Teach a dyslexic child the alphabet using multisensory, structured, and playful methods, focusing on a few letters at a time, incorporating touch (sandpaper, Play-Doh), sight (distinct visuals, colors), sound (phonics, songs), and movement (air writing) to build strong, unique memories for each letter, reinforcing them with CVC word building and consistent, patient practice.
You can teach a dyslexic child to read by using a specific method called “systematic phonics-based instruction.” Phonics is the name for the process of matching letters to sounds. Kids with dyslexia have a hard time with phonics and need to learn it in a slow, structured way.
5 things not to say to your child about dyslexia
The most effective way to teach kids with dyslexia to read and spell is to use a multisensory structured language education (MSLE) approach. Programs that use this type of instruction are often referred to as Orton-Gillingham based approaches. There are also things you can do at home yourself to help with reading.
For students with dyslexia, learning to read isn't just about recognizing words—it's about understanding the system behind them. The Alphabetic Principle, which connects spoken sounds (phonemes) to written symbols (graphemes), is the foundation of reading and spelling.
Common mistakes when reading and spelling are mixing up b's and d's, or similar looking words such as 'was' and 'saw', 'how' and 'who'. Letters and numbers can be written back-to-front or upside down. The most common numbers for visual dyslexics to reverse are 9, 5 and 7.
Once they understand the letters in their names, I suggest teaching the alphabet in this order:
There's no known way to correct the underlying brain differences that cause dyslexia. However, early detection and evaluation to determine specific needs and appropriate treatment can improve success. In many cases, treatment can help children become competent readers.
There are four types of dyslexia in common those are; Phonological dyslexia, surface dyslexia, rapid naming deficit, and double deficit dyslexia.
Kids with dyslexia might reverse letters, like reading pot as top, have trouble sounding out new words, and struggle to recognize words they know. Dyslexia is the most common learning disorder. Dyslexia affects as many as one in five children.
General signs to look for are:
Yoga, mindfulness activities, meditation, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication and exercise are among the many ways that individuals (with and without dyslexia) can conquer excessive or debilitating stress.
Common Misconceptions about Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a sign of low intelligence: Dyslexia does not impact your child's intelligence in any way. As a matter of fact, many dyslexic students are super intelligent and bursting with talent. The only challenge they have is that their brains process language differently.
Understanding and supporting individuals with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Dyspraxia is essential for fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment. These disorders can also coincide with other conditions such as ADHD and Autism, requiring a comprehensive approach.
5 Simple Activities for Teaching Letter Recognition
Read to Students
While dyslexic students may struggle to read independently, they benefit greatly from someone reading to them. While they may be reading below grade level on their own, their listening comprehension is usually equal to or above that of their peers.
Three dimensional thinking and making connections
Many people with dyslexia demonstrate better skills at manipulating 3D objects in their mind. Many of the world's top architects and fashion designers have dyslexia.
According to UMHS, the following conditions can present similar symptoms and difficulties to dyslexia: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Executive Dysfunction. Memory Impairments.
Babies and preschool
Even though most people do not read in preschool, children can demonstrate symptoms of dyslexia by the age of 3 years, or even earlier. All children learn how to talk in their own way and at their own pace. However, a delay in starting to speak can be an early sign of dyslexia.
Both mothers and fathers can pass dyslexia on to their children if either parent has it. There is roughly a 50% – 60% chance of a child developing dyslexia if one of their parents has it.
I'll never tell my child she just needs to “try harder” Dyslexic learners are already working harder than most of their peers. Telling them to give more energy when they're already exhausted is unhelpful and disheartening. It illustrates a failure of empathy, which weakens trust.
No, dyslexia is not a form of ADHD; they are two separate, distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, but they frequently co-occur because they share some overlapping symptoms like inattention, memory issues, and executive function challenges, making accurate diagnosis important for proper treatment. ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder affecting focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, while dyslexia is a specific learning disability impacting reading, spelling, and language processing.
Have a Blast with Letters! 4 Fun Ways to Teach the Alphabet at Home
How to teach phonics
In a Montessori language curriculum, alphabet letters are not first presented to a child in an alphabetical order, like A, B, C, D etc. The idea is to introduce the letters phonetically (the way they sound) rather than by the name.