Supporting Learners with Dyslexia: Practical Teaching Techniques
Many learners with dyslexia understand ideas well but may struggle when information is presented in large blocks of text or complex language. Teachers and professionals can support comprehension and confidence by presenting information in clear, structured ways.
Use Short Reading Texts
Large amounts of text can overwhelm learners. Instead, teachers should provide short sections of information.
For example:
Topic: Weather
Weather is the condition of the air outside.
Weather can change every day.
Some types of weather include:
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Sunny
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Rainy
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Windy
-
Snowy
Breaking information into small sections helps learners focus, process information, and remember key points.
Use a Small Number of Questions
After a short text, include two or three simple questions to check understanding.
Example:
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What is weather?
-
Name two types of weather.
Too many questions can make learners feel overwhelmed.
Short question sets help teachers check comprehension while keeping the activity manageable.
Encourage Clear Writing Structure
Learners should be encouraged to organise writing with headings and short paragraphs.
Example:
Weather
Weather changes every day.
Rain
Rain happens when water falls from clouds.
Wind
Wind is moving air.
Using headings helps learners:
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organise ideas
-
structure their writing
-
make information easier to read
Encourage Visual Learning
Many learners understand information better when words are combined with images.
Teachers can encourage students to include:
-
pictures
-
diagrams
-
symbols
-
charts
-
mind maps
For example, a weather topic might include:
☀ Sun
🌧 Rain
💨 Wind
Visual information helps improve memory and comprehension.
Use Dyslexia-Friendly Text Formatting
Presentation makes a big difference to readability.
Recommended formatting:
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Font size 14–16
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Clear fonts such as Arial, Verdana, or Calibri
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Left-aligned text
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1.5 line spacing
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Clear headings
Avoid:
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decorative fonts
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long dense paragraphs
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too many colours
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italic text
Use Technology to Support Writing
Computers and digital tools can support learners by reducing barriers to writing.
Helpful tools include:
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spell checking
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text-to-speech software
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speech-to-text dictation
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mind mapping software
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grammar support tools
Technology allows learners to focus on ideas rather than struggling with spelling or handwriting.
2. Easy Read Version
Helping Dyslexic Learners
Some people with dyslexia find reading large blocks of text difficult.
Teachers can help by making information clear and simple.
Use Short Text
Write small amounts of information.
Example:
Weather
Weather is what the air outside is like.
Weather can be:
☀ Sunny
🌧 Rainy
💨 Windy
❄ Snowy
Ask a Few Questions
Ask 2 or 3 questions only.
Example:
-
What is weather?
-
Name one type of weather.
This helps learners understand the information.
Use Headings
Use headings to organise writing.
Example:
Rain
Rain falls from clouds.
Wind
Wind is moving air.
Headings make writing clearer and easier to read.
Use Pictures
Pictures can help people understand information.
Examples:
-
pictures
-
diagrams
-
symbols
-
charts
Pictures help people remember information.
Use Clear Text
Good text style helps people read.
Use:
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font size 14–16
-
clear fonts like Arial
-
space between lines
Avoid very small writing.
Use Technology
Computers can help learners write.
Helpful tools include:
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spell check
-
speech to text
-
text reading software
Technology can make learning easier and less stressful.
3. Dyslexia-Friendly Teaching Checklist
Teachers can use this checklist when preparing lessons.
Lesson Content
✓ Use short reading passages
✓ Present small amounts of information
✓ Break content into clear sections
Questions
✓ Ask 2–3 questions per section
✓ Focus on key understanding
Layout
✓ Use clear headings
✓ Use short paragraphs
✓ Avoid large blocks of text
Visual Support
✓ Add pictures or diagrams
✓ Use symbols or icons
✓ Encourage mind maps
Text Formatting
✓ Font size 14–16
✓ Clear fonts (Arial, Calibri, Verdana)
✓ Good spacing between lines
Technology Support
✓ Allow spell check
✓ Allow speech-to-text tools
✓ Encourage digital writing tools
4. Classroom Poster (Quick Guide for Teachers)
Dyslexia-Friendly Teaching
Make learning easier for everyone
✔ Use short texts
✔ Use headings
✔ Ask a few simple questions
✔ Add pictures or diagrams
✔ Use font size 14–16
✔ Break information into steps
✔ Allow technology support
Small changes can make a big difference for learners.
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