Supporting dyslexic learners in primary classrooms involves differentiation, interventions, and boosting self-esteem when children struggle with literacy tasks. It can feel like a juggle at times, but putting effective support strategies can transform children’s learning experience, helping them become confident learners who understand dyslexia as just one aspect of their diverse cognitive profile. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies and approaches for supporting dyslexic learners in primary classrooms, focusing on both addressing challenges and building on strengths.
Contents
- What is dyslexia?
- Challenges and strengths of dyslexic learners
- 10 practical strategies for supporting dyslexic learners
- Final thoughts
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is understood as a specific learning difficulty that affects reading, writing and spelling skills. It is characterised by difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed. Dyslexia is not limited to any specific demographic, linguistic or academic background, and it can affect people with a range of other learning difficulties across the cognitive range. Importantly, dyslexia exists alongside average or good cognitive skills in other areas. For a detailed overview, check out our Dyslexia toolkit for primary, which provides practical strategies and ideas to help you support dyslexic learners across the curriculum in mainstream KS1 and KS2 classrooms.
Challenges and strengths of dyslexic learners
Dyslexic learners may face challenges with:
- Reading fluency and comprehension
- Spelling and writing
- Processing and retaining information
- Working memory and sequencing
- Organisation and time management
However, dyslexic learners often demonstrate significant strengths in:
- Problem-solving and logical reasoning
- Creative thinking and innovation
- Visual-spatial skills
- Making connections between concepts
- Empathy and interpersonal skills
- Big-picture thinking
10 practical strategies for supporting dyslexic learners
1. Multisensory teaching approaches
Incorporate visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and tactile elements into lessons to strengthen learning pathways. For example, when teaching new spelling patterns, have children trace letters in sand or with finger paint, say the sounds aloud, and create visual mnemonics to help remember tricky words. Our Dyslexia toolkit offers additional multisensory activities you can implement immediately. For supporting children with tricky words, try our reading support template for tricky words, which provides a structured approach to practising challenging vocabulary.
2. Structured, cumulative literacy instruction
Use a systematic approach to teaching reading and spelling, building skills progressively. Begin with basic phoneme-grapheme correspondence before moving to more complex patterns. Revisit previously taught concepts regularly to reinforce learning. A structured programme like Sounds-Write or Read Write Inc. can provide the necessary framework. For comprehension development, our step-by-step reading comprehension checklist helps guide children through reading tasks with clear, manageable steps.
3. Assistive technology
Use technology to support learning. Text-to-speech software helps children access written content beyond their reading level - see this guide to using text-to-speech assistive technology for dyslexic students. Speech-to-text tools let children express ideas without writing barriers. Digital spellcheckers and dictionaries build independence.
4. Adapt reading materials
Make texts more accessible by using dyslexia-friendly fonts (like Comic Sans or OpenDyslexic), larger font sizes, and increased spacing between lines. Print materials on coloured paper or provide coloured overlays if beneficial. Break longer texts into smaller chunks with visual supports to aid comprehension. Find more practical adaptation suggestions in our Dyslexia toolkit.
5. Support working memory
Provide visual prompts, checklists and step-by-step instructions for multi-stage tasks. When giving instructions, break them down into manageable steps and check for understanding. Use mind maps and graphic organisers to help children see relationships between concepts and remember key information.
6. Alternative recording methods
Offer alternatives to written recording, such as voice recordings, diagrams, mind maps or oral presentations. During science experiments, for example, children could create a photo sequence with brief captions rather than writing a detailed account. This allows children to demonstrate their knowledge without being limited by their writing abilities.
7. Scaffold writing tasks
Provide writing frames, sentence starters and word banks to support writing. Pre-teach relevant vocabulary before a writing task. For longer pieces, help children plan their ideas visually first, perhaps using sticky notes that can be rearranged to organise thoughts before writing begins. Our writing support template for general planning provides a structured framework to help dyslexic learners organise their ideas before writing.
8. Develop spelling strategies
Teach explicit spelling strategies such as the look-say-cover-write-check method. Create memorable mnemonics for tricky words (e.g., 'because' - Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants). Focus on high-frequency words and subject-specific vocabulary, prioritising words the child needs most.
9. Concrete approaches to maths
Use manipulatives and visual aids for mathematical concepts. For fractions, start with physical objects before abstract symbols. For numbers, incorporate number displays and counting activities. Hands-on exercises like money addition connect maths to real life, helping children visualise and engage practically.
10. Build on strengths and celebrate successes
Identify and nurture each child's areas of strength. Provide opportunities for children to demonstrate their knowledge in formats that play to their strengths, such as verbal presentations, visual designs or practical demonstrations. Celebrate achievements to build self-esteem and a positive learning identity.
Final thoughts
Supporting dyslexic learners effectively requires a balance of addressing challenges while nurturing strengths. Many of the strategies suggested benefit all children in the classroom, not just those with dyslexia. By creating an inclusive learning environment that recognises different learning styles and celebrates diverse thinking, teachers can help dyslexic children develop both the skills they need and a positive attitude towards learning.
Remember that each dyslexic child is unique, with their own pattern of strengths and challenges. Getting to know individual learners well is the foundation for effective support. Regular communication with parents and the wider school team will ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach to supporting dyslexic learners throughout their primary school journey.
For more detailed guidance and ready-to-use resources, explore the complete Dyslexia toolkit for primary. Our Dyslexia Awareness Week article provides a more in-depth look at dyslexia along with links to additional information and resources, both from Teachit and external organisations.
