Dyslexia can present unique challenges for children in their learning journey, but with the right support, these children can thrive. At Sensational Kids, we believe in empowering children with dyslexia through practical strategies that build confidence and encourage success. Below are some helpful tips for parents, caregivers, and educators to support children with dyslexia.

1. Use Multisensory Learning Techniques

One of the most effective ways to support children with dyslexia is through multisensory learning. This approach engages multiple senses—sight, sound, touch, and movement—in the learning process, helping children to retain information more effectively.

Tip: When teaching letters or sounds, try incorporating tactile activities. Use materials such as sand, paint, shaving foam, or even steamed-up mirrors or windows, encouraging your child to trace letters while saying the sound out loud. This multisensory engagement strengthens neural pathways, making it easier for children to connect sounds with letters.

2. Practice Phonological Awareness

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognise and manipulate sounds in spoken language, which is a key skill for reading. Children with dyslexia may struggle with this, so it’s important to engage them in activities that reinforce their understanding of how words sound.

Tip: Play phonological games such as rhyming words, clapping out syllables, or asking your child to identify the first sound in different words. These fun and interactive activities can be done at home or in the classroom, making learning enjoyable while strengthening crucial reading skills.

3. Highlight Tricky Bits of Words and Letter Patterns

Children with dyslexia often find certain letter patterns or words difficult to decode. By drawing attention to these “tricky bits,” you can help your child or student learn to recognise common patterns and improve their reading fluency.

Tip: Focus on words that share difficult-to-read parts, like ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘what’, or action words like ‘eating’, ‘walking’, and ‘jumping’. Highlighting these tricky bits gives children a tool to better decode words, helping them to feel more confident as they encounter similar patterns in future reading.

4. Teach Self-Advocacy

Empowering children with dyslexia to understand their own learning differences is a powerful tool in their development. By teaching self-advocacy, you give children the confidence to seek help and ask for the accommodations they need to succeed.

Tip: Encourage open conversations with your child about their learning differences, helping them understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Whether it’s asking a teacher to repeat instructions or requesting extra time on a test, these skills will serve them well throughout their educational journey.

Final Thoughts

Supporting a child with dyslexia takes patience, creativity, and encouragement. By incorporating multisensory learning, practising phonological awareness, highlighting tricky letter patterns, and fostering self-advocacy, you are giving your child or student the tools they need to succeed. Remember, every child learns at their own pace, and with the right support, they can achieve their full potential.

At Sensational Kids, we offer a range of services designed to help children with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support your family or school. Together, we can make learning fun and accessible for all children.