6 Reasons Why Routine Is Important to Dyslexics
Steps you can take to reduce anxiety at home, school and social environments
Has your child returned to school unsettled and anxious?
Perhaps you’ve slipped out of routine over the school holidays – it’s easy to do.
Individuals with dyslexia and other learning difficulties often struggle to get back into the swing of things when routine is interrupted. They thrive on having clear, consistent guidelines and routine to follow. And when there is a break in this, frustration and anxiety can surface, making returning to routine difficult.
In this months’ blog, we share why a dyslexic child reacts this way and steps you can take to reduce anxiety at home, school and social environments.
- Dyslexics thrive on routine
Dyslexic people take solace in routine, knowing what to expect next makes them less anxious and more willing.
2. Improved time management
Disorganised chaos, being late for school or appointments can be stressful for any child. Having a clear routine helps a child to maximise their time – maximising their learning and playtime.
3. Promotes independence
Routine helps a child to know what’s coming next – this helps them to become more independent, confident for the day ahead. Having a responsibility such as feeding a pet or emptying the dishwasher also instils independence.
4. Routine strengthens relationships
Having fair and consistent routines will help to build trust and strengthen relationships between the child and their peers, career, parent, or teacher.
5. Increased engagement
Knowing what’s in store for the day may help a child to feel relaxed, prepared to get involved in activities and classroom learning.
6. Routine creates repetition
Repeating the same tasks helps a dyslexic learner to build on confidence and familiarity, improving skills such as reading and writing. As they feel more confident, anxiety is reduced and they’re happier doing the task.
About Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disability that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling. It is estimated that up to 1 in 10 people struggle with dyslexia, and it is common in both children and adults.
The signs will vary between child and adult, and we have a useful checklist on our website.
Individuals with dyslexia tend to naturally gravitate towards other areas such as creative thinking and problem-solving tasks. Read more in our blog, ‘What is Dyslexia?’.
How to keep to routine with a dyslexic child
One of the common traits of dyslexic learners is creativity (we delved into this in our blog ‘Is there a link between Dyslexia and Creative Thinking?), visual illustrations are easier to understand than written format.
- Create a timetable
Sit together to create a visual timetable. Use colours to code certain activities, stickers to make it more fun, and work together to make a plan that works for the whole family. Having this visual reputation will bring comfort and confidence to your child.
By using a visual aid, multiple senses are being used for learning, helping the child to process the information in a way that is easy to understand and fun!
- Advanced preperation
Being late can cause unnecessary anxiety for a dyslexic child. Make sure to be prepared – set a 10 minute warning alarm so you know how long you have left before leaving. Make packed lunches in advance. Planning and preparation will help keep to routine.
- Review your routine
Review the timetable, discuss with your child if there’s anything they are super confident on, or any struggles. Perhaps there’s a job they’d like to do more often or something new they’d like to try.
In Summary
Routine is important for a dyslexic learner and simple to incorporate into your daily life, at school and home. It contributes towards a child’s self-esteem, confidence and ability – and if not followed, can cause anxiety and frustration.
We’d recommend finding a way to illustrate your child’s routine, either pictorially or in a list (remember to keep it fun!) so that your child has a clear guide to follow. Remember to review this from time to time, adding extra roles around the home can help to build confidence for your child.
About Dyslexia First
At Dyslexia First we want to help those who are living with dyslexia to enjoy life and the opportunities it brings. We are relentlessly positive about dyslexia.
If you would like to talk further about dyslexia and discuss assessment for children or adults, please get in touch.
Getting assessed by a qualified practitioner is crucial to getting the correct diagnosis and accessing the help and support you need for your child. Always check an assessor’s qualifications at: SpLD Assessment Standards Committee website.
Sources:
The Importance of Typicality & Classroom Routines for New Teachers
How to Build Confidence and Self Esteem in Dyslexic Learners
Many parents worry about how dyslexia might affect their child’s confidence. You may notice your child working harder than others, doubting their abilities or feeling anxious about reading or writing. These feelings are understandable, but they do not have to shape your child’s future. With the right support, confidence can grow and thrive.
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