The first month of a new school term can feel overwhelming for any child. Whether they’re experiencing their very first day of school or returning to a new year. For a dyslexic learner, it often comes with added layers of anxiety and uncertainty.
New routines. Unfamiliar timetables. The pressure to keep up. These all impact your child’s confidence and mental health.
So here’s our guide to help you support your dyslexic child, making sure they get the learning tools and support they need to fully reach their learning potential.
Week 1
The first week is all about emotional safety.
They’ve just spent the last 6 weeks of summer in known environments, routine and with family – so naturally the first week is a shift in feeling uncertain and vulnerable in a new setting.
Make time to ask your child about their day.
Are there any worries, did something feel easy? All children worry about going into a new school year, and being open can support them practically and emotionally. Look for signs of overwhelm, such as fatigue, frustration or withdrawal.
Schools should be working with your child to build rapport and may pick up signs of difficulty with reading, memory and processing. If you have any concerns, connect with your child’s teacher to initiate a positive channel of communication for the year ahead.
Recognising the signs of dyslexia often falls on teachers and parents, see how teachers spot the signs from inside the classroom in our blog.
Week 2
Like any stacking game (Jenga, Stacking Chairs…), week two is about strategy, breaking tasks into manageable steps and offering different ways to learning.
Speak to your child about what they enjoy – what works or helps them to learn.
Perhaps the teacher has given your child extra time to finish a task, or given coloured overlays for reading.
As a parent, you’ll know your child. It’s good to know the signs of dyslexia (see our Indicator Checklist) and raise any concerns with the teacher or SENCo.
Week 3
By the third week, your child should be feeling settled in school and adapting to the new routine.
Celebrate small wins – whether it’s doing homework, reading more week on week or simply coming home and talking about their day.
For an undiagnosed dyslexic, every day at school can be a challenge and place of frustration. It is also a superpower that unveils hidden strengths such as creativity, problem solving or simply finding an alternate way to learning.
Find out what’s working best for your child.
Week 4
The final week of the first month is a chance to reflect.
Review progress with the teacher or SENCO, share what’s working and set goals that you and your child can meet.
Previously dyslexia assessments could be carried out at any age, but now we’re waiting until a child is 8 years or older. This allows time for literacy skills to develop naturally and reduce a risk of misdiagnosis. See our blog What is Dyslexia – the new definition.
If your child falls below this age, teachers may put measures in place that help your child to fulfil their potential. Make sure that any strategies are communicated across all teachers to maintain consistency with teaching styles and learning aids.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Supporting a dyslexic child isn’t about fixing them—it’s about helping them feel seen, heard, and capable. The first month of term can set the tone for the entire year. When schools and families work together, dyslexic learners don’t just survive—they thrive.
If you’re looking for resources, community, or guidance, Dyslexia First offers practical tools and heartfelt support for families just like yours.
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.
If you’re concerned about your child’s progress, Dyslexia First offers first-class assessments tailored to age and need. We’re here to help you navigate the journey with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
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.
When Learning Feels Hard: Spotting Dyslexia Struggles
Two children can sit in the same classroom, hear the same instructions and be asked to complete the same work, yet experience learning in very different ways. Understanding this difference helps parents recognise why learning can begin to feel worrying for dyslexic children and how to spot early signs that they may be struggling.
Spotting Early Signs of Cognitive Overload in Dyslexic Learners
Spotting Early Signs of Cognitive Overload in Dyslexic Learners The start of a new term often brings fresh energy, but it can also feel demanding
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.
