My Approach to Teaching Students with Dyslexia & SEN
Teaching and tutoring is a mixture of attitude, strategies, techniques and methods on the part of the educator and Therapist
I believe every child can learn. They just don’t all learn the same way, or on the same timeline.
After working with students with dyslexia and other special educational needs, I’ve learned that the biggest barrier usually isn’t ability. It’s access. My job is to remove those barriers so learning finally clicks.
Here’s what I stand by in my classroom:
1. Start with the child, not the diagnosis
A label like “dyslexia” or “ADHD” tells me where to look, not who the child is. I start by figuring out: What lights them up? What shuts them down? What are they brilliant at already? Two students with dyslexia can need totally different things. So I build each plan around the individual, with input from parents and specialists. in essence, try to keep the child from thinking about his label
2. Make learning multi-sensory and explicit
If a child struggles with reading, I won’t just tell them to “try harder”. We use sight, sound, touch, and movement together. We trace letters in sand while saying sounds. We break big tasks into tiny, clear steps. I teach things most schools assume kids will “pick up” — how to start work, how to organize, how to manage time. Nothing is left to chance.
3. Structure creates freedom
Predictability lowers anxiety. So my students know what’s coming. We use visual schedules, clear routines, and advance warnings for changes. When the brain isn’t busy guessing what happens next, it has space to actually learn.
4. Strengths first, always
Sometimes we have to focus on the child’s strength to give him the confidence to tackle the harder topics
5. Respect the sensory and emotional side
A child who is overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted cannot learn. Period. So movement breaks, fidget tools, quiet spaces, and headphones aren’t “special treatment”. They’re basic tools, like glasses for vision. I also look at behaviour differently. A meltdown during writing isn’t naughtiness. It’s communication. My job is to figure out what’s being communicated and teach a better way.
6. Partner with families
Parents know their child best. I believe in open, honest communication with no jargon. We’re on the same team, and we celebrate small wins together. Progress for SEN students often looks different, but it’s still progress.
7. kindness and empathy
My firm believe is to always show kindness and empathy. children response well to a tutor who knows their difficulty and challenges. a teacher whom they feel do not talk down to them
Build rapport
Children always respond best to someone whom they can trust. sometimes we must come down to their level and be their friend
Humour
A little levity and laughter sometimes help
My bottom line belief:
I don’t teach students to become “normal”. I teach them to become confident, capable versions of themselves. Sometimes that means extra time in exams. Sometimes it means typing instead of handwriting. Sometimes it means learning algebra through basketball stats.
If it helps the student access learning and keep their dignity, then it’s the right approach.