27th December 2024

As per surveys, around 10% of the world's population has dyslexia and it is one of the most common learning difficulties.
 

Try to place yourself in a classroom where you see one of your students—a girl dreading the sound of the bell before the start of a new lesson. As you explain a complex topic, you find her struggling to keep up with the notes. The words in her notebook seem to swirl together, and by the time she writes one sentence, you have already moved to the next! She understands the lesson. But without proper notes, she thinks she would forget everything she had just learned. She has 'dyslexia'.
 

As a teacher, you already know that the classroom is a battleground for students with dyslexia. But with the right strategies and tips, you can help them fight the difficulties and let them succeed and thrive.
 

Comprehension versus Note-Taking
 

Dyslexic students find it burdensome to listen and write simultaneously. While they listen to you, they understand. But the moment they begin to write, their ability to process information declines, making the entire learning journey extremely overwhelming.
 

The information they have absorbed while listening can slip away quickly. Without sufficient notes, they find it challenging to revise. 
 

In this case, one of the best ways to help a child with dyslexia is by distributing printed materials. This approach lets students focus on listening, processing, and engaging without the added pressure of writing everything down.
 

The handouts should contain all the crucial information that students need to retain. Accordingly, they can ask questions and clarify concepts during class. Practice this and notice how you change the classroom dynamic for students with dyslexia. They participate actively and engage without worrying about missing out on critical details.
 

5 Tried And Tested Methods To Help Dyslexic Students


Below are some more practical tips to ease the overall classroom experience.
 

1. Avoiding Obsession with Spelling & Grammar Mistakes
 

You will often find dyslexic individuals struggling with spelling and grammar (SPAG). Over-emphasizing these issues can negatively impact their confidence and creativity.
 

When you see the student repeatedly making the same mistake, discuss it constructively with them. Feedback should support their development, not cause embarrassment. Instead of pointing out every error, you can focus on the content of their work. Highlight only the critical issues- when the misspelling affects the meaning, but avoid overwhelming them with corrections.
 

2. Using Lesson Recordings
 

Lesson recordings can be a boon to students who need extra time to process information and listen to the lesson multiple times without limit.
 

Recordings help them pause, take notes, and fully absorb what they are learning without feeling rushed. They can go over key concepts at their own pace. Additionally, recordings allow dyslexic students to listen first and take notes later, reducing the stress of missing out on details.
 

3. Being Patient with Questioning
 

Students with dyslexia need more time to process what they have heard. If you ask them questions immediately after the lesson, they might not respond, feeling stressed and embarrassed.
 

To avoid this, consider revising key concepts in the following lesson. The students can then reflect, review notes, and prepare responses. They need space and timing. Only then can they comfortably demonstrate what they have learned, leading to better outcomes and less anxiety.
 

4. Allowing Extra Time for Tasks
 

You need to provide extra time to dyslexic students to complete assignments. By now, you already know that tasks like reading, writing, and even processing spoken information can take longer for these students. You can allow at least 25% extra time for assignments and tests.
 

This slight adjustment can make a big difference- enabling dyslexic students to feel confident by completing tasks without being rushed.
 

5. Being Clear & Concise with Instructions
 

Try being a pro at giving clear instructions. Dyslexic students do not like confusion.
 

When it comes to tasks, consider involving multiple steps or lists. You can write down instructions on the board or in handouts. Students then have a reference they can check and utilize to understand the expectations.
 

6. Offering Alternatives for Reading Materials
 

Reading is one of the most exhausting tasks for students with dyslexia.
 

When you see them struggle to keep up with lengthy paragraphs and books that are difficult to process, you can try an alternative. Offer them condensed versions of reading materials or summarize key points. The students will then be at a manageable pace without getting overwhelmed.
 

7. Encouraging Open Communication
 

Dyslexia manifests differently in every student. Reading is challenging for some, and writing or spelling might be for others. The key is open communication. Ask them directly how they learn best and what strategies work for them.
 

Accordingly, you can create a personalized learning plan that suits their unique needs. Also, note that students with dyslexia can be creative and resourceful. By listening to their feedback, you can form an environment where they feel encouraged to learn in their particular ways.
 

8. Recognizing Their Achievements
 

The biggest myth about dyslexic individuals is that they are not capable of achieving academic success. The reality is that they work harder than their peers and demonstrate exceptional skills in other areas. Their determination and organizational skills are incomparable.
 

As a teacher, it is important to celebrate their successes and not underestimate their abilities. Praise their effort and hard work, and let them know that their challenges do not define their potential.
 

9. Embracing a Growth Mindset
 

It is necessary to support students with dyslexia, but it is equally important not to let them use their condition as an excuse for not trying. Give them encouragement to embrace challenges and remind them that improvement is possible. With the right mindset and support, the sky is not the limit for students with dyslexia.
 

Bottom Line
 

Teaching students with dyslexia can be strenuous, but it is also quite rewarding. Patience, understanding, and key adjustments can make the journey easier.

 

If you are interested in special education, there are some online special education programs that you can sign up to gather in-depth knowledge.
 

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