Easy Read Training Lesson Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Awareness

Tutor / Teacher Training Session

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1. Lesson Title

Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Awareness Training

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2. Lesson Length

• 60–90 minutes (flexible)

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3. Learning Outcomes (Easy Read)

By the end of the lesson, staff will:

• Understand what Dyslexia is

• Understand what Dyspraxia is

• Know common signs

• Understand learning impact

• Learn support strategies

• Feel more confident supporting learners

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4. Introduction (Trainer Script)

Say:

“Today we are learning about Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.

These are learning difficulties that affect how people learn, process information, and complete tasks.

Many learners have these conditions.

Our role is to understand them and provide the right support.”

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5. What is Dyslexia? (Easy Read Teaching Section)

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty.

It mainly affects:

• Reading

• Spelling

• Writing

• Memory

• Processing information

Important:

• It is not linked to intelligence

• Learners can be very bright

• With support, they can succeed

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6. Signs of Dyslexia

Some learners may:

• Read slowly

• Spell poorly

• Mix letters (b/d, p/q)

• Avoid reading aloud

• Forget instructions

• Struggle copying from the board

Trainer Activity:

Ask staff to name signs they have seen.

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7. What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia affects movement and co-ordination.

It is also called:

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD)

It affects:

• Fine motor skills

• Gross motor skills

• Organisation

• Planning

• Co-ordination

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8. Signs of Dyspraxia

Learners may:

• Have messy handwriting

• Drop things

• Struggle with buttons/zips

• Find PE difficult

• Have poor balance

• Work slowly

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9. Learning Impact

Dyslexia & Dyspraxia can affect:

• Reading tasks

• Written work

• Note taking

• Organisation

• Following instructions

• Exam performance

They may also affect:

• Confidence

• Anxiety levels

• Classroom participation

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10. Strengths (Important Positive Section)

Many learners have strengths such as:

• Creativity

• Big picture thinking

• Problem solving

• Verbal skills

• Practical learning

• Determination

Trainer says:

“Always support needs — but also build on strengths.”

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11. Teaching Support Strategies

Staff can help by:

• Giving extra time

• Using simple instructions

• Breaking tasks into steps

• Providing handouts

• Using coloured paper

• Allowing assistive technology

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12. Physical Support (Dyspraxia Focus)

Helpful tools:

• Pencil grips

• Sloped desks

• Laptops

• Voice typing

• Movement breaks

Referral support may include:

• Occupational Therapy

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13. Communication Support

Support learners by:

• Speaking clearly

• Checking understanding

• Repeating instructions

• Using visuals

• Demonstrating tasks

Allow processing time before expecting answers.

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14. Emotional Wellbeing

Learners may feel:

• Embarrassed

• Frustrated

• Anxious

• Tired

• Low confidence

Staff should:

• Praise effort

• Be patient

• Avoid singling learners out

• Offer reassurance

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15. Reasonable Adjustments

Examples:

• Extra time in exams

• Readers or scribes

• Assistive software

• Reduced copying

• Alternative assessments

These adjustments create fairness.

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16. Group Activity

Ask staff to discuss:

• How do you support dyslexic learners now?

• What works well?

• What could improve?

Feedback to the group.

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17. Knowledge Check Questions

1. What does dyslexia affect?

2. What does dyspraxia affect?

3. Name one sign of each.

4. Give one support strategy.

5. Why is emotional support important?

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18. Key Message (Lesson Summary)

Dyslexia and Dyspraxia are lifelong conditions.

With the right support:

• Learners can achieve

• Confidence improves

• Inclusion increases

• Outcomes are better

Understanding creates accessible education.

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19. Trainer Closing Script

Say:

“Support does not mean lowering standards.

It means removing barriers so every learner has a fair chance to succeed.”