As someone who is dyslexic, and has gone through the education system, I understand the struggles that come with this learning difference. In this blog, I will share common characteristics of dyslexia and some classroom approaches that can help students with dyslexia succeed.

🧩Common Characteristics of Dyslexia

🔤Difficulty with Phonological Awareness

Phonological awareness refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words. Dyslexic students may struggle with phonological awareness, which can make learning to read and spell challenging.

🕒Slow Reading and Writing Speed

Dyslexic students may read and write slower than their non-dyslexic peers. This can be due to difficulties in accurately decoding words, processing information, and organizing thoughts.

🙁Difficulty with Working Memory and Recall

Working memory refers to our ability to hold and manipulate information in our minds. Dyslexic students may struggle with this, making it difficult for them to remember information and instructions, especially if they need to complete multiple steps.

🧐Issues with Visual and Auditory Processing

Dyslexic students may have difficulties with visual and auditory processing. For example, they may have trouble distinguishing between similar sounds, or may struggle to differentiate between similar-looking letters and words on a page.

🤔Struggles with Attention and Impulsivity

Dyslexic students may struggle with focusing and maintaining attention, which can lead to distractibility and impulsivity in the classroom.

🤕Negative Self-Perception

Dyslexic students may struggle with low self-esteem and negative self-perception due to challenges they face in the classroom and comparisons to their non-dyslexic peers.

A child sitting at a desk looking at a book with a frustrated expression

💡Classroom Approaches

📊Structured and Multi-Sensory Instruction

Structured and multi-sensory instruction involves presenting information in a systematic way that is easy to understand and process. This approach may involve visual aids, handouts, and hands-on activities to help students with dyslexia learn and remember concepts.

🖊️Use of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology such as text-to-speech software, speech-to-text software, and audio books can help students with dyslexia overcome barriers in reading and writing.

👩‍🏫Allow for Extra Time and Accommodations

Allowing extra time for assignments and assessments, and providing accommodations such as preferential seating, can help dyslexic students manage their workload and reduce stress.

🗣️Provide Clear Instructions and Repeated Information

Providing clear and concise instructions in a way that is easy to understand, and repeated information as necessary, can help dyslexic students with working memory and attention issues.

💪Emphasize Strengths and Positive Feedback

Focusing on a student’s strengths and providing positive feedback can help to boost their confidence and self-esteem. This approach can be particularly important for students with dyslexia, who may often feel discouraged and frustrated in the classroom.

A teacher pointing to an interactive whiteboard with a group of students, who are all actively engaged in learning

By understanding the common characteristics of dyslexia and incorporating effective classroom approaches, educators can help dyslexic students succeed in their academic pursuits.

A group of diverse students working and studying together in the classroom