would highly recommend this app!

Apps that Teach Phonics

Many teachers who work with students with dyslexia recommend using the Orton-Gillingham Method. I wanted to share some of the basics of this approach and how it helps dyslexic learners:

What is the Orton-Gillingham Method?

The Orton-Gillingham method is a structured, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling, particularly for individuals with dyslexia. It was developed in the 1930s by Samuel Torrey Orton and Anna Gillingham, who recognized the need for a systematic and explicit approach to help dyslexic learners overcome their challenges with reading and language.

At its core, the Orton-Gillingham method focuses on teaching language skills in a sequential and cumulative manner, starting with the most basic elements and gradually building upon them. It emphasizes the explicit teaching of phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, encoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

One of the key principles of the Orton-Gillingham approach is its multi-sensory instruction, which engages multiple senses, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, to reinforce learning. This can involve using hands-on materials, such as sand or clay, to form letters and words, as well as incorporating activities that involve listening, speaking, and writing.

The Orton-Gillingham method is highly individualized, with instruction tailored to the specific needs of each learner. Teachers trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach carefully assess students’ strengths and weaknesses and then design personalized lesson plans to address their areas of difficulty.

Overall, the Orton-Gillingham method has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in helping dyslexic individuals develop strong reading and language skills, improve self-confidence, and achieve academic success. It has become a cornerstone of literacy instruction for individuals with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities.

Best Apps for Teaching Phonics

There are several fantastic apps available that can help teach kids phonics in a fun and engaging way. Here are a few worth checking out:

1. ABCmouse: ABCmouse offers a comprehensive phonics curriculum that includes interactive games, songs, and activities to help children learn letter sounds, phonemic awareness, and reading skills.
2. Starfall Learn to Read: Starfall Learn to Read uses interactive stories and games to teach phonics, sight words, and reading comprehension skills. It’s designed for young learners and offers a gradual progression from basic letter sounds to more complex phonetic patterns.
3. Teach Your Monster to Read: Teach Your Monster to Read is a highly-rated app that helps children learn to read through games and activities. It covers phonics, sight words, and other reading skills. Both my girls really liked playing these games and designing their monster.
4. Hooked on Phonics: Hooked on Phonics offers a series of digital programs that teach phonics through interactive games, videos, and activities. It covers letter sounds, blending, sight words, and reading fluency.
5. Khan Academy Kids: Learning!: Khan Academy Kids is an educational app designed specifically for young learners aged 2 to 7 years old. It offers a wide range of interactive activities, games, videos, and books across various subjects, including math, reading, language arts, social-emotional learning, and more.
6. WORD Force Reading app: WORD Force Reading Adventures is a free, game based program that makes learning to read a fun adventure for your child.
7. Endless Alphabet: Endless Alphabet introduces children to letter sounds and vocabulary through animated characters and interactive puzzles. It’s a great way to reinforce phonics skills while building vocabulary and word recognition. My son absolutely loved this app when he was younger!

These apps offer a variety of approaches to teaching phonics and cater to different learning styles and preferences. Whether your child is just starting to learn letter sounds or is ready to tackle more complex phonetic patterns, there’s an app out there to support their phonics learning journey.

Open Dyslexic – Font for Dyslexic Learners

The OpenDyslexic font is a game-changing tool for dyslexic learners. This innovative font is specifically designed to alleviate the reading struggles commonly experienced by individuals with dyslexia. Its unique features, such as weighted bottoms and varied letter shapes, help dyslexic readers differentiate between letters more easily, reducing the risk of confusion and improving reading fluency.

By providing a dyslexia-friendly reading experience across various digital platforms, including e-books, websites, and apps, OpenDyslexic empowers dyslexic learners to access content with greater ease and confidence. Additionally, its open-source nature allows for widespread adoption and customization, making it accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds. With OpenDyslexic font, dyslexic learners can overcome reading barriers and unlock their full potential in the classroom and beyond.

Unlock the Magic of Reading with Apps for Dyslexia

So, there you have it, moms! These fantastic apps are here to lend a helping hand and make reading an enjoyable and rewarding experience for your child. Whether they’re just starting their reading journey or looking to build upon existing skills, these apps have got you covered. So go ahead, download your favorites, and watch your child’s confidence soar as they unlock the magic of reading!

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