Dyslexia – Understanding & Support
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental learning difference that affects how a person recognises, decodes, and works with written language. It is not a reflection of intelligence or effort. Many dyslexic learners are creative, visual, and excellent problem-solvers — they simply need reading to be taught in a different way.
Quick Facts
- Often identified in early primary years
- Can co-exist with ADHD, Dyspraxia, and Autism
- Early intervention makes a big difference
- Multisensory teaching methods help most
- Adults can still be diagnosed and supported
How Dyslexia Shows Up
Signs & Traits
- Letter / sound confusion (b/d, p/q)
- Reads the same word differently each time
- Skips lines or loses place
- Spelling doesn’t match spoken ability
- May avoid reading aloud
How it Affects Learning
- Slower reading → harder to keep up
- Written tests cause stress
- Listening is often stronger than reading
- Copying from the board is tiring
- Can impact confidence or self-esteem
ND-Friendly Supports
- Use audiobooks + printed text
- Give notes or skeleton templates
- Teach phonics explicitly + repeatedly
- Offer extra time for reading/writing
- Celebrate strengths (art, building, tech)
Teaching & Classroom Strategies
These strategies can be used by teachers, tutors, parents, and support staff. Pick what works best for the learner.
1. Multisensory Teaching
Teach reading using sight, sound, movement, and touch together.
- Sand or textured letters
- Say–trace–write–read loop
- Magnetic letters or letter tiles
2. Visual Scaffolds
Help learners “see” the structure of words and tasks.
- Colour overlays or tinted backgrounds
- Chunk large texts into small parts
- Highlight key words or phonics patterns
3. Assessment Adjustments
Reduce reading load so knowledge can shine.
- Read-aloud assessments
- Extra time / alternate format
- Allow oral responses or video answers
4. Tech & AT Tools
Use tools to lift the reading barrier.
- Text-to-speech (TTS)
- Dyslexia-friendly fonts / spacing
- Reading pens
- Note-taking apps
Language Matters 💜
Dyslexia is not “being bad at reading.” It is a different way that the brain processes written language. Try to use:
- ✅ “Learner with dyslexia” / “dyslexic learner” (whichever they prefer)
- ✅ “Needs extra time for decoding”
- ✅ “We can change the environment, not the person”
- 🚫 Avoid: “lazy,” “not trying,” “just read more”
Calm Corner Reflection 🌿
How can I reduce the reading load for this learner without reducing the learning? What is one way I can make reading feel like success, not embarrassment?
Downloads & Classroom Tools
Use these with your teaching packs or Canva templates.
Dyslexia Support Checklist (PDF) Reading Strategies for Home Classroom Poster – “We Read in Different Ways”