Supporting children with Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that affects a child’s ability to read, write, and spell. Despite these challenges, with the right support and strategies, children with dyslexia can thrive academically and personally.
Signs & symptoms
Recognising the signs of dyslexia early can help children receive the support they need. Symptoms can vary, but common indicators include:
Early signs in preschool
Delayed speech development compared to peers.
Difficulty learning and remembering letters and their sounds.
Challenges with rhyming and recognizing patterns in words.
School-age children
Difficulty reading aloud, often reading slowly or with many mistakes.
Problems with spelling, often spelling the same word differently in a single piece of writing.
Difficulty understanding what they read, despite strong oral comprehension.
Trouble with sequencing tasks, such as following multi-step instructions.
Behavioural indicators:
Avoidance of reading and writing tasks.
Frustration or low self-esteem related to academic performance.
Better performance in oral activities compared to written ones.
Diagnosis & assessment
Early diagnosis and assessment are crucial for providing appropriate support to children with dyslexia. The process typically involves:
Initial concerns
Parents or teachers noticing difficulties with reading and writing.
Consulting with a paediatrician, special education teacher or psychologist.
Comprehensive evaluation
Conducted by educational psychologists or specialists in learning disabilities.
Includes tests to measure reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills.
Assessments of cognitive abilities to rule out other potential causes of learning difficulties.
Teaching strategies
Effective teaching strategies can make a significant difference in helping children with dyslexia succeed. Here are some proven methods:
Multisensory learning
Incorporates visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic-tactile elements to enhance memory and learning of written language.
Techniques like using sandpaper letters, finger tracing, or tapping out syllables can help reinforce learning.
Phonics instruction
Explicit teaching of the relationship between letters and sounds.
Structured programs that systematically cover phonics rules can be very beneficial.
Assistive technology
Tools like text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and word processors with spell-check can assist with reading and writing tasks.
Apps designed for dyslexia, such as those offering interactive phonics games, can make learning more engaging.
Regular practice and repetition
Consistent practice with reading and writing tasks.
Using flashcards, reading short passages repeatedly, and practicing spelling in context.
Building self-esteem
Children with dyslexia often struggle with self-esteem due to academic challenges. Here are ways to boost their confidence:
Celebrate their strengths
Focus on and celebrate areas where your child excels, such as creativity, problem-solving, or oral communication.
Encourage activities that highlight these strengths, such as art, sports, or storytelling.
Positive reinforcement
Praise efforts and improvements, no matter how small.
Create a reward system for meeting specific goals or milestones.
Encouragement and support
Provide a supportive and understanding environment at home.
Encourage open communication about their feelings and experiences with dyslexia.
Role models
Share stories of successful individuals with dyslexia, such as famous authors, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
Highlight that dyslexia does not define their potential for success.
Professional help
Educational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and specialised teachers can provide targeted support and strategies.
Regular consultations with these professionals can help tailor the approach to your child’s needs.