Confident Learners: Navigating Dyslexia Together
Navigating dyslexia can be difficult, but if you suspect your child may have it, I want to offer some tools to help them feel confident in their comprehension writing and study skills.
You may have noticed your child having difficulty in reading and writing, their phonological awareness, or handwriting skills. The earlier you can detect dyslexia and get your child support, the better. I encourage families to have their child tested so that they can get the right help. Early intervention equips your child with more tools to problem-solve as they grow. If you're concerned, talk to your child’s teacher or a pediatric specialist. There are many curriculums and programs that can support your child's academic journey. I was specifically trained in Orton-Gillingham, which has been helpful when supporting students who have dyslexia. It’s a very systematic, multi-sensory approach to phonics that can make a big difference.
One of the first steps I take for any student who is struggling is to figure out what type of learner he/she is —whether auditory, visual, or kinesthetic. This will help you choose the right activities and manipulatives that are needed to help them learn a concept. When narrowing down your child’s learning style, it can also be helpful to incorporate all three learning types. This way, they can interact with skills in more than one way, which can boost their understanding. Use scaffolding methods by gradually handing off skills they’ve mastered to help them build confidence.
When teaching lessons, aim to master one skill before moving on to the next. This is more effective than rushing through a set curriculum to keep up with a schedule. It may take time for your child to fully grasp a concept, so practice skills daily and track their progress. This will help you pinpoint areas where they may be struggling and give you a chance to focus on nurturing those skills before introducing new ones.
Using Manipulatives for Dyslexic Learners
Manipulatives can be especially helpful for children with dyslexia. Consider providing your child with a whiteboard and marker so they can practice writing and erasing without the pressure of making mistakes. Encourage them to keep trying until they are successful.
Tactile Tools to Reinforce Learning
Other tactile tools can also be beneficial. For example, writing in sand or using a bumpy screen (like a textured fabric or surface) can help engage their sense of touch and reinforce letter formation and spelling. These hands-on methods make learning more interactive and fun, while allowing your child to practice without fear of imperfection.
Allowing Time for Mistakes
Also, give your child time to make mistakes. This is how they learn and grow. Children with dyslexia may need more time than others, so it's important to be patient and create an environment where they feel they have enough time to complete difficult tasks.
Creating a Fun Learning Environment
When working on reading and writing at home, create a fun and safe space for your child to learn and grow. Consistency is key! Stick to a routine each day to build strength and motivation. For example, read together every night before bed. You can do most of the reading while your child answers comprehension questions. Audiobooks can also be great, especially on road trips or during “rest time”.
Encouraging Writing Through Fun Activities
For writing, encourage journaling, copying Bible verses, or creative writing to boost their skills. Instead of grading their work, keep it fun and interactive, and encourage them to use their imagination. In my classroom, we did activities like “Minute Monday” (journaling as much as they could in one minute), “Wacky Writing Wednesday” (using silly prompts), and “Paragraph of the Week” on Fridays (where they wrote a longer piece on a topic of their choice). Then you can incorporate more structured lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Teaching Organizational and Study Skills
For students with dyslexia, it's especially important to teach study and organizational skills. They need tools to help them focus and stay on track with tasks. Help your child create a system that works for them—whether it’s logging tasks in a calendar or using a visual checklist to prioritize their work. One method I like to incorporate is the “first, then” strategy. The student FIRST completes a task you need them to work through, THEN they get to choose something they’d like to do next, like taking a brain break, drawing, or listening to music while working on their next task. This approach gives them a bit of control while also helping you ensure they complete the tasks they need to.
Along with all of this, encourage a growth mindset. Talk to your child about the importance of not giving up and remind them that they might not feel confident in reading yet, but that doesn’t mean they can't grow. God has given them the ability to work hard and improve beyond what they currently understand. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Finally, ask for support. Building a community can be incredibly helpful. Navigating this journey alone can feel overwhelming, but teaming up with your school, Family-Focused Tutors for expert, personalized help, or other parents facing similar challenges can provide encouragement and fresh ideas. Don’t hesitate to explore new curriculums to find what works best for your child. As a parent, you want what’s best for your kids, and there are plenty of resources available to help. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new routines. We are here to help if you need assistance along the way!