Offer support so Dyslexic Thinking can thrive

  • 20 minutes

Little things make a big difference.

Identify Dyslexic Thinking

Some educators are nervous to label a child as having dyslexia. But this is a mistake. The identification is vital for the self-understanding of a person with dyslexia. Four in five people with dyslexia say that knowing they had dyslexia at school helped them develop the perseverance and resilience needed to succeed. Usually dyslexia is identified when children show signs of challenges with reading and learning. But if we know what to be alert for, we can spot dyslexia by strengths too.

What to be alert for:

  • A spiky profile
  • A mismatch in capability and work produced
  • Children who struggle to keep up with increasing workload
  • Children who are experts in certain areas, not across the board
  • Poor spelling

Additional information

Reflection questions

  • Can you think of the children in your classroom who excel verbally in discussions but produce less written work than their peers when getting their ideas down on paper?
  • Are there children in your class who are real experts on a topic they’re passionate about, but struggle to grasp the concept you're trying to teach?

Advocate for Dyslexic Thinkers

Our current education system isn’t designed for Dyslexic Thinking. Tests, in particular, are a disadvantage for people with dyslexia, as they rely on their ability to memorize facts and figures and regurgitate them against the clock. All things Dyslexic Thinkers struggle with. However, in the real world, finding and focusing on your strengths helps you be successful and enjoy a happy and fulfilling career. Creating a strengths-first, inclusive classroom, where brilliant Dyslexic Thinkers can shine with their different way of thinking is vital, and easy to do.

Five ways to advocate for dyslexia as a student (or parent/guardian):

  • Make sure teachers understand your strengths and challenges.
  • Explain your challenges so they aren’t misunderstood.
  • Understand how you learn best.
  • Be upfront and ask for adjustments.
  • Use technology to level the playing field.

Five ways to advocate for dyslexia as a teacher:

  • Learners with dyslexia were built for the world not for school.
  • Take a strengths-based approach.
  • Learners with dyslexia are brilliant thinkers but need more time.
  • Technology is a key asset for a learner with dyslexia.
  • Give options and choices in assessments and tests.

Note

Tech tip: Discover how technology can level the playing field and transform outcomes for Dyslexic Thinkers in this module. Learn how free Microsoft tools and Learning Accelerators like Immersive Reader, Reading Coach, and Microsoft Teams for Education support learning outcomes.

Additional information

Reflection questions

  • What technology can you embed within your class that enables learners with dyslexia?
  • How can you adapt the way you test to empower Dyslexic Thinkers?

Adjustments, assistive technologies, and AI for Dyslexic Thinking

Every teacher wants their learners to do their best work, and as learners, parents, and guardians we want that too. Often, we don’t need to make huge changes to create a classroom that empowers Dyslexic Thinking. Simple things can make a big difference.

Five simple things that make a big difference:

  • Getting notes and lesson information ahead of time
  • Don’t measure people with dyslexia on their spelling, punctuation, and grammar
  • Give Dyslexic Thinkers time to do what they do best… think
  • Allow extra time
  • Use a multisensory approach to learning

Five ways technology can make a big difference:

AI is a great copilot to Dyslexic Thinking

AI has long been used to boost inclusivity and productivity with features like spell check, autofill, and auto-generated alt text. AI will continue to help dyslexic learners to overcome their challenges and empower their strengths with helpful tools like Speaker Coach, Reading Progress, and other free Microsoft Learning Accelerators.

By using generative AI, students can task AI to aggregate content quickly to compile a first draft, which allows Dyslexic Thinkers time to dig, innovate and put their spin on it. It also allows teachers to recognize learning as with passage generation. Microsoft will soon allow educators to generate passages within Reading Progress based on words or phonics rules a class or specific student found most challenging.

Note

Tech tip: See how assistive tools like Immersive Reader helped a second grader build confidence in reading.

Reflection questions

  • Which technology tools can you implement in your class to empower Dyslexic Thinkers?
  • Which AI driven tools are you already using/can you use to personalize learning and use your teaching time in a more targeted way?