top of page
Search

Reading Activities for ADHD and Dyslexia: Simple 15-Minute Treasure Hunt That Builds Reading Confidence


Simple Reading Activities for ADHD and Dyslexia That Actually Work


Does your child with ADHD or dyslexia resist reading time every single day?


You're not alone. As a certified teacher and reading specialist, I've helped hundreds of families discover reading activities for ADHD and dyslexia that transform resistance into engagement.



Why Traditional Reading Activities Don't Work for ADHD and Dyslexia Children


Most reading activities for ADHD and dyslexia fail because they don't account for how these unique brains actually work. Children with ADHD need movement and immediate purpose, while children with dyslexia need multi-sensory approaches that bypass traditional decoding challenges.


Research from the International Dyslexia Association and ADHD Research Foundation shows that both neurotypes learn best through engaging, purpose-driven activities that connect to their real world.


Today's Multi-Sensory Reading Activity: Reading Treasure Hunt

Time: 15 minutes (perfect for ADHD attention spans and dyslexia processing needs) 


Materials: Just your house and curiosity! 


ADHD Benefits: Movement, purpose, immediate success


 Dyslexia Benefits: Visual recognition, context clues, success without decoding pressure


Your Reading Activities for ADHD and Dyslexia Mission:


Step 1: Become Reading Detectives (Movement + Visual Recognition) Walk through your home together looking for 10 different types of text. This gives ADHD children movement and purpose while helping dyslexic children recognize that reading happens in many visual formats.


Step 2: Hunt for Real-World Reading

  • Cereal boxes (great visual recognition for dyslexia, engaging for ADHD)

  • Mail and packages

  • Recipe cards (context-rich for dyslexic learners)

  • Instruction manuals

  • Grocery lists

  • Phone displays

  • Calendar appointments

  • Clothing labels (visual + tactile for multi-sensory learning)


Step 3: Celebrate Each Discovery (Confidence Building for Both) "Wow! You found reading everywhere! You're already a successful reader!" This builds confidence for dyslexic children who may struggle with traditional books and validates ADHD children's need for immediate success.


Step 4: Connect to Daily Life (Purpose for ADHD, Context for Dyslexia) "Reading this helps us make breakfast!" "This label tells us how to care for your clothes!" This gives ADHD children clear purpose while helping dyslexic children understand reading's practical value.


Why This Reading Activity Works for ADHD and Dyslexia Children

This activity works because it:

  • ✅ Includes movement (essential for ADHD brains)

  • ✅ Uses visual recognition instead of decoding (supports dyslexic learners)

  • ✅ Has immediate purpose (ADHD children need "why")

  • ✅ Provides context clues (helps dyslexic readers understand meaning)

  • ✅ Builds on existing success (confidence for both neurotypes)

  • ✅ Takes 15 minutes (manageable for both attention and processing differences)

  • ✅ Creates positive associations with reading (crucial for both)


Supporting Children with Learning Differences: Building on Today's Success

Many families are discovering that simple reading activities for ADHD and dyslexia work better than expensive tutoring. School districts nationwide are recommending these evidence-based strategies for children with learning differences.


Take Action Today

Spend 15 minutes doing this reading treasure hunt with your child. Focus on celebration and discovery, not perfection. Remember: success looks different for every child with ADHD or dyslexia.


Share your wins: Comment below with the most surprising place your family found reading! Other families supporting children with learning differences want to hear your success.


Day 2: Story Prediction Activities for ADHD and Dyslexia

Day 2 focuses on "story prediction activities for ADHD and dyslexia" – helping your child's unique brain get ready for reading success before opening any book.


Join Our Supportive Community

Don't do this journey alone! Join our Courageously Confident Reader Community where hundreds of families are transforming their struggling readers into confident scholars.


Simply add your name and email to join the conversation! You'll get:

  • Encouragement from other parents on the same journey

  • Real-time support when you hit challenges with ADHD or dyslexia

  • Expert guidance from a certified reading specialist

  • Success celebrations that keep you motivated

  • A safe space to share wins, struggles, and breakthrough moments


Your child's reading transformation is enhanced when you have a community cheering you on!



Transform your child's reading resistance into reading confidence with activities that work with their unique brain, not against it.


Your family's reading transformation starts with Day 1, but your success is guaranteed when you have a community of parents and reading specialists cheering you on!



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page