Talking To Your Child's New Teacher About Their Dyslexia

Talking with your child's teacher is important as it will help them support your child in the best way and help them understand your child’s strengths and weaker areas which need support.

1. Book an Appointment

Teachers have busy schedules, so to ensure you have their undivided attention, arrange a 15- to 20-minute meeting. This allows time for a focused discussion.

2. Share Your Knowledge About Dyslexia

Whether you are dealing with an experienced teacher or not, sharing insights and resources about dyslexia, that are helpful to your child will build a mutual understanding. Teacher training up until this year, covers SpLD briefly, and further knowledge and training is completely dependent on voluntary CPD.

3. Discuss What Works and What Doesn’t

Your child’s teacher may well have strategies for working with dyslexic students, and the support of their SENCo but these might not be the most effective for your child. Share what has historically helped your child, such as receiving teacher’s notes in advance, not copying from the board whilst listening etc. Highlight strategies that haven't worked, to avoid repeating ineffective methods.

4. Communicate clearly and constructively

When discussing your child’s needs, clarity is key. Be specific about what support your child requires without being overly demanding. This approach ensures the teacher understands your child’s needs without feeling pressured or offended. Ask how you can help at home and if you can meet half termly to discuss how things are going.

5. Provide Examples of Your Child’s Work

Showing examples of your child’s work can illustrate your points more effectively than verbal descriptions alone. It can help the teacher see first-hand the specific challenges your child faces.

 6. Highlight Your Child’s Strengths

Discuss their strengths and interests. This helps the teacher to provide opportunities for your child to excel, reminding them that dyslexia does not define your child and engaging them in areas of interest.

 7. Provide copies of any assessments and accommodations

If your child has specific accommodations, such as a learning support plan that ensures equal access to the school curriculum, provide a copy to your child's teacher. Accommodations are adjustments made to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in a way that suits their learning needs. It may detail ways your child can access information in class to demonstrate their understanding, and changes in assessment material (larger print, different colour) or extended time in exams. Provide a copy of any formal plans and discuss how these contribute to your child's learning success.

Establishing a good partnership with your child’s teacher is beneficial for everyone involved. It ensures your child receives the most appropriate and effective support, and it empowers their teacher to make a significant impact on their daily learning.

By following these suggestions, you can help create a productive and positive learning environment for your child at both primary and secondary school levels.