January 2023

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that mainly affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent reading and spelling. As tutors, it’s important to understand that learning difficulties are not related to a person’s intelligence and can vary greatly from person to person. That’s why creating an inclusive and fun learning environment is crucial for learners with dyslexia. It’s not just in the classroom where dyslexia can affect learners, it can also have a significant impact on their ability to succeed in the workplace. By understanding and implementing strategies to support learners with dyslexia, you are not only helping them to achieve their full potential in the classroom but also preparing them for success in their future careers. Here are some ways to make your classroom more inclusive and fun for learners with dyslexia: 1. Get to know your learners individually and encourage them to get to know each other. This will help create a sense of belonging and make learners feel more comfortable asking for support. 2. Use multisensory activities to give learners more than one way to learn. For example: 3. Offer learners choices in how they engage with tasks to make learning more meaningful and inclusive. This can help learners with dyslexia feel more in control of their own learning. 4. Have L-shaped cards and coloured overlays available for learners to frame sections of textbook pages and help focus their attention. This is a useful technique for all learners when teaching reading skills, but can also be helpful for learners with dyslexia in the workplace. This can help them stay focused and avoid distractions while reading important documents or emails. 5. Provide extra time for learners with dyslexia to complete tasks, if necessary. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, both in the classroom and in the workplace. 6. Provide alternative forms of assessment, such as oral exams or technology to assist with written exams. This can help level the playing field for learners with dyslexia and allow them to showcase their true abilities in both the classroom and the workplace. 7. Encourage the use of assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software, in the classroom and the workplace. This can help learners with dyslexia access and process information more easily. 8. Create a supportive and understanding work environment. This can include providing accommodations such as additional time for tasks, flexible work schedules, and providing support for employees with dyslexia. 9. Provide additional resources and support. This can include providing access to online resources, dyslexia-specific tutoring, and connecting learners with support groups or mentors. 10. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your support strategies and make adjustments as needed. This can ensure that you are providing the best possible support for learners with dyslexia and helping them to succeed both in the classroom and in the workplace. By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that will help learners with dyslexia succeed both in the classroom and the workplace. By providing the right support and accommodations, learners can overcome their difficulties and reach their full potential. It’s important to remember that every learner is unique and may require different strategies and accommodations, so it’s essential to evaluate and adjust your support strategies as needed continuously. By creating an inclusive and fun learning environment and providing the necessary support and resources, learners with dyslexia can excel both in the classroom and the workplace.