How to Teach & Support a Child with Dyslexia: Home & School Strategies
Dyslexia doesn’t mean a child is lazy, unintelligent, or careless. It simply means the brain processes written language differently. With the right teaching methods, children with dyslexia can read, write, and succeed academically — often more creatively than their peers.
The key is not to make them learn faster, but to teach them differently.
🎯 Core Problems in Dyslexia
| Area | Common Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Phonological Awareness – linking sound with letters | “C-A-T” → unable to blend as ‘cat’ |
| Decoding (reading new words) | Reads by guessing or skipping words |
| Spelling (Dysorthography) | Writes “frend” for “friend”, “skul” for “school” |
| Reading Speed & Fluency | Slow reading despite knowing words |
| Working Memory | Forgets instructions, spellings, lessons quickly |
| Self-esteem | Feels “stupid”, “slow”, avoids school |
✅ How to Teach a Child with Dyslexia (Scientifically Proven Methods)
1️⃣ Use the Orton–Gillingham / Multi-Sensory Method
Teach using sight + sound + touch + movement, not just reading on paper.
🔹 Example learning sequence:
-
Show letter ‘b’, say the sound /b/ aloud
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Trace it on sand, salt tray, or air-writing with finger
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Child repeats sound + movement
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Blend sounds: b + a + t = bat
✅ Eyes see → Ears hear → Hands move → Brain remembers better
2️⃣ Phonics > Alphabet Memories
Instead of A for Apple → Use sounds, not letter names.
| Wrong Method (traditional) | Right Method (phonics) |
|---|---|
| A for apple | /a/ sound as in apple |
| B for ball | /b/ as in bat |
| C for cat | /k/ as in cat |
3️⃣ Sight Word Training (High-Frequency Words)
Words like the, is, are, was, they, said don’t follow phonetic rules.
✅ Write them on flashcards
✅ Use Look → Say → Cover → Write → Check method
✅ Practice daily in reading sentences
4️⃣ Reading Strategies That Work
✔ Use big fonts, high contrast (cream paper, not white)
✔ Allow finger pointing while reading
✔ Encourage loud reading, not silent initially
✔ Break sentences: one line → one pause
✔ Use a reading window or coloured strip to avoid jumping lines
5️⃣ Spelling Techniques Made Simple
Instead of memorising, use:
-
Chunking words: sun-light, rain-bow
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Say → Tap → Write → Check method
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Use spell grids, word pyramids:
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Teach rules:
✔ “i before e except after c”
✔ Double consonants when adding –ing: run → running
6️⃣ Writing Support (for Dysgraphia + Dyslexia)
✔ Use 4-ruled notebooks or graph notebooks
✔ Pencil grips/triangular pencils
✔ Allow typing using Google Docs voice typing
✔ Teach mind-map before writing paragraphs
✔ Start with short answers, fill-in-the-blanks
🏫 What Schools & Teachers Should Do (Legally + Ethically)
| ❌ Should Not Do | ✅ Should Do |
|---|---|
| Force child to read aloud & shame errors | Allow reading in smaller groups or one-to-one |
| Overload with copying from board | Provide printed notes / PDFs |
| Punish spelling mistakes | Mark content > spelling |
| Compare with classmates | Encourage progress & effort |
| Deny exam concessions | Provide scribe, extra time as per CBSE norms |
❤️ How Parents Can Help at Home
✅ Read with your child daily (10–15 mins)
✅ Use audiobooks, story apps (Storytel, Audible)
✅ Label objects at home (door, fridge, table)
✅ Don’t correct every mistake immediately — let them finish first
✅ Celebrate effort, not perfection
✅ Never use words like “lazy”, “careless”, “weak”
⚠️ Common Mistakes Parents Must Avoid
🚫 Forcing child to write 10 pages / extra homework
🚫 Comparing them with siblings or neighbours
🚫 Using punishment or shame
🚫 Blindly giving mobile for “educational videos”
🚫 Waiting for years before seeking help
💡 Remember: A Dyslexic Brain is Not Broken — It is Built for Creativity
Many famous dyslexics: Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Agatha Christie, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson.
They didn’t fail because of dyslexia — they succeeded because someone helped them learn differently.
👨⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T
MD (AIIMS, New Delhi), DNB Psychiatry
Child, Adolescent & Family Psychiatrist
Mind & Memory Clinic – Apollo Clinic (Opp. Phoenix MarketCity), Velachery, Chennai – 600042
📞 +91-8595155808 | 🌐 www.srinivasaiims.com
Specialised in Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), ADHD, Autism, Behavioural Disorders and Neurodevelopmental Therapy Planning.