How Imagination Supports Reading Development in Dyslexic Children

When reading becomes a battleground, imagination can be a secret ally

If you're the parent of a child with dyslexia, you probably know how tough reading can be. Maybe your child avoids books altogether. Maybe homework ends in tears or frustration. You want to help, but don’t always know how. Amid all the strategies, specialists, and structured reading programs, there’s one powerful—yet often overlooked—ally in your child’s journey: imagination.

Imagination isn’t just a cute add-on; it’s a fuel for learning, especially for children who process information differently. Children with dyslexia often excel in creative thinking, storytelling, and problem-solving. Tapping into these strengths can reshape how they experience reading—not as a source of stress, but as a door to wonder and discovery.

Why imagination matters more than we think

Dyslexia doesn’t affect intelligence or creativity. In fact, many dyslexic children show heightened visual thinking and have rich inner worlds. They might struggle with decoding letters, yet craft beautifully complex stories. That discrepancy can be perplexing for both child and parent. But it’s also where hope lies.

Imagination allows children to connect emotionally and cognitively with stories, even before they can read fluently. It gives them access to the magic of narrative—something crucial not just for motivation, but also for comprehension, vocabulary building, and empathy.

For example, a child who listens to a captivating story about dragons and time travel can picture the scenes, follow the plot, and engage deeply—skills that directly support reading comprehension. When you later hand them a book, they’re not just seeing words; they’re entering a world they’ve already been part of.

Imagination as a bridge—not a detour

Sometimes, the pressure to focus on phonics and decoding can make imaginative play feel like a distraction. But it’s not an either/or situation. Imaginative engagement can actually support reading-related skills in subtle, meaningful ways:

• Visualizing story structure: Dyslexic children often grasp patterns through storytelling—beginning, middle, and end—even if they can’t read the words yet.
• Enhancing motivation: Children are more likely to want to "crack" the code of reading when stories matter to them personally.
• Building vocabulary: Through rich, imaginative narratives, children pick up new language naturally and contextually.

What’s more, recent research shows that storytelling can stimulate the same brain areas as reading. So even if your child isn’t reading fluently yet, their brain is still being prepared and trained through immersive narrative experiences.

How you can nurture your child's imaginative life—and why it helps

Creating space for your child’s imagination doesn’t mean ditching structure or routines. But it does mean valuing their unique way of seeing the world. Here are a few everyday ways to cultivate this, while still supporting reading development:

• Storytelling sessions: Not all stories need to come from books. Make space for back-and-forth storytelling—either shared or invented together. Let your child take the lead and shape the characters and plot. This supports narrative thinking, sequencing, and expressive vocabulary.
• Draw what you imagine: Invite your child to draw scenes from stories they’ve heard or invented. If decoding words is stressful, this allows them to express comprehension and interpretation in a low-pressure way.
• Act it out: Re-enacting parts of a story with toys or role-play encourages deep engagement, memory retention, and emotional connection to the material.

All of these experiences validate your child as a creative thinker—and when reading does happen, it begins to feel like another way to access something they already love.

Listening before reading: the stepping stone many kids need

For many dyslexic children, listening to stories offers the first, positive entry point into the world of reading. It allows them to connect with characters, voice, rhythm, and storytelling structures without the barrier of decoding. One helpful resource for this is LISN Kids, an app offering original audiobooks and audio series specifically designed for children aged 3–12. Using LISN Kids on iOS or Android, children can explore imaginative story worlds at their own pace—without the stress of reading.

Being your child’s ally—imaginatively and emotionally

It’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing only on what your child can’t do yet. But consider this: dyslexia is not a lack of effort or capability. It’s a different way of processing language and information. By embracing your child’s imagination, you’re not just making learning more joyful—you’re also respecting their strengths and giving them tools that empower, rather than discourage.

If your child is just starting school, you might find this guide—How to Support a Child with Dyslexia Starting First Grade (CP)—helpful. And if you’re wondering how much daily practice is enough, our article on daily reading time breaks it down clearly. Finally, when emotions run high, knowing how to talk about dyslexia in a non-stigmatizing way can make all the difference.

Your child is more than a struggling reader—they are an imaginative explorer. When reading becomes a world to enter, rather than a hurdle to conquer alone, everything begins to change.