A Parent’s Practical Guide to Supporting & Nurturing Dyslexic Children at Home.

I have recently enjoyed doing a Power Hour  for parents of dyslexic children with my friend Paloma Forde a Dyslexic Specialist and we were talking about ways to support children at home.

If you are parents of dyslexic children you can support their learning by providing structured routines, using multisensory teaching methods, fostering a positive attitude toward learning, and collaborating with teachers to implement tailored educational strategies.

Additionally, audiobooks, assistive technologies, and encouraging a love for reading in alternative formats can be hugely enjoyable and enormously beneficial.  You can also really make a difference in supporting ( empowering – not rescuing ) you child around their organisational skills and you can use visual aids, colour-coding, and breaking tasks into manageable steps to help them.

Also we recommend building bridges – not walls between your home and their school environment! because regular communication with educators  and teachers helps ensure a holistic, positive and  supportive learning environment for your kids.

Let’s delve deeper into some specific strategies for supporting dyslexic children in their learning and organisation:

Structured Routines:

Establish consistent daily routines to provide a sense of predictability. Clearly outline expectations for tasks and activities to reduce anxiety.

Multisensory Teaching Methods:

Engage multiple senses during learning, such as combining visual, auditory, and tactile elements.
Use tools like coloured markers, and interactive activities to reinforce concepts.

Positive Learning Environment:

Foster a positive attitude toward learning by celebrating achievements and efforts. Emphasise your child’s strengths and encourage the exploration of their individual interests. Keep their dyslexia in perspective – don’t label them or pigeon hole them as it may limit their potential and confidence.

Collaboration with Teachers:

Maintain open communication with teachers to understand your child’s needs and progress. Work together to implement personalised learning plans that accommodate dyslexia.

Assistive Technologies:

Explore assistive technologies like text-to-speech software and speech recognition tools.
Provide access to audiobooks or digital resources that support reading comprehension.

Alternative Reading Formats:

Introduce a variety of reading materials, including graphic novels, audiobooks, and interactive apps. Offer flexibility in how your child demonstrates understanding beyond traditional written assessments.

Visual Aids and Colour-Coding:

Use visual organisers, charts, and diagrams to reinforce concepts and aid memory. Implement colour-coding systems for materials and subjects to enhance organisation.

Breaking Tasks into Manageable Steps:

Teach your child to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Provide clear instructions and checklists to guide them through assignments and projects.

Encouraging Independence:

Foster independence by gradually allowing your child to take ownership of their learning process.
Teach organisational skills, such as using planners or digital tools to manage assignments and deadlines.

Social and Emotional Support:

Address any emotional challenges by promoting a supportive social environment. Listen more than you talk! Encourage peer and family understanding and empathy to create an inclusive home atmosphere where your child can thrive!

Remember, each child is unique, so it’s crucial to tailor these strategies based on the individual needs and strengths of your dyslexic learner. Regular communication between parents, teachers, and your child is vital as it can contribute to a collaborative and effective support system for them as they navigate their own unique experience of dyslexia without damaging their self esteem.