Supporting Dyslexia Learners


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Teacher Speaking To Student

Hanna Beech

Hanna Beech has been teaching for ten years and has a range of experience across Key Stages 1 and 2 in a large Primary School in Kent. She is a phase leader for Years 3 and 4, and also leads on teaching and learning for...
Read more about Hanna Beech

How can you give dyslexia learners independence in the classroom?

According to the British Dyslexia Association, ten per cent of the population in the UK have dyslexia. Among other challenges, people with dyslexia can find reading, spelling and verbal processing difficult.

Here’s one idea to try out for dyslexic pupils in your class.

Four steps towards Independence

  1. Explain to the pupil that you understand how their dyslexia can make it trickier for them to access some of the learning and you want to help them overcome some of the difficulties.
  2. Jot down, with the child, the type of challenges they face during learning times (e.g. not knowing the spellings of words, the meanings of words, not being able to understand or retain information on the board during lessons).
  3. Set up a school iPad for the child. Meet again with the child, showing them how to use the apps to support their learning. For example,
    – “If you don’t know the meaning of a word, you can type it into the dictionary app.”
    – “Take photos of the slides I show so you can refer back to them.”
    – “To check a spelling, use the spell checker app to help you.”
    – “You can check a calculation, use the calculator app.”
  4. During lessons, remind the pupil to utilise the iPad for independence.

Why is this a good strategy?

Giving pupils with dyslexia the autonomy to help themselves when they need it most is a great way to empower them. Feeling understood and supported matters for all children, but even more so for children with additional needs.

Tip

Using a dark font on light (not white) background is advised as visually preferable to people with dyslexia. Make sure your worksheets and presentations follow this rule.


2 thoughts on “Supporting Dyslexia Learners

  1. It is always a very encouraging for the student if the educators are there for them as a support. Learners will feel motivated and confident when they have someone who always guides them and make them feel that they matter and that they are understood.

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