Parents and teachers of dyslexic children are always trying to think of new ways to help them overcome their difficulties with reading. Below is a list of several tried and true methods of helping them not only read better but to also love reading.

As very young readers, dyslexic children are often asked to write their letters in sand, trace sandpaper letters, or use wooden letters to spell words. Just because they are older is no reason to push the three dimensional words to the back. As these students grow older, use color transparencies that pull the words to them. Have them try several colors to see which color works best for them.

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Picture files are an easy addition to any child’s learning experiences. This file is capable of being used in every phase of teaching from phonics to math. The ease of constructing and using the box is not complicated and definitely adds to any child’s learning abilities.
The first item needed to assemble a picture file box is an appropriate box or file in which to store the pictures. This may be an accordion file, a file box, or a filing cabinet. File folders will be needed if using the file box or cabinet.
Label each section with a phonic sound:
Short a
Long a
Short e---(continue through the vowel sounds).
Create a series of sections with consonants, blends, digraphs, compounds, and other sections of phonics that are needed.
If one is adding sections other than phonics, label and search accordingly for those pictures.
Begin a collection of pictures to fit into the categories. Anywhere a correct picture can be found, collect it. In the local grocery brochure, there will be a picture of an apple for short “a”; a grape for the “gr” blend or a long “a” sound. The picture of a cake will yield the “c-v-c-v” pattern.  Old catalogues and magazines will fill your file quickly!
Seeing reinforces phonics lessons for the child in need of tactile learning. If a sound that is needed is particularly difficult to find, search for the appropriate picture on the internet. Be sure to notice the copyright laws before printing! As the child becomes familiar with this collecting process, he/she may want to add their own drawings to the group.
This picture file can be used to introduce letter-sound correspondence through a variety of sorting, classifying, matching and identification games. The file will provide a visual stimulus for writing and art activities as well as supplying visual aids for science and social studies. Often you can add the paintings of the great masters to add more art lessons. Graphs are often found in magazines as well. Many math skills can be incorporated into the picture file.  Check the weekly sales brochures for many math activities.
If possible, laminate pictures, and they will last forever.
The second step with which you can assist your student is to create a second box using the same labeling system. As the child proceeds and is successful with one concept, move those pictures to the second box. This second box may be used as review box, a testing box, or a re-teaching box.
This is a teaching aid that is easy to make and that provides useful resources for almost every subject area. It requires very little maintenance. The best aspect of the picture file is that it can grow to meet more needs. As the picture file grows, it will become more useful.