Is reading and writing a daily struggle for your child? Here are 18 free and low-cost dyslexia reading aids, from a simple ruler to text-to-speech, plus the best online reading programs and a 10-minute way to find what helps.
There are many reading and writing aids that help dyslexic children learn. Schools can use them in the classroom as reasonable adjustments, including:
- coloured overlays
- scanning pens
- speech-to-text software
Free 10-minute course
Help a dyslexic child learn word sounds
Fun sound puzzles, in 3 short activities. 10 minutes a day, with free printable worksheets.
Dyslexia reading aids: free and affordable
Here are 18 dyslexia aids to help a dyslexic child read, write and spell. Technology can be expensive, but most of these are free or low-cost.
- Whiteboard. Your child writes a word on a wipe-clean board and checks the spelling with you before writing it on paper.
- Ruler or reading ruler. Laid under a line of text, it helps your child keep their place in a block of writing.
- Multi-sensory aids. Coloured pens, paint, play dough or pasta shapes. Anything your child can see and touch can be used to spell out words. Dyslexic children often learn better with multi-sensory learning and muscle memory.
- Large letters. Bigger text, with more space between words and lines, can make reading easier.
- Dyslexia-friendly fonts. Plain, clear fonts like Arial, Verdana or Comic Sans can be easier to read. Change the font on screen, or when printing worksheets.
- Accessibility settings. Phones, tablets and computers have built-in settings to change screen colour and text size, and to read text aloud.
- Coloured overlays and paper. The research is mixed, but some children find coloured paper or overlays more comfortable. Learn more: which colour overlay is best for dyslexia?
- Word games. Tongue twisters, rhymes and memory games help your child think about the sounds in words, which helps reading.
- Touch typing. Typing can be easier than handwriting for some dyslexic children. It can speed up writing and make work easier to read back.
- Sticky notes. Great for planning and answering questions. Write one word or idea on each note, then use them to talk or write about the topic.
- Spell checker. Most computers have one built in. Online tools like Grammarly can also help.
- Mind maps. A thought tree or mind map helps your child get ideas down on paper fast. Try MindMup online.
- Voice assistants. Your child can ask Alexa or Siri, “How do you spell dog?”
- Tablets and phones. Pictures and videos help dyslexic children remember new words and ideas.
- Text-to-speech. Tools that read text aloud, like Natural Reader, help children who struggle with long pieces of writing.
- Speech-to-text. Your child speaks, and their words appear as writing. Try SpeechTexter or voice typing on a phone.
- Scanning pens. A C-Pen scans printed text and reads it aloud. See our top 10 reading pens.
- Mooki Cards. A deck of 56 ten-minute activities to help dyslexic children read, write and grow in confidence, based on research. See the Mooki Cards deck.
Try it today: find the right aid in 10 minutes
- Spot the struggle (2 minutes). Is it keeping their place, spelling, writing ideas down or reading long text?
- Pick 2 free aids (1 minute). For example, a ruler for keeping their place, or text-to-speech for long text.
- Try them together (5 minutes). Use each aid with a short piece of homework or a favourite book.
- Ask your child (2 minutes). Which one helped most? Keep it in their pencil case or school bag.
Want ready-made reading games?
The Reading Staircase card turns reading practice into a step-by-step game, with steps for you on the front and an activity for your child on the back. It’s one of 56 ten-minute activities in the Mooki Cards deck.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in
Top 7 dyslexia reading and writing programs
Online programs can be used at home or school to help dyslexic children practise reading, writing and spelling. Here are 7 popular ones:
- Phonics Play – phonics games to build the basics of reading.
- Reading Eggs – fun reading activities, with a dashboard so you can track progress.
- Nessy – multi-sensory games and videos for reading, writing and spelling, matched to your child’s level.
- Oxford Reading Tree – levelled reading books, as ebooks and paperbacks.
- ABCya – educational games for reading and more.
- IXL – practice in many school subjects, including reading.
- Read Aloud – record you or your child reading a book, then play it back.
For more, see our top 10 online reading programs and top 10 apps for kids with dyslexia.
Where to buy reading aids
You can find reading aids at specialist dyslexia shops, including:
Could it be something more?
Reading aids help, but if your child is still finding reading very hard, check the signs of dyslexia in 5 to 10 year olds. If they read the words but don’t understand them, read about speech, language and communication needs. If they can’t stay focused long enough to read, read about the 3 types of ADHD.
The bottom line
The best dyslexia reading aids are often simple and free: a ruler, bigger text, text-to-speech or a mind map. Try a couple and keep what works for your child. For ready-made reading activities, the Mooki Cards deck has 56 ten-minute cards, including Reading Staircase.
