Reading Supports That Help Struggling Readers and Students with Dyslexia

When a child struggles with reading, the right supports can make an immediate and meaningful difference. While these tools are especially helpful for students with dyslexia, they can benefit any developing reader by reducing cognitive load and improving access to text.

It is important to remember that supports do not replace structured literacy instruction, but they can significantly improve confidence, independence, and comprehension while foundational skills are developing. Below are simple, effective reading supports families and teachers can implement right away.

Text-to-speech (TTS) technology reads digital text aloud to the student. This is one of the most powerful accessibility tools for struggling readers. TTS helps reduce the decoding fatigue that often comes with reading and supports comprehension. Many devices already include built-in TTS features, such as Speak Screen on iPads or Read Aloud in browsers, making this support easy for families to start using immediately. There are also websites where you can paste text and have it read aloud. I use this feature often and have relied on it for many years.

Physically tracking print using a finger, bookmark, or reading strip helps anchor a student’s eyes to the text. I recommend this to my students frequently and often give them a choice of tracking method. Tracking improves visual attention and reduces line skipping. If your learner often loses their place on the page or misreads small words like “the” as “a,” tracking is a helpful strategy. Although simple, it is highly effective, especially for early readers and students with dyslexia.

Audiobooks allow students to enjoy rich, age-appropriate literature even when decoding skills are still developing. I remember going to the library for books on tape before audiobooks were widely accessible. Reading can be tiring, and having audiobooks available helps reduce reading fatigue while keeping students engaged with text. Audiobooks also support vocabulary growth and comprehension. When possible, have your child follow along in the printed text while listening. Personally, I still like to look at the physical book while listening to the narration.

Fonts designed for readers with dyslexia, such as Dyslexie, use heavier bottoms and distinct letter shapes to reduce visual confusion. Some children’s books are now printed in Dyslexie, and many websites with accessibility features allow you to change the font with the click of a button.

Summary

Reading supports can be very helpful tools for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. They reduce frustration, improve access to grade-level material, and build confidence.

However, the most important intervention for struggling readers remains structured, explicit literacy instruction that directly teaches decoding and spelling skills. This type of instruction helps strengthen the brain pathways involved in reading.

If your child continues to struggle with reading despite classroom support, targeted intervention may be the next important step.