Dyslexia and You
Making Primary School Work for You
Some parts of school take you longer. That is not because you are not trying. Here are ideas you can use, and things you can say.
Ideas that help
When school work feels hard
Reading aloud
You can ask to read a part you have practised, or to read to one adult instead of the class.
Spelling
A few words really well beats lots of words quickly. Word mats and spellcheckers are allowed to help.
Copying from the board
Ask for a printed copy or a photo. Copying uses energy you could use for thinking.
Handwriting
If your hand aches, say so. Typing, bigger paper or shorter bursts can help.
Remembering instructions
Ask for one step at a time, or for the steps written down.
Finishing work
Doing less, done well, is fine. Ask what the most important part is.
Tired or frustrated
Dyslexia makes school work harder, so you get tired sooner. A short break is not cheating.
Asking for help
Asking early is quicker than being stuck. Adults would rather know.
How it can feel
Sometimes it can feel really frustrating
Dyslexia is not only about reading and spelling. It can change how school feels. Some of these might sound like you. Some might not.
- You know the answer, but writing it down takes ages.
- Everyone else has finished and you are still reading the question.
- You check a word three times and it still looks wrong.
- Reading out loud makes you feel nervous.
- You practise something, then forget it the next day.
- Someone says “try harder” when you are already trying really hard.
- You get fed up with needing help.
- You do not want to try, in case you get it wrong.
You might feel cross, embarrassed, tired or just fed up. That does not mean you are bad at learning.
Trying hard at the same thing over and over is tiring. Knowing why it is tricky helps you find another way to do it.
What can I do?
Things you could try
Try this
- If a whole page looks like too muchCover part of it and read one bit at a time.
- If writing is slower than your ideasAsk if you can say your answer, type it, or draw it first.
- If you forget instructionsAsk for them written down, or say them back to check.
- If your hand hurts or you feel stuckAsk for a short break, then start with the easiest part.
None of these will suit everyone. Try one, keep it if it helps, drop it if it does not.
Watch
A short video about dyslexia
British Dyslexia Association
A short animation about what dyslexia is. Nothing plays until you press play.
Needing a different way of learning something is okay. It is not a punishment and it is not a secret.
Finding help
Who could I talk to?
My teacher
They can change how work is given to you.
A teaching assistant
Often the easiest person to catch quietly.
The SENCo
The adult in school who organises extra help.
A parent or carer
They can speak to school with you.
Another adult I trust
Anyone you feel comfortable with counts.
Words you can borrow
Things you could say
Try one of these
You can say them out loud, write them down, or point at them on a screen.
- Can you show me again?
- Can I have one instruction at a time?
- I know the answer, but I am finding it hard to write.
- Could I try this another way?
- I am getting tired.
- Can I talk to you somewhere quieter?
You are allowed to ask. Asking is a good thing to be good at.
Next
Where to go next
What Helps Me Learn
Tick, choose or say what helps you. You can ask an adult to write your words down. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Open What Helps Me Learn