Supporting Children With Dyslexia
Updated: Oct 28
Supporting a child with dyslexia means helping with reading and spelling while making everyday learning more manageable. Start with the difficulties the child is experiencing, the support already in place and what they find helpful. A diagnosis can inform this understanding, but useful classroom and home support need not wait for a private assessment.
Keep reading practice focused
Ask the teacher which reading and spelling skills are being taught so that home practice reinforces the same approach. Use short, manageable sessions and books matched to the child's current skills. When a word is difficult, help the child use the sound-letter patterns they have learnt rather than relying on guessing from a picture.
Keep reading practice separate from enjoying stories. Shared reading and audiobooks let children explore interesting ideas and vocabulary even when reading the text independently is tiring. Discuss characters, information and unfamiliar words without turning every conversation into a test.
Make homework more manageable
Agree what the task is intended to assess. If the aim is to explain scientific ideas, for example, spelling and handwriting may get in the way of showing knowledge. Discuss suitable support with the teacher, such as planning aloud, using a keyboard or reducing unnecessary copying.
Break work into visible steps, give one instruction at a time and allow short breaks. If homework regularly takes much longer than expected or causes distress, share specific examples with school and agree a manageable approach.
Support spelling and vocabulary
Practise a small number of useful words, linking their sounds, spelling patterns and meanings. Revisit words in sentences as well as individually. When introducing subject vocabulary, explain the meaning, show an example and check understanding by asking the child to use or explain the word.
Protect confidence
Notice effort, strategies and progress. Avoid treating slow reading or spelling errors as evidence that a child is not trying. Ask which parts of learning feel difficult and what makes them easier. Keep opportunities for activities the child enjoys and feels successful in.
Work with the school
Bring examples of reading, spelling and written work to a discussion with the class teacher or SENCo. Describe the support already tried and agree a small number of priorities, how progress will be checked and when you will review the plan together. Include the child's views where appropriate.
When can assessment help?
An assessment may help when reading, spelling or written work remain persistently difficult and you need a clearer understanding of the learning profile. It brings together background information and assessment findings to inform recommendations. It does not replace ongoing teaching or guarantee a particular school or examination arrangement.
For information about possible indicators, read the signs of dyslexia guide in the Knowledge Base. To discuss whether assessment would be useful, you can request an introductory call with Mark.
Further reading
Related dyslexia guides
Considering a dyslexia assessment?
Mark Trewby offers diagnostic dyslexia assessments for £400, including a personalised report within seven working days and feedback. Choose the appropriate service for the student's age and location:
Bournemouth appointments take place at the client's home or in a hired library room, with Bournemouth room hire and travel included in the £400 fee. You do not need to be certain that dyslexia is the explanation before getting in touch.