5 Things You Can Do To Help Dyslexic Pupils

Did you know as many as one in 10 people in the UK have dyslexia?

It’s an often-misunderstood learning need that can be frustrating for students of all ages. Many people believe dyslexia only affects reading or spelling skills, but this is usually far from the truth.

As teachers, therefore, it’s important we maximise our understanding of dyslexia by accessing reliable information and resources that will help improve our lesson plans.

The British Dyslexia Association has launched dyslex.io to make that process easier. Dyslex.io is an online web app designed specifically to be dyslexia-friendly, with a mobile-first design that lets users access content on-the-go.

1. Recognise the indicators of dyslexia

The benefits of early identification of dyslexia and other specific learning differences (SpLD) are widely recognised. Luckily, from early years onwards, there are indicators that will help you to recognise possible signs learning differences.

Using a simple checklist will enable you to identify these indicators and quickly put the necessary support in place. Find out more here.

2. Learn more about neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a relatively new term, encompassing all specific learning differences (SpLD), many of which co-occur or overlap, like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

Once you learn more about these differences, you’ll be better equipped to teach pupils with understanding, empathy and the best strategies.

3. Create a neurodiversity-friendly classroom

Ensure your classroom is equipped with resources that help make learning accessible to pupils with a range of learning differences.

Find lots of suggestions here, including helpful videos and animations!

4. Create a neurodiversity-friendly ethos

It isn’t just staff in your school who need to understand about neurodiversity – it’s the pupils, too.

By setting a good example of respect for diversity, you can help pupils to be more understanding of difference, and this, in turn, can help to eliminate many of the causes of anxiety and poor self-esteem experienced by many young people with learning differences.

You’ll find a range of videos, animations and videos about neurodiversity here.

5. Use the power of technology

Advances in assistive technology, such as text-to-speech or speech-to-text software, have transformed the lives of many children and young people, and have really helped to level the playing field for children with dyslexia and other SpLD.

Many pupils with learning differences also have a particular talent for technology and can improve their confidence and self-esteem by using tablets, laptops and other technology in the classroom. Find out more here.

6. Bookmark dyslex.io

It’s not just for teachers – dyslex.io can also be used in the classroom to help pupils understand dyslexia and get information and advice on their own learning needs. This is where dyslex.io is particularly special – it’s designed to be as accessible as possible for students with dyslexia.

There’s a dyslexia-friendly font, a slider to choose your own font size, and even customisable colour schemes that mimic the coloured overlays that help dyslexic people read. It’s simple – maximise legibility and you open up a world of support for dyslexic people.

Dyslex.io was made by the British Dyslexia Association, so all the information and support is provided by experts in the field. So whether you’d like to brush up your training or just get some tips, be sure to bookmark dyslex.io as a key teacher resource.

You can also follow dyslex.io on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

British Dyslexia Association

www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

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