How Easy Read Can Help Learners with Dyslexia

 

A Guide for Teachers, Tutors, and Lecturers

Understanding the Difficulties

Learners with Dyslexia often have strengths in creativity, problem solving, and verbal thinking. However, they may experience difficulties when learning through written information.

Some common challenges include:

• Difficulty reading long or complex words

• Problems with spelling

• Difficulty breaking down words into sounds

• Trouble decoding unfamiliar words

• Slower reading speed

• Difficulty remembering what they have just read

• Processing large amounts of written information

• Feeling overwhelmed by dense text

Because of these challenges, traditional teaching materials may sometimes create unnecessary barriers.

Easy Read approaches can help remove these barriers and make learning more accessible.

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How Easy Read Supports Learners with Dyslexia

1. Clear and Simple Language

Use straightforward language.

Avoid:

• complicated wording

• long sentences

• academic jargon where possible

Instead:

• explain ideas step by step

• use everyday language where possible

• break complex ideas into smaller sections

Example:

Instead of writing:

The Norman Conquest significantly altered the political structure of England.

You could write:

The Battle of Hastings happened in 1066.
This battle changed who ruled England.

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2. Large Print and Clear Text

Many learners find larger text easier to read.

Recommended:

• 16pt font or larger

• plenty of spacing between lines

• short paragraphs

Large print helps learners:

• track lines more easily

• reduce visual stress

• focus on key information

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3. Use Clear Fonts

Some fonts are easier for dyslexic readers.

Good examples include:

• Arial

• Calibri

• Verdana

• Tahoma

These fonts work well because they are simple and easy to distinguish.

Key features:

• Sans-serif letters

• Clear shapes

• No decorative styling

Formatting tips:

• left-align text

• avoid full justification

• leave plenty of white space

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4. Use Headings to Guide Learning

Headings help learners understand the structure of information.

For example:

Topic: The Battle of Hastings

Question:
When was the Battle of Hastings?

Answer:
👉 The Battle of Hastings happened in 1066.

This structure helps learners quickly find and remember important facts.

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5. Highlight Key Information

Highlighting important details helps learners focus on what they need to remember.

For example:

When was the Battle of Hastings?

The Battle of Hastings happened in 1066.

Teachers can encourage learners to:

• use colored highlighters

• mark key dates

• highlight definitions

• highlight exam facts

This helps learners identify important information quickly when revising for exams.

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6. Use Pictures and Visual Supports

Images can support understanding and memory.

For example:

• pictures

• diagrams

• icons

• timelines

• numbered steps

Visual supports can:

• reinforce meaning

• reduce reading pressure

• help learners remember information

For example:

Topic: The Battle of Hastings

🗡 Picture of battle
📅 Date: 1066

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7. Break Information into Steps

Large blocks of text can be difficult to process.

Instead:

Break information into small sections or steps.

Example:

How to Write an Essay

1. Choose your topic

2. Write your introduction

3. Explain your main points

4. Write your conclusion

This structure helps learners follow the process more easily.

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8. Encourage Learners to Use Their Own Words

Learners with dyslexia often understand information better when they rephrase it in their own words.

Teachers can encourage learners to:

• write short summaries

• explain the topic verbally

• create mind maps

• record their ideas

This helps them:

• process information

• remember ideas

• develop confidence in their learning

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Why Easy Read Benefits All Learners

Although Easy Read is often associated with learning disabilities, it can help many learners, including those with:

• dyslexia

• ADHD

• autism

• language processing difficulties

• exam stress

• English as an additional language

Clear, structured learning materials benefit everyone.

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Key Message for Educators

Easy Read is not about simplifying intelligence.
It is about removing barriers to learning.

When teachers use accessible materials, they help learners:

• understand information

• feel confident in their abilities

• participate fully in education

• succeed in exams and coursework

Accessible learning supports inclusion and gives every learner the opportunity to succeed.