You might never expect jumping, stretching or throwing a soft ball across the room to help a child read better, yet many dyslexic kids respond to movement in ways that surprise even experienced educators. New research shows that physical movement strengthens the brain pathways involved in reading, especially for children who struggle with phonological processing and working memory. Dyslexic kids often think in pictures rather than in strings of letters, so sitting still while trying to decode words can feel like asking the brain to work against its natural style. Movement wakes up the attention system, improves coordination between the left and right sides of the brain and helps kids process sounds more effectively. Some children find that when they walk or bounce lightly, words make more sense. It is not magic. It is simply how their sensory and cognitive systems work best. Many families notice this at home without realizing it is based on science. A child pacing while reading out loud or fidgeting while spelling is not being restless. Their body is helping the brain function. Once parents understand this connection, reading practice becomes less like a battle and more like a team effort between mind and body.
Research also shows that movement based reading activities improve confidence. Kids who struggle with reading often carry a sense of frustration or embarrassment. When movement is added, the activity feels playful instead of stressful. For example, tossing a beanbag each time a child sounds out a syllable helps them break down words without feeling overwhelmed. Walking while reading short flashcards can turn practice into an adventure. Some schools use rhythm exercises to strengthen phonemic awareness. Even simple things like tapping on the table or marching in place helps train timing and sequencing, two skills that support decoding. Routines matter too. A short burst of physical activity before reading can reduce anxiety and improve focus. This might be a quick stretch, a small dance break or a walk around the room. Dyslexic learners also benefit from multisensory methods that combine voice, movement and visuals. Tracing letters in sand while saying the sounds aloud, using large body movements to form letters or reading while standing at a vertical surface activates different parts of the brain that support memory and comprehension. Humor helps here. Some parents joke that they never expected reading lessons to look like a kids workout session. But if it works, it works. Over time, movement based learning helps children feel stronger, calmer and more capable. Reading does not have to be a still and silent activity. For dyslexic children, reading grows best when the whole body is invited to join the learning process.
To know more visit sparklebuds.com/curiosity-corner/