• Teaching a dyslexic child can be fun, hard work and invigorating.
• It is important to be thorough, to assume nothing and to avoid patronising language.
• Lessons need to be stimulating or the child will get bored. Spelling and reading can be livened up with the use of the computer.
• Dyslexic children are often kinaesthetic learners and they enjoy practical activities. Fun aids learning.
• These children can get frustrated easily and can switch off if the work is too hard. This may be a coping mechanism for dealing with whole class sessions when they may have experienced failure and frustration.
• A lesson needs to keep moving and have several aspects to it. Keep things fresh but make sure a concept is learnt by returning to it in different ways at different times in the lessons - and in the following lesson.

Spelling

Spelling needs to be taught in a cumulative way ie. one lesson following on from the next, one phoneme following another. Use a programme such as Alpha to Omega to ensure a thorough approach.

Assume nothing - an eleven year old may engage you in conversation about the latest Harry Potter film but may not know the alphabet all the way through. Check the basics before you start.

Computer games are a great help for making spelling more fun. Consider spelling programs such as WordShark (available from White Space in the UK).

Reading

Teaching dyslexic children to read can be tricky since the child may be reading at a level 2 or 3 years below his or her chronological age. Stories need to be of an interest level appropriate to their age. 'Baby books' for a seven to eleven year old will not be appreciated!

Phonic readers are best for lessons. Books that progress steadily, building on words from previous books, introducing a few new words at a time and consolidating these through repetition in as natural a way as possible are the most effective.

And finally some tips for teaching dyslexic children

• Often these children are very bright. Avoiding talking down to them or patronising them.
• Find books at their interest level as well as their reading level.
• Return to the work covered in the following week(s) to make sure the concepts have been remembered.
• Variety is the spice of a good lesson. This keeps things fresh and avoids boredom.
• If something is not working, move on. Think about a different approach away from the lesson and return with a new idea for tackling it.
• Use the computer for part of the lesson - programmes like Wordshark are enjoyed enormously by 7 to 11 year olds.
• Finish off with a game such as Rush Hour or Hoppers to develop strategic thinking and to finish a lesson on a positive note.  Hilary Burt