Apps can help children with dyslexia learn in a fun way

THE digital age has been a gift to people with dyslexia — estimated to be one in ten of the population of Ireland. 

Access to even a basic word processor with spell check can be helpful.

But with the growth in availability of tablets and smartphones, the world has totally opened up in a fun way through apps for children who struggle in this way.

The Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) has responded by organising Tablet Technology workshops for parents and children.

“Every day new apps are developed to support literacy development and can provide children with great assistance in a colourful, fun and easy-to-use way, which can greatly reinforce the literacy tuition they get in the classroom for their teachers,” says the CEO of DAI, Rosie Bissett.

“Apps provide a cheap (sometimes free), more intuitive and user-friendly mobile alternative to established and expensive literacy software for computers.

"With children being more tech savvy than ever, apps also have an implicit ‘cool factor’ which encourages and motivates learning.

“They can also help children integrate their assistive technology more seamlessly into a classroom environment.”

Elaine McGoldrick, who is the apps and technology workshop co-ordinator with the DAI Clonakility branch Co Cork, says children with dyslexia can relate far more readily to technology because the printed word is intimidating for them.

Currently, there are 19 children aged seven to 12, in the group, which is its second year and children must first be diagnosed with dyslexia to qualify.

“The children attend for two hours after school on Mondays and usually they come in buzzing — they are so looking forward to it,” says McGoldrick.

“They like hanging out together; they realise they are not alone and are not defined by their struggle.

"Using an iPad, for instance, removes a lot of barriers. There is the fun aspect and they are easier to engage with.”

Very often, kids with dyslexia hold back from writing because they don’t want to get into trouble with spelling, she says.

But one method used is to plan in advance with the children, through the use of mind-mapping and predictive text, which allows them to orally express and build up their vocabulary, before they write.

See www.dyslexia.ie  or ring 01-8776001.

A ‘Wheel of Apps’ image for the iPad, which identifies relevant apps, can be found at www.callscotland.org.uk

TOP TIPS

* Tablets, computers, and apps are fun to use and seen by children as a cool way to learn.

* It’s a medium they are comfortable with.

* With ebooks children can learn through ‘ear-reading’, or listening as they read.

* Games can be used and are an exciting way for children to practise their reading and spelling.

* At the technology workshops children identify with others struggling like themselves.