Teaching dyslexics in Secondary Schools

Source: British Dyslexia Institute

1. Leave notes on the board as long as possible - the dyslexic child takes longer to copy.
2. Tidy blackboard presentation and use of several different chalk colours for different sections will help accurate copying.
3. Photocopied summary notes help enormously - hand out at the end of the lesson so that they listen instead of trying to read them! (Or refer to them and encourage everyone to highlight the main points.)
4. Encourage use of the word processor for course work, and provide opportunities for keyboard practice.
5. Mark positively - more ticks for the good bits.
6. Introduce the teaching of good study skills - this should help all pupils.
7. Encourage pupils to be aware of and evaluate the strategies they use for study. (This can be done effectively in a study skills programme.)
8. Provide a list of key vocabulary for your subject, introduce the Simultaneous Oral Spelling technique and insist that those words are practised. (Excuse another homework if necessary).
9. Well before the exams, get the group to check that they have a complete set of notes. Offer a 'surgery' when they can come to ask you about omissions, or bits they cannot understand, or can't read their own writing!
10. Always seek opportunities to praise.