The return to school after the summer break can be challenging for any child, but for a dyslexic child, these challenges can feel particularly daunting. Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects reading and spelling, and it can impact various aspects of learning. As a parent, your support is crucial in helping your child transition smoothly back into the school routine.
Laura Gowers, founder of This is Dyslexia, a Kent based dyslexia assessment and tuition provider talks to us about how to support your primary-aged dyslexic child as they return to school.
Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact
The first step in supporting your child is to understand what dyslexia is and how it affects them. Dyslexia is more than just a difficulty with reading and spelling; it can also impact memory, processing speed, and organisational skills. Each child with dyslexia is unique, so it’s essential to recognise the specific challenges your child faces.
Talk to your child’s teachers to understand their experiences in the classroom. Understanding the specific areas where your child struggles will allow you to tailor your support more effectively. The diagnostic report that determines dyslexia will provide you a range of recommendations and strategies. Never underestimate the power of the support that you can provide at home.
Establish a Positive Mindset
Returning to school can bring up feelings of anxiety or frustration for a dyslexic child, especially if they’ve had negative experiences in the past. It’s essential to establish a positive mindset at home. Encourage your child by focusing on their strengths and reminding them of the progress they’ve made.
Discuss their feelings about school openly. Let them express any concerns or fears they might have. Reassure them that it’s okay to find some things challenging and that everyone learns differently. Emphasize the idea that effort and persistence are more important than being perfect.
Create a Structured Routine
Dyslexic children often benefit from structure and routine, as it helps them know what to expect and reduces anxiety. Try to incorporate a school term-time routine at home. This might include waking up at a usual time, having breakfast, and possibly consider doing some light academic activities in the morning. This doesn’t need to be with a formal task, instead try an educational game. This could be a reading style bingo or spelling game in the car on the way to school.
A consistent routine helps your child transition smoothly and reduces the stress of returning to a more structured environment. Make sure that your routine includes time for relaxation and activities they enjoy, as these are essential for maintaining a balanced life.
Communicate with Teachers
Maintaining open communication with your child’s teachers is crucial. Share any new insights or strategies that have worked at home over the summer break.
It’s also important to ensure that the school is aware of any accommodations your child might need. This could include extra time for reading and writing tasks, access to audiobooks, or the use of assistive technology. The more informed the teacher is, the better they can support your child in the classroom.
Use Multisensory Learning Techniques
Dyslexic children often benefit from multisensory learning, which involves using more than one sense at a time to help reinforce learning. For example, combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities can make it easier for a dyslexic child to grasp and retain information.
At home, you can support this by using tools such as flashcards with pictures and words, writing letters in sand or shaving cream, or using apps that incorporate sound and movement. These techniques make learning more engaging and can help reinforce what your child is learning at school.
Encourage a Love of Reading in Creative Ways
Reading can be a significant source of stress for dyslexic children, but it’s important to encourage reading in a way that builds their confidence rather than diminishes it. Consider using audiobooks, which allow your child to enjoy stories without the pressure of decoding the words themselves.
You can also read together, taking turns reading paragraphs or pages, or you can read to your child and then discuss the story. The goal is to make reading a positive experience. Remember that it’s not just about the act of reading but about developing a love for stories and learning. It’s important to schedule time where you read every day of the week. Even if you can only spare 5-10 minutes, this is vital support that is incredibly beneficial for your child.
Support Homework with Patience and Understanding
Homework can be particularly challenging for dyslexic children, so it’s important to approach it with patience and understanding. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and allow for frequent breaks to avoid frustration.
Use tools like graphic organisers and mind maps to help your child plan and structure their work. Encourage them to use assistive technology, such as text-to-speech or speech-to-text software. Most importantly, offer plenty of praise and encouragement, focusing on their effort rather than just the end result. Even though it can be tempted the help your child with the task completion, it’s important to ensure the work is your child’s. Their teacher will be looking through the task to identify the support your child needs in class.
Build Self-Esteem and Resilience
A dyslexic child might struggle with self-esteem, especially if they compare themselves to their peers. Building resilience and self-confidence is key to helping them navigate the challenges they face.
Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, and remind them of their strengths regularly. Help them set realistic goals and praise their efforts to achieve them. Encouraging involvement in activities where they can excel, whether it’s sports, art, or music, can also boost their confidence. You may need to try a range of different activities until you find their ideal hobby.
Encourage Independence
While it’s natural to want to help your child as much as possible, encouraging independence is important too. Teach them strategies for managing their time and organising their work. Help them learn how to advocate for themselves, whether it’s asking the teacher for help or using the tools and accommodations available to them.
Building these skills early on will help your child become more self-reliant and confident in their abilities as they grow older.
Seek Additional Support if Needed
If your child is struggling significantly, it may be helpful to seek additional support. This could be in the form of a specialised tutor who is experienced in working with dyslexic children or a therapist who can help with any emotional challenges they might be facing.
Support groups for parents of dyslexic children can also be a valuable resource, providing both practical advice and emotional support from others who understand your experience.
It’s important to monitor your child’s progress regularly and keep in close contact with their teacher. Be open to adjusting your approach as needed, whether it’s trying new strategies at home or requesting additional support from the school.
Remember that supporting a dyslexic child is an ongoing process. Celebrate their progress, no matter how incremental, and continue to be their advocate in the educational system. Supporting your dyslexic child requires patience, understanding, and a proactive approach. By encouraging a positive mindset, creating a structured routine, and maintaining open communication with teachers, you can help your child navigate their challenges and build confidence in their abilities. With your support, your child can thrive both academically and personally, turning their dyslexia into a strength that helps them succeed in their unique way.
