Teaching Students with Dyslexia
Evidence-based classroom strategies, assessment tools, and professional development resources to help every student with dyslexia reach their potential.
Research-Backed
Based on EEF, IDA & UK frameworks
Practical & Actionable
Ready-to-use classroom tools
Inclusive Teaching
Strategies benefit all learners
Understanding Dyslexia in the Classroom
What every teacher should know
Common Classroom Challenges
- • Slow, effortful reading despite good oral skills
- • Poor spelling and inconsistent errors
- • Difficulty copying from board
- • Slow written output
- • Trouble with phonics and decoding
- • Difficulty following written instructions
- • Avoidance of reading/writing tasks
- • Low self-esteem around literacy
What Teachers Can Do
- • Use structured, systematic phonics instruction
- • Provide multi-sensory learning experiences
- • Allow extra time for reading/writing
- • Use assistive technology
- • Break tasks into manageable steps
- • Offer alternative ways to demonstrate knowledge
- • Focus on content understanding, not just spelling
- • Build confidence and celebrate progress
Evidence-Based Classroom Strategies
Practical techniques for daily teaching
Reading Instruction & Support
📚 Structured Literacy Approach
Use systematic, explicit phonics instruction. Teach letter-sound relationships sequentially with plenty of practice and revision.
🎧 Pre-Reading Support
Preview texts before reading, pre-teach key vocabulary, provide audio versions, and offer visual aids/summaries.
🔄 Repeated Reading
Have students re-read the same text multiple times to build fluency and confidence. Use paired reading with peers or adults.
📖 Dyslexia-Friendly Texts
Use larger fonts (12-14pt), sans-serif fonts, cream/pastel backgrounds, wider spacing, shorter lines, and clear formatting.
SEND Support & Documentation (UK)
Working within the SEND framework
📋 SEN Support
Most students with dyslexia receive support through SEN Support (previously School Action/School Action Plus).
- Assess – Plan – Do – Review cycle
- Individual Education Plan (IEP) or support plan
- Regular reviews with parents & SENCO
- Targeted interventions and accommodations
📄 Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
For students with more complex or severe needs requiring specialist support.
- Statutory assessment process
- Detailed support plan with specific provision
- Annual reviews and monitoring
- Access to additional funding/resources
Professional Development
CPD opportunities and recommended training
🎓 Recommended UK Training
- British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
Accredited training for teachers and SENCOs
- Dyslexia Action
OCR accredited courses and specialist training
- Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)
Evidence-based guidance on literacy & SEND
- Specialist Teacher Training
AMBDA, OCR Level 5/7 qualifications
📚 Essential Reading
- • Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz
- • The Dyslexia Debate by Elliott & Grigorenko
- • Phonics from A to Z by Wiley Blevins
- • EEF Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools guidance
- • Rose Review (2009) – UK dyslexia identification
- • SEND Code of Practice 0-25 years
Teacher Resources
Downloadable guides and templates