supporting learners with dyslexia

Kellands school is committed to supporting all of its learners and have targeted improving outcomes for children with persistent literacy difficulties and/or Dyslexia as part of our improvement planning.

One in ten learners in Scotland’s schools are dyslexic (https://dyslexiascotland.org.uk/, Aug 2023).

This page is designed to inform parents and carers about Dyslexia and to provide further information, support and signposting.

Dyslexia can affect the way people communicate, and it’s different for everyone. It is not just about reading and writing, and it is not an indication of low intelligence. Dyslexia exists in all cultures and across the range of abilities and socio-economic backgrounds.

Dyslexia is on a continuum or spectrum, which means individuals can be mildly or severely dyslexic and each will experience different strengths and difficulties (https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/additional-support/specific-support-needs/learning-environment/dyslexia/, 2023).

The Additional Support for Learning Act 2004 places education authorities under duties to identify, provide for and review the additional support needs of their pupils, including those with dyslexia.
(https://enquire.org.uk/enquire-resources/additional-support-for-learning-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers/, Aug 2023)

According to the 2009 Scottish government definition, Dyslexia is :

A continuum of difficulties in learning to read, write and/or spell, which persist despite the provision of appropriate learning opportunities. Unidentified it can result in low self-esteem, high stress, atypical behaviour, and low achievement. Additionally, it is a hereditary, life-long, neurodevelopmental condition.

Dyslexia Scotland Young Ambassador, Rachel, has made this video to help understand more about how dyslexia features in the classroom.

Rachel is very positive about her dyslexic strengths and outlines the ways that parents/teachers can help dyslexic children. Find out from Rachel what the dyslexic pupil's perspective is, and how everyone can help them learn at their best.

So, what can parents and carers do to help?

Parents and carers have a key role in supporting children with dyslexia. Intervention and targeted effective support at the right time is key (Addressing Dyslexia toolkit webpage). A key role for parents and carers is to create a safe nurturing environment where child feel safe to be themselves with the focus on the child's strengths and what they can do (and not focused on what they can’t)

https://dyslexiascotland.org.uk/addressing-dyslexia-toolkit/

Some of the strengths dyslexic children have include…

Can be very creative and enjoy practical tasks.

Strong visual thinking skills e.g., seeing and thinking in 3D, visualising a structure from plans.

Good verbal skills and good social interaction.

Good at problem solving, thinking outside the box, seeing the whole picture.

VIDEOS TO HELP SUPPORT PARENTS OF LEARNERS WITH DYSLEXIA

Phonological Awareness

Syllables

Rhyme

Numeracy

DOWNLOADS TO accompany videos

Dice.pdf

Dice

See 'Syllables' video

Multiplication Square.pdf

Multiplication Square

See 'Numeracy' video

Number Square.pdf

Number Square

See 'Numeracy' video

Further information for parents and carers

There is an excellent range of tools available for parents at the following weblink.

Supporting Learners and Families | Addressing Dyslexia

Dyslexia Unwrapped is a very helpful website developed by and for dyslexic children and young people.

http://unwrapped.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/

Education Scotland provides advice, guidance and practical steps parents and carers can undertake to support their child.

A parental information pack available from the Kellands school office containing books and resources. Pack are available on a loan basis for interested parents and carers. Please contact the school to arrange this.