Supporting Parents of Dyslexic Students: When a child in lower elementary school starts showing signs of dyslexia, it can be a confusing and emotional time for parents. As a teacher, your support, sensitivity, and understanding are invaluable in guiding parents through this journey. Early detection and intervention are crucial for helping young learners thrive. Here’s how you can offer guidance and reassurance to parents, along with some heartwarming books that can provide comfort and insight. Additionally, being aware of dyslexia within the school population can significantly benefit all students.
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning problem that primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling. It is a neurological condition that impacts the way the brain processes written and spoken language. Children with dyslexia can struggle with phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words), word recognition, and decoding (the ability to sound out words). Despite these challenges, it’s important to remember that dyslexia is not related to intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia are exceptionally creative and intelligent, with unique strengths and abilities. Many famous people struggle with dyslexia.
Although we don’t know the exact cause of dyslexia, we know that this language-based learning disability occurs in the brain using brain imagery studies and watching areas of the brain while students read. People with dyslexia have a hard time with reading skills and have trouble reading. These learners need the right kind of teaching such as systematic and explicit phonics instruction. Although this helps many students, if this specific learning disorder doesn’t improve, special accommodations may need to be made.
Dyslexia Symptoms in Young Children
Teachers should be aware of these common signs of dyslexia in lower elementary students:
- Difficulty recognizing letters and matching them to sounds
- Trouble learning the alphabet or remembering the order of letters
- Frequent mistakes when reading simple words
- Spelling words phonetically, which may be incorrect
- Avoiding reading out loud or showing frustration with reading tasks
The most important thing to bring up as the child’s teacher is that a learner is more than just dyslexic. They have strengths and weaknesses and personalities and multidimensional is so many great ways. Early identification is one aspect that we want for each learner so we can address the learning problems to address issues and work with a students ability to read.
Check out the International Dyslexia Association Handbook for great information and resources.
How to Support Parents of Dyslexic Students
- Encourage Early Assessment: Many states use specific screeners to identify signs of dyslexia, often administered several times a year. When sharing these results with parents, it’s helpful to provide a plan and additional information from your district. A phone call followed by a conference offer can be a compassionate approach. Once signs of dyslexia are identified, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process may begin or adapt to focus on specific language skills and phonological awareness. Early diagnosis is the goal.
- Provide Resources: Share information about local resources such as dyslexia tutors, support groups, and special education services. Schools often have programs and accommodations that can significantly benefit children with dyslexia. Ideally, your school district will have a list of resources you can share with families. Social media can also be a great way for families to connect with additional services. Supporting parents of dyslexic students means equipping them with the right tools and knowledge. Giving students with dyslexia or signs of dyslexia the proper help can change the child’s ability to read in great ways.
- Promote Understanding and Patience: Educate parents about the nature of dyslexia. Emphasize the importance of patience and encouragement, as children with dyslexia often need more time and different methods to learn effectively. It’s crucial to convey that dyslexia is a brain-based issue and not a result of laziness or lack of instruction. Many dyslexic students are capable of achieving brilliant things, especially with the right support.
- Address Emotional Well-being: Discuss the emotional challenges that may arise for dyslexic children. The difficulty in learning to read can cause significant stress. Acknowledge that a child’s feelings matter and can influence their ability to learn. Supporting parents of dyslexic students also involves addressing these emotional needs and offering strategies to cope with them.
- Recommend Helpful Books: Introduce parents to books that can help them understand dyslexia and explain it to their children. I do not recommend you reading these book to the learner, but it is a good idea to provide one of these brilliant book options to parents to help them address this with their child. Here are three wonderful options:
- Did You Say Pasghetti? Dusty and Danny Tackle Dyslexia: This book tells the story of Dusty and Danny, two friends who discover that dyslexia doesn’t define their abilities. It’s a delightful way for children to learn about dyslexia and feel understood. (here on Amazon)
- It’s Called Dyslexia (Live and Learn): Part of the “Live and Learn” series, this book provides a gentle and reassuring explanation of dyslexia. It helps children understand that they are not alone and that having dyslexia doesn’t mean they can’t achieve great things. (here on Amazon)
- Tom’s Special Talent: In this touching story, Tom struggles with reading but excels in other areas. The book highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating individual strengths and fostering a positive mindset in children with dyslexia. (here on Amazon)
- Keep in mind that Dyslexia can affect family members. This means that parents may have dyslexia or a child’s siblings may struggle as well.
Supporting Parents of Dyslexic Students
Supporting parents of dyslexic students is a journey filled with opportunities for growth and understanding. By offering support, resources, and empathy, you can help parents empower their children to overcome challenges and flourish in their education. Remember, dyslexia is just one part of a child’s learning experience, and with the right support, every child can succeed.
