10 Teaching Tips for Dyslexia

1. Praise Gives Power Criticism Kills

A person with dyslexia needs a boost to their self-confidence before they can learn to overcome their difficulties. They have already experienced failure and deep down they often don’t believe they are capable of learning.

To re-establish self-confidence provide the opportunity to succeed and give praise for small achievements.

Dyslexics need constant praise and support. You worked hard! You did well! WOW! That’s really good!

2. Don’t ask person with dyslexia to read aloud

Words are likely to be misread or skipped, causing embarrassment.

3. Don’t give a punishment for forgetting books or sports kit

Offer positive strategies such as having one place to put things away.

4. Don’t use the word ‘lazy’

People ith dyslexia have to work harder to produce a smaller amount.

They will have difficulty staying focused when reading, writing or listening.

5. Expect less written work

A person with dyslexia may be verbally bright but struggle to put ideas into writing.

Allow more time for reading, listening and understanding.

6. Prepare a printout of homework and stick it in their book

Provide numbered steps, e.g. 1. Do this. 2. Do that etc.

7. Do not ask them to copy text from a board or book

Give a printout. Suggest they highlight key areas and draw thumbnail pictures in the margin to represent the most important points.

Do not expect a dyslexic to copy text from a board or book

8. Accept homework created on a computer

Physical handwriting is torture for most people with dyslexia. Word processors make life much easier. Allow them to use the Spell Checker and help with grammar and punctuation so that you can see the quality of the content.

9. Discuss an activity to make sure it is understood

Visualising the activity or linking it to a funny action may help someone with dyslexia remember.

10. Give the opportunity to answer questions orally

Often people with dyslexia can demonstrate their understanding with a spoken answer but are unable to put those ideas in writing.