Resources
Tools and strategies.
Tutoring approaches
When looking for a tutor or Educational Therapist, ask which approach they are trained in. These are well-established, structured, multisensory methods.
Orton-Gillingham–based programs (opens in a new tab)
The foundation of most Structured Literacy instruction. Slingerland, Wilson and Barton are all built on the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Lindamood-Bell (opens in a new tab)
A separate, research-based method focused on sensory-cognitive processing, including phonemic awareness, symbol imagery and comprehension.
Making Math Real (opens in a new tab)
A multisensory, structured approach to math. Look for a tutor who uses its methods.
Reading & audiobooks
A dyslexia diagnosis generally makes a student eligible for accessible-book libraries like Bookshare and Learning Ally. Listening to audiobooks about topics of interest keeps a love of stories alive when the reading itself is too great a challenge. For longer reading assignments, listening to the audio recording while following along in the text lets a child hear how unfamiliar words are pronounced, without stopping to decode each one and losing the meaning of the passage.
Bookshare (opens in a new tab)
A large accessible ebook library with audio narration and word highlighting. Free for U.S. students with a qualifying disability, including dyslexia. A qualified professional confirms eligibility; an IEP or 504 plan is not required. Adults can join for an annual fee.
Learning Ally (opens in a new tab)
A nonprofit library of human-narrated audiobooks, including school textbooks and popular titles, with text highlighting. Offers family memberships as well as programs through schools.
Audible & Kindle (Whispersync for Voice) (opens in a new tab)
Pair a Kindle book with its Audible narration so a child can listen and read along as the words are highlighted.
Leveled ebooks for guided, repeated oral reading practice. Usually accessed through a child’s school or teacher.
Read Naturally (opens in a new tab)
Individualized online reading intervention with audio-supported, leveled stories for building fluency at school or at home.
An online reading program for struggling readers in grades K–12 that addresses fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. Offered mainly through schools, with an option for families.
Study strategies
Preview what is coming
Previewing information about upcoming academic topics helps, particularly in subjects that place heavy demands on working memory.
Sort and categorize
Many dyslexic learners are strong at classification and categorization. Grouping new, detailed information into categories makes it easier to retain.
A study tool for creating digital flashcards, with audio so terms can be heard as well as read.
A study app that turns class notes, documents and videos into flashcards, practice quizzes and study guides, and can turn course material into audio to listen to. Free to start, with paid features.
Games & activities
Play is a low-pressure way to build sight word vocabulary, spelling and blending skills.
Word games
Word Bingo, Concentration, Boggle, and Scrabble or Scrabble Junior.
Compound word puzzles
Puzzles that join two words into one (snow + man) reinforce word recognition, spelling and blending.
Word searches
Helpful for learning content vocabulary and reinforcing correct spelling.
Education.com (opens in a new tab)
Printable worksheets and games that support these skills. Some content requires a paid membership.
Math strategies
Making Math Real — the 9 Lines (opens in a new tab)
A visual strategy for learning multiplication and division facts.
TouchMath (opens in a new tab)
The child touches points on each number while counting. The concrete reinforcement helps them work more slowly and carefully while preserving fluency.
Manipulatives
Hands-on objects such as blocks and counters for practicing math facts.
Adaptive, game-based practice for building math fact fluency.
Assistive technology
Built-in dictation
Speech-to-text is free on most devices: the microphone key on iPhone, iPad and Android keyboards, Voice Typing in Google Docs, and Dictate in Microsoft Word.
TalkTyper (opens in a new tab)
Free browser-based dictation.
Wispr Flow (opens in a new tab)
Voice dictation that works in any app on computers and phones, and tidies up spoken words into clear written text. Free to start, with a paid plan.
Natural Reader (opens in a new tab)
Text-to-speech: paste text or import a document, press play and listen.
Speechify (opens in a new tab)
Text-to-speech that reads documents, web pages and photographed pages aloud, highlighting each word as it goes. Works in a browser and on phones; free to start, with a paid plan.
Grammarly (opens in a new tab)
An online spelling and grammar proofreader.
Lets students highlight and take notes on web articles as they research online.
Calm & confidence
Struggling with reading can take an emotional toll. Building calm and confidence matters as much as building skills.
Activities outside the classroom
Sports and other extracurricular activities that highlight a child’s strengths help them build confidence in a non-academic setting.
Smiling Mind (opens in a new tab)
A free mindfulness app with programs for children and teens.
A mindfulness and sleep app.
Headspace (opens in a new tab)
A mindfulness and meditation app.
The Neurodiversity Alliance (formerly Eye to Eye) (opens in a new tab)
Home of the Eye to Eye Mentoring Program, which pairs high school and college mentors who learn differently with middle school students, plus neurodiversity clubs for teens.
For parents
Understood (opens in a new tab)
A wealth of resources and guidance on learning and thinking differences.
Decoding Dyslexia CA (opens in a new tab)
A parent-led California advocacy group with information on dyslexia, resources and legislation.
Overcoming Dyslexia (opens in a new tab) — Sally Shaywitz & Jonathan Shaywitz (2nd ed.)
Detailed information about dyslexia across the lifespan.
The Dyslexic Advantage (opens in a new tab) — Brock Eide & Fernette Eide
The Mislabeled Child (opens in a new tab) — Brock Eide & Fernette Eide
The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan (opens in a new tab) — Ben Foss
The Optimistic Child (opens in a new tab) — Martin Seligman
California law
For California families, these laws shape how schools identify and support students with dyslexia.
Education Code 56337.5 (opens in a new tab)
A student assessed as dyslexic who meets the eligibility criteria for a specific learning disability is entitled to special education and related services.
AB 1369 (2015) (opens in a new tab)
Added phonological processing to the state’s definition of basic psychological processes used in determining eligibility, and required the California Dyslexia Guidelines, published in 2017.
California Dyslexia Guidelines (opens in a new tab)
Guidance for teachers and parents on identifying, assessing and supporting students with dyslexia.
SB 114 (2023) — K–2 reading screening (opens in a new tab)
Since the 2025–26 school year, schools must screen every student in kindergarten through 2nd grade for risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, once a year. Parents may opt out in writing.
AB 1454 (2025) (opens in a new tab)
Requires that foundational reading instruction, instructional materials and teacher training in California follow evidence-based approaches.
KLIMB is not affiliated with and does not endorse any of the organizations or products listed here. Programs, prices and availability change, so please check each provider’s website for current details. Last reviewed October 2026.
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