As a parent or teacher, learning that a child is dyslexic can bring up a lot of feelings—uncertainty, concern, or even relief that there’s finally an explanation.
The most important thing to know? Dyslexia doesn’t mean a child can’t learn—it means they learn differently. With the right support and a bit of creativity and encouragement, children with dyslexia can flourish.
Let’s explore some simple, fun, and effective ways to support a dyslexic child both at school and at home.
At School: Making the Classroom a Safe and Stimulating Place
1. Use Multisensory Teaching Techniques
Children with dyslexia benefit greatly from multisensory learning—where they see, hear, touch, and move while learning. Instead of just reading and writing, try:
- Colour-coded notesto help with grammar and sentence structure
- Tactile lettersmade of sandpaper or felt
- Movement gamesfor spelling and memory
This method is recommended by the British Dyslexia Association (2023), as it helps students make stronger connections between sounds, letters, and words.
2. Incorporate Technology
Text-to-speech tools, audio books, and speech-to-text apps (such as Google Read & Write) can make reading and writing tasks more manageable and less frustrating. These tools help dyslexic children participate more confidently (International Dyslexia Association, 2017).
3. Break Tasks Into Manageable Chunks
Long assignments can feel overwhelming. Try breaking tasks into smaller steps with mini-deadlines. This helps with focus and gives students the satisfaction of ticking off goals as they go (Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation, 2024).
4. Celebrate Strengths and Creativity
Many dyslexic students are highly creative and brilliant problem-solvers. Providing opportunities to show what they’ve learnt through oral presentations, videos, drawings, or models helps build self-confidence and highlights their strengths (Eide and Eide, 2011).
5. Partner Up
Buddy systems and small-group work help dyslexic students feel supported rather than singled out. Working collaboratively also provides social and verbal reinforcement that helps reinforce concepts (Mortimore, 2008).
At School: Making the Classroom a Safe and Stimulating Place
1. Make Reading an Adventure, Not a Chore
Set up a cosy reading corner at home—somewhere quiet, with good lighting and comfy cushions. Listen to audiobooks together and follow along with the text. This helps build vocabulary and fluency in a relaxed, pressure-free way (Wolf, 2007).
2. Play With Words and Sounds
Games like Scrabble Junior, Bananagrams, or online apps like Teach Your Monster to Read can help kids practise phonics and spelling without even realising they’re learning.
3. Bring Learning Into Daily Life
Turn everyday activities into learning opportunities:
- Cooking:Read recipes out loud together
- Shopping:Write lists, find items on shelves, and calculate totals
- Driving:Spot number plates, read signs, or play “I spy” using sounds instead of letters
4. Encourage Self-Expression Through Art and Music
Dyslexic children often thrive in creative areas. Let them draw, paint, build, dance, or compose music. These outlets are not just fun—they help with sequencing, planning, and self-confidence too (Shaywitz, 2003).
5. Be Their Cheerleader
This journey isn’t always easy. Celebrate every small win and remind them that they are not alone. Share stories of successful people with dyslexia, like Richard Branson or South African-born Elon Musk, to show what’s possible. Knowing they’re in good company can be very empowering (Eide and Eide, 2011).
Final Thoughts
Supporting a dyslexic child is a team effort—and that team includes parents, teachers, therapists, and most importantly, the child themselves. When we approach learning with patience, playfulness, and positivity, we create a space where children feel seen, understood, and capable.
As the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation of South Africa (2024) says,
“Dyslexic students need opportunities to learn differently, not less.”
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