A Multi-Purpose Gift for Children of All Abilities Story Time:

By Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD

PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT ABILITIES CAN BECOME OVERWHELMED WHEN TRYING TO MEET THEIR FAMILY’S DAILY BASIC NEEDS. THERE NEVER SEEM TO BE ENOUGH HOURS IN A DAY, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ADD IN THE TIME NEEDED TO TEACH SELF-HELP SKILLS, COORDINATE PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, AND SPEECH THERAPY, MONITOR MEDICATION, MANAGE SOCIALIZATION NEEDS, PROVIDE CONSTANT SUPERVISION, AND SO ON. THE LIST OF DUTIES CAN SEEM ENDLESS AT TIMES.

Turns out, one of the biggest gifts you can give your exceptional child is FREE. It simply involves grabbing a book and reading with or to them. Not all children with different abilities struggle with reading. Some excel at it. Regardless, every student, including nonspeakers, can benefit from practicing reading or being read to by someone else.

1. Become a model for reading

Children, both disabled and non-disabled, tend to model what they see. Watching you read a book for entertainment or pleasure allows them to witness the benefit of reading personally. When reading with or to a child, you are modeling so many book-handling skills. A child can learn ways to hold an e-reader, how to turn pages, how to properly care for a book, how bookmarks can be utilized, etc. These skills can be generalized from home to their classroom or community.

2. Make reading easy and fun

Find a time during the day for you and your child to simply relax and enjoy a book together. Lay a blanket on the floor, sit on the sofa together, or hang out in your child’s bedroom. Bring a snack or drink with you. Take a break if necessary. Use funny or animated voices for characters to hold interest. Point out things you notice about any illustrations and ask questions about what happens in the book. Invite your child to share their thoughts. This is a great way to bond and enjoy personal time.

3. Don’t constantly correct

If your child begins to read aloud and make errors, don’t feel the need to correct them constantly. When children are repeatedly corrected while reading, they quickly become frustrated or discouraged and will want to end the activity. Instead, simply model the correct pronunciation if it is your turn to read aloud. They will begin to pick up the proper way to pronounce a word without being interrupted.

4. Let your child select the book

Don’t force books or topics on your child that they don’t enjoy. Instead, involve them in the selection process. Consider their interests and allow them to center those interests on the books they want to read with you. You may be surprised at the topics they find compelling.

5. Enjoy the public library

Money can be tight for many families these days. However, books are available for free at libraries. Take your exceptional needs child on a trip to your local library. Show them how to sign up for their personal library card and carry it in their purse or wallet. Libraries also serve as a place to spend time within your community. Many contain rentable technology and public computer labs. I have found employees at most local libraries are very open to having children with disabilities visit. They can help them find books of interest or research materials they may need for school projects.

6. Don’t use reading as a form of punishment

When disciplining for misbehavior, never use reading as a form of punishment. Telling a child they must sit in the corner until they have read 10 pages can send the “wrong” idea of what reading is all about. If they are taught to view reading as a negative consequence, they will be less likely to seek it out independently.

7. Plan your reading around your community outings

If you are planning an outing with a differently abled child, try to center your reading topics on the excursion. If your day involves going to the zoo, you may want to read about different animals. If you are planning a trip to the bakery, you could read about cookies and cupcakes. Maybe your child has a favorite superhero and you are planning a trip to the movie theater. Find a book about that hero to share before the trip!

8. Utilize recipe reading

Many parents forget recipe reading is an essential life skill. It can assist children with developing a level of independence as they mature. The greatest thing about recipe reading is that it includes practicing reading skills AND eating your creation!

9. Start a book club

Have your child consider starting a book club. It could involve their friends at school or in the neighborhood or be open to new faces, which can help widen their friendship circle and advance their social skills. Consider hosting a book club meeting at your home. Providing a few snacks and a fun environment could help your child to enjoy spending time with their peers.

10. Teach independence

Many parents who read to their children enjoy the bonding time. However, don’t be surprised if, after a while, your child no longer wants to read with you. You may notice they are reading on their own and not being prompted to do so. Upon seeing this, some parents will experience a sense of loss. Don’t be discouraged—pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Your child has found their own enjoyment in reading and developed a level of independence. Celebrate your success!

Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD works with students with disabilities in the Northwest Arctic. He recently retired as an Assistant Director of Special Education for a public school district. Dr. Malcolm is also an Associate Faculty Member with the University of Phoenix and a Special Graduate Faculty member at the University of Kansas. He has Bachelor level degrees in English and Special Education. He holds Master level degrees in Counseling, Special Education, and School Administration. His doctorate degree is from Northern Arizona University in Educational Leadership. His postgraduate degrees are in Positive Behavior Supports and Autism Spectrum Disorders. He has worked for the past 38 years with students between the ages of three and 21 with disabilities and various medical needs in both school and community-based settings.