Playing Games

Playing the game "Hang man" is not recommended for a child with dyslexia.  Such a game will cause fighting and accusations of cheating by others or just bad feelings from mean sayings.  Each player wants a chance to make up the word and let others guess.  Sierra, for example, may think she knows how to spell the word but throughout the game she spells it at least 3 ways and none are correct.  When she learns of the mistakes at the end she is upset while those she is playing with are also upset.    It's ok to say, let's not play hangman, let's play "x" and let it be something positive that builds on his or her talents.

There are so many wonderful games that can be played just for fun both outdoors and indoors.  There are many board games but stay away from games that require a lot of card reading.  Sierra loves dominoes and is learning Texas 42 dominoes.  Simplify games for your child and allow them to with make up games or to use their imagination to create stories.

It is important to know the talents and skills that your child will excel in to help build them up.  Some have great memory skills, math or drawing skills.  Teaching them to learn what their talents are at an early age will help them grow.

They already understand hard work because reading is hard work.  Help them transfer their work ethics on their skills and talents.  Play games for fun.  They already work hard so keep work separate....practice is work no matter how you look at it.  They may enjoy dancing and acting but it is still work when you practice.  They should be congratulated for their hard work with pure FUN in real games that engage them.