In young children it can be hard to get across that they are struggling. They may feel like they get lost at school whilst other children seem to get the hang of things a lot quicker.
Children with dyslexia often have to work harder than non-dyslexic children and so they are determined to prove how dyslexia will not hold them back. It can be frustrating for them so as a parent/guardian or teacher, it’s worth taking the time to really listen and understand the child and the struggles they are facing.
Every individual with dyslexia experiences it differently and will have a mix of strengths and difficulties. They are often strong in other areas such as creativity and have the ability to think outside the box so you help them to make the most of their dyslexic skills.
A dyslexic child will have limitations but there are a few simple steps we can take to ensure they get the most out of learning for a brighter future.
The right resources, support and making alterations to learning styles can be instrumental in a child’s development and ability to retain information and can make the world of difference in a child’s experience with dyslexia.
10 things your child wants you to know
- I am not stupid or lazy, I need time to get things done
Children with dyslexia may need more time to understand tasks or extra time to read or complete a piece of work.
- I may be dyslexic but I can still shine in lots of ways
Those with dyslexia are often very gifted in areas such as creative thinking and problem solving.
- It might take me a long time to ‘get it’ but when I ‘get it’ it sticks
Constant learning will ensure that your child with dyslexia will remember and feel comfortable with something and remember it going forwards.
- When you break things down into smaller steps, I find it really, really helpful
It may be hard to process large chunks of information so breaking it down in to bitesize chunks will mean they may be able to take it in better.
- Sometimes I just need to work in a different way to the others in the class to get the job done
One way of learning doesn’t work for everyone, children with dyslexia can’t hold information as efficiently as a non-dyslexic child. Multisensory learning is where you use more than one sense at a time so you can use sight, hearing, movement and touch. The physical elements of playing games or using materials such as playdough or LEGO can be useful to engage a child more.
- I try my best but do get frustrated. I need you to be patient with me
It can be frustrating for the chid when they can’t get something straight away, so they need you to be patient and offer support.
- My dyslexia does not only affect my literacy skills
Dyslexia can affect other areas such as organisation, memory and coordination. A child with dyslexia has to work harder and will often think differently to a non-dyslexic which may be frustrating and confusing at times but it’s important to be reassuring and adjust the way things are done.
- I find visual reminders helpful as I sometimes find remembering everything a bit tricky
Photos or clues can be useful to jog a child’s memory such as a to do list using colour coding. You can practice finding patterns in letters, numbers and shapes as this will help your child’s memory process.
- I often like to work in a quiet room as I can find noises distracting
Too much sound or things going on can be distracting for a child with dyslexia, allowing a child reasonable adjustment such a quiet area to work or one on one time can be beneficial.
- My dyslexia is just one part of my character. It does not define who I am or want to be
Dyslexia is just part of a person, it does not define who they are, they are so much more than their diagnosis and go on to achieve big things.
Although it’s important to carry on learning at home away from the school environment, adjusting it for a child with dyslexia can be instrumental in their development. The formality of sitting down to read and write is often not the best way for a dyslexic child to absorb information. As mentioned in the 10 points above, multisensory learning is great for engaging dyslexic children. Even getting your child to read signs when you’re out somewhere, helping to compile a shopping list, reading their favourite magazine or making up stories are proactive ways of learning.
About Dyslexia First
Dyslexia First provides first-class dyslexia assessments for children and adults across the North West.
Owner Michala Morton has worked in the field of Special Needs for over 20 years, across a wide range of educational settings, and works closely with The British Dyslexia Association and The Dyslexia Association assessing children and adults.
Based in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, Dyslexia First is conveniently accessible by train, linking to Central Liverpool, Manchester and cities within an hour’s commute.
By helping you to get the right support, a world of possibilities will open, that might not have seemed accessible before.
Contact us to discuss your assessment needs at michala@dyslexia-first.co.uk or call 07711 904 589.
