Supporting Children with Dyslexia

At Hollymount, we know that children learn in different ways and at different rates. Some children may find aspects of reading, spelling, writing, memory, or processing language more challenging than their peers, despite being bright, creative, and full of ideas. For some children, these differences may be linked to Dyslexia.

Whether your child has a diagnosis, is currently being assessed, or you simply have questions about their literacy development, we want families to know that support is available and that many children with dyslexia go on to thrive academically, creatively, and professionally.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that mainly affects skills involved in accurate and fluent reading, spelling, writing, and sometimes memory or processing speed.

Children with dyslexia often have many strengths, including:

• Creativity and imagination

• Problem solving and big picture thinking

• Strong verbal skills

• Curiosity and originality

• Resilience and determination

• Practical and hands on thinking

Dyslexia presents differently in every child. Some children’s needs are identified early, while others may develop strategies that mask difficulties for some time.

Signs families may notice at home

Every child develops at their own pace, but some signs that may lead families to explore support include:

• Difficulty learning letter sounds or remembering phonics patterns

• Reading that is slow, effortful, or inaccurate

• Avoiding reading or becoming frustrated with reading tasks

• Difficulty remembering common spellings

• Writing that takes a long time or appears effortful

• Mixing up letters, sounds, or word order

• Difficulty remembering sequences such as days of the week, months, or instructions

• Trouble learning times tables or recalling number facts quickly

• Difficulty copying from a board, book, or screen

• Becoming tired quickly during literacy tasks

• Strong verbal ideas that are harder to get onto paper

Not every child who struggles with reading or spelling has dyslexia. Children develop at different rates, and a full picture is always important.

What to do if you have concerns

If you think your child may have dyslexia:

1. Speak to us

Your child’s class teacher is often the best first point of contact. School and home together can build a fuller picture of your child’s strengths, progress, and any areas of difficulty.

2. Keep notes

It can be helpful to notice:

• Which reading tasks feel easier or harder

• How your child approaches homework

• Any patterns of frustration or avoidance

• Memory difficulties you notice

• Strategies that seem to help

3. Remember that support can start early

Children do not need a formal diagnosis before supportive strategies can begin.

4. Seek advice where appropriate

If needed, school may discuss further screening, specialist advice, or referral routes.

Practical strategies that can help at home

Many children benefit from:

Reading little and often

• Short daily reading sessions often work better than longer sessions

• Focus on enjoyment and confidence rather than speed

• Re reading familiar books can build fluency

Reading together

• Take turns reading pages or sentences

• Listen to your child read without rushing

• Read aloud to your child regularly, even as they get older

Making reading multisensory

Try:

• Magnetic letters

• Letter tiles

• Writing in sand, shaving foam, or chalk

• Saying sounds aloud while writing

Supporting spelling

• Break words into chunks or syllables

• Spot patterns in words

• Practise common words little and often

• Use games rather than long spelling drills

Supporting writing

• Encourage planning ideas verbally first

• Accept that speaking ideas may be easier than writing them

• Allow extra time

• Celebrate ideas, not just presentation or spelling

Building confidence

Children with dyslexia can sometimes compare themselves to others. It is important to celebrate:

• Effort

• Creativity

• Problem solving

• Progress over perfection

Supporting maths and memory

Some children with dyslexia may also find aspects of maths, sequencing, or working memory challenging. Helpful strategies include:

• Using practical equipment

• Drawing diagrams

• Using songs, rhythm, or repetition

• Breaking instructions into smaller steps

• Using visual reminders and checklists

Helpful organisations and resources

Families may find these organisations helpful:

• British Dyslexia Association – advice, resources, and practical strategies

• Dyslexia Action – support and guidance

• Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity – family resources and specialist advice

• NHS – general information on learning differences

What we may do at school to help

If concerns are identified, school may be able to support through:

• High quality phonics and reading instruction

• Targeted literacy interventions

• Overlearning and repetition

• Visual prompts and scaffolds

• Additional processing time

• Alternative ways to record learning

• Memory and organisation strategies

• Advice from inclusion staff or external professionals where appropriate

At Hollymount, we believe every child deserves to feel successful, capable, and proud of how they learn. Understanding a child’s learning profile helps us unlock their strengths and support them to thrive.

 

auto_fix_highWrite with our AI TextWizardHide this prompt