What can I do as a parent to support my child with…Dyslexia?
General points
- Dyslexia can make spelling, writing and processing information tricky.
- Be encouraging and supportive. Children with dyslexia often have low self-esteem and it’s important to highlight their strengths.
- Children with dyslexia are often more creative and curious than average. Encourage their skills and praise their efforts.
With their school work
- Encourage them to attend homework club so they don’t miss any submission deadlines.
- Establish a homework routine to build a sense of structure.
- Build in regular breaks to study and homework time to help them maintain concentration and focus.
- Make flashcards and topic word lists to help with remembering key terminology.
- Reading your child’s writing back to them can help them to identify mistakes and improve their work.
With their home life
- Break up tasks into smaller chunks; lots of information at once can be overwhelming for people with dyslexia.
- Make reading fun! Encourage (but not pressure) your child to read things that interest them and read them together.
- Encourage them to make lists (and make these visual if appropriate) so they can see what needs to be done at what time and can keep on top of things.
- Encourage them to problem solve around their dyslexia – could they listen to an audio book rather than read it for example?
- Having subtitles on TV programs can support with improving reading and recognising key words and sounds in context
What can I do to support myself with my… Dyslexia?
General points
- If I have a problem with anything dyslexia related, speak to one of the SEND team. If we don’t know about the problem we can’t help you!
- Understand that I will find spelling, writing and processing information tricky and I will have to work hard to create coping strategies that work for me.
- Know that although spelling and writing aren’t my strengths, I have strengths and talents in many other areas.
With my classwork
- Use the specific coloured paper that works best for me. If my teachers forget I can remind them.
- When working on a computer use a sans serif font (such as Comic Sans, Arial or Dyslexie). These fonts will make reading what I have written much easier.
- Use my overlay when reading in class, for my homework and for reading for pleasure. This will make reading easier for me.
- When using a computer, change the background colour to match the coloured paper I have in class. This will make it easier to read what I have written.
- Use a reader pen
With my organisation
- Make sure all my homework is written down in my planner. If I am confused about what to do, ask my friends or the teacher to explain.
- Attend homework club to help me get organised with what homework needs doing by what date.
- Pack my school bag the night before so I am not rushing in the morning before school.
- If I work on a Chromebook, remember to collect one at the beginning of school and bring it back at the end of the day.
What are we doing as a school to help students with…Dyslexia?
Diagnosis
- School does not offer full diagnostic assessments for dyslexia.
- We screen students for dyslexia in KS3 through the GL assessment and offer psychometric testing that can be used when applying for access arrangements.
Access arrangements
- A diagnosis of dyslexia does not mean a student will receive exam access arrangements. We need to have evidence of the student’s needs in their normal learning environment.
- School will apply to JCQ for access arrangements for exams. This must be no earlier than May of Year 9 (within 26 months of sitting the exam).
General points
- Students are given overlays to use in lessons and at home if needed.
- Staff are told about what coloured paper to use with which student. Updates about this are sent out in the staff bulletin.
- Our dyslexia champion works with students to help them understand their dyslexia and view it more positively.
- We have regular CPD to upskill staff and help them deliver quality first teaching.
- Chromebooks are available for use in school. Dyslexic students can use these as they wish, but must sign these out and back in daily.
- We promote successful and well-known dyslexic people (both teachers and famous people) around school to help our dyslexic students understand that they’re not alone and can achieve.
- We pay for a subscription to ‘SpellZone’ an online app/game to support with spelling practice- please email the SEND team for a log in and more information
Key websites for more information:
- The Dyslexia Association: www.dyslexia.uk.net
- The British Dyslexia Association: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
- NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia
- Dyslexia Action: www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk
Useful Apps
- Audible (audio books)
- Phonics Genius (to help improve reading speed)
- Ostimo (word games)
- Taptyping (for typing practice)
Lumosity (brain training)