5 ways SEND Tutors can support children with dyslexia

In this blog, you will learn:

• Common signs of dyslexia.

• How dyslexia can affect children. 

• 5 ways SEND Tutors can support children with dyslexia. 

• Where the latest SEND Tutor jobs are and how to apply for them. 

According to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), there are an estimated 900,000 children in schools across England who are affected by dyslexia.

For many dyslexic children, the battle to overcome learning barriers can feel overwhelming and according to BDA, thousands of them are being left unidentified and therefore unsupported.

This is where SEND Tutors play a pivotal role in creating inclusive and positive learning environments for those who might struggle in the classroom. 

From difficulty recalling instructions, to challenges with handwriting, learning can often feel much tougher for dyslexic pupils compared to their non-dyslexic peers.

In our latest blog, we’re exploring the common signs of dyslexia and 5 ways SEND Tutors can support children with dyslexia to ensure they reach their full learning potential. 

Common signs of dyslexia

When looking out for the signs of dyslexia, or supporting those who might be dyslexic, it’s important to remember that every child presents differently.

This means that the dyslexic ‘traits’ one child displays, could vary significantly from another. On the whole however, there are some common signs of dyslexia to look out for.

These signals include:

• Frequently making spelling mistakes.

• Delays in speech development.

• Reading and writing at a slower pace than expected for the age group.

• Shying away from reading out loud.

• Difficulty recalling instructions, sequences and directions.

• Making mistakes when reading aloud.

• Handwriting challenges.

• Struggling to make sense of audible text. 

• Difficulty choosing the right word to use.

• Avoiding school work.

• Showing high levels of frustration around school work. 

• Challenges with segmenting words and grasping phonics. 

• Confusing similar looking and sounding letters with each other. 

How can dyslexia affect children?

Beyond the common traits of dyslexia, there are a number of ways that the neurodevelopmental learning difficulty can affect a child or young person. Again, these can vary from child to child, but it is essential for a SEND Tutor to be aware of all potential challenges, to effectively support those with dyslexia. 

Children and young people with dyslexia might present high levels of anxiety and low self-esteem. As a result of feeling frustrated and confused when learning, children can become anxious about their abilities and lack confidence when socialising with others or interacting with their peers.

Typically, anxiety causes children to avoid what they are fearful of and therefore school-related anxiety, stemming from dyslexia, can have a significant impact on a child’s educational development. 

For dyslexic pupils, learning can also feel overwhelming. The pressure to remember and recall new information, and perform academically, can feel even more challenging when there is a barrier to learning. In some cases, overwhelm might result in a child lashing out or becoming frustrated.

Sadly, having dyslexia can result in some students being bullied by their peers. Should a child struggle to understand a concept, show signs of falling behind or struggle to read and write, this might serve as ammunition for bullies.

It’s essential that all educators, inside and outside the classroom, teach students about neurodiversity and stamp out bullying as soon as it occurs. For successful learning and development, learning spaces must be inclusive of everyone and support all learning abilities. 

Children with dyslexia can sometimes struggle to keep pace with non-dyslexic peers. Whether it’s slower academic progress or wavering confidence in their ability, educators must reassure dyslexic learners that everyone is different, skills are developed at different speeds and dyslexia should be seen as a power, not a problem. 

5 ways SEND Tutors can support children with dyslexia

To ensure children reach their academic potential and enjoy learning, there are a number of ways SEND Tutors can support their learning.

We’ve rounded up what we consider 5 of the most effective measures:

• Using multisensory teaching.

• Ensuring instructions are clear and concise.

• Encouraging existing strengths.

• Being patient.

• Providing positive reinforcement. 

Using multisensory teaching

Uncovering how children with dyslexia learn best is an important step in creating an inclusive learning experience.

Some pupils prefer to learn visually, others learn best through auditory communication, such as reading aloud, and some are kinesthetic learners, benefitting from hands-on experience. 

To engage learners with dyslexia, it can be beneficial to provide a mix of sensory experiences to peak their interest, boost confidence in their ability and improve understanding. 

Ensuring instructions are clear and concise

Dyslexic learners sometimes struggle to follow directions, therefore breaking down instructions into manageable chunks, that can be processed easier, is advised.

Instead of relaying a chunky piece of information to a child with dyslexia, SEND Tutors should ensure that their directions are clear, concise and get straight to the point.

This can help dyslexic learners engage better, supports comprehension, reduces confusion and maximises learning potential. 

Encouraging existing strengths

Dyslexic children are often very creative, a strength that should be encouraged. If a child is struggling academically, SEND Tutors should reinforce that being creative is just as much of a valued skill.

Other strengths such as musicality or sportiness, should also be applauded to boost confidence, increase motivation and celebrate what a student excels at. 

Being patient

Dyslexic children often require more time to process information and complete tasks than their non-dyslexic peers. To create an inclusive learning environment, it’s essential that SEND Tutors respect this and put measures in place to facilitate this.

Additional time might be needed for anything from simply answering a face to face question, to completing an exam. Being patient with dyslexic learners can improve their accuracy and lead to a more positive learning experience. 

Providing positive reinforcement

Like all learners, dyslexic children often thrive off positive reinforcement. Praising children with dyslexia when they overcome a challenge, complete a piece of work or simply communicate well, is an important way to reinforce that they are celebrated and valued.

Feedback should be specific and focus on both what a dyslexic child did well, but also how they could improve next time. Providing them with constructive feedback helps learning progress and clearly establishes what to do next.

Mainstream and SEND Tutor recruitment specialists

As specialist mainstream and SEND Tutor recruiters, we provide schools and local authorities with experienced tutors to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), those who are vulnerable, and those whose educational journeys have been disrupted. Our tutors support a wide range of needs including SEMH, autism, ADHD and those with EHCPs, as well as learners who are out of school or in alternative provision.

If you're struggling to recruit the right talent, simply request a call back and one of our experienced recruiters will contact you to discuss how we can help. 

Looking for your next Tutor job? Either search the latest jobs or upload your CV and one of our consultants will be in touch when a suitable opportunity arises.