Empowering Students: The Power of One-to-One Support for Dyslexia

As a support teacher, my goal is to help every student reach their potential. When I work with a student who has dyslexia, I know that standard classroom methods often aren't enough. That is why one-to-one support is so transformational; it allows me to meet the student exactly where they are.

Here is how I approach this support and why it makes such a difference.

How I Teach: The Specialist Approach

Dyslexic learners often have different ways of processing information. My job is to make the invisible rules of language clear and explicit. I use a few key strategies:

• Multisensory Learning (VAKT): We use sight, sound, movement, and touch (like tracing letters in sand) to create stronger memory pathways.

• Structured & Sequential: I break everything down into small, manageable chunks. We never guess; we learn the rules step-by-step, ensuring a solid foundation before moving to the next challenge.

• Over-learning: We practice skills until they become automatic. This builds confidence and frees up the student’s brain to focus on what they are writing, rather than how to spell every word.

• Metacognition (Thinking about Thinking): I help students understand how they learn best. When they know their own strengths and weaknesses, they become independent problem-solvers.

Supporting the Whole Learner

I’ve seen firsthand how dyslexia can affect a student’s confidence. When a learner struggles constantly, they can start to feel "not smart enough." This often leads to frustration, task avoidance, or anxiety.

My role is to change that narrative. By providing early, positive, and consistent support, I can help a student move from "I can’t do this" to "I need a different strategy to succeed."

Practical Skills for Success

Even brilliant students can struggle with the mechanics of school—like organising a heavy workload, taking notes, or managing deadlines and meeting academy expectations.

These aren't issues of laziness; they are challenges with executive function and working memory. In our sessions, we work on:

• Study Strategies: Finding easier ways to research and organise thoughts.

• Assistive Technology: Introducing tools that help with reading and writing so the student's ideas can shine through.

• Time Management: Creating simple, visual plans to keep track of tasks.

One-to-one support isn't just about catching up on reading; it’s about giving students the tools to navigate their education with pride. When we teach in a way that respects their unique brain, we aren't just teaching a subject—we are opening doors to their future.