Back to School: Supporting Dyslexic Learners for a Positive Start to the New Academic Year

For many families, the start of a new school year brings a mixture of excitement and nerves. New teachers, new classrooms, new opportunities, and a fresh start can all feel positive. However, for many dyslexic learners, returning to school can also bring feelings of worry, uncertainty, and self-doubt.

As parents, teachers, and professionals, understanding these concerns and providing the right support can make a huge difference to a child's confidence and success throughout the year.

What Might Dyslexic Learners Be Worried About?

While every child is different, many dyslexic learners return to school carrying concerns that their peers may not experience in the same way.

They may worry about:

• Having to read aloud in class

• Spelling and written work being judged

• Keeping up with increasing academic demands

• Organising equipment, homework, and deadlines

• Remembering routines after a long break

• Moving to a new class, year group, or school

• Comparing themselves to others

For some children, these worries can begin weeks before the school gates reopen. They know from experience that tasks which appear easy for others often require significantly more effort and energy from them.

It's important to remember that dyslexic learners are often working incredibly hard behind the scenes. What appears to be a simple reading task or written activity may require substantial concentration, problem-solving, and determination. They often exceed the amount of time expected for them to complete homework activities.

Understanding the Summer Learning Gap

The so-called "summer learning gap" can affect all children, but dyslexic learners may feel its impact even more so.

Reading fluency may have slowed over the holidays. Spelling patterns that had become familiar may need refreshing. Established classroom routines and study habits can feel distant after several weeks away from structured learning.

Executive functioning skills—such as planning, organisation, working memory, time management, and self-monitoring—can also take time to re-establish.

This doesn't mean a child has lost all their learning.

In fact, many dyslexic learners spend the summer developing valuable skills that aren't always measured in school. They may gain confidence through hobbies, sports, creative activities, problem-solving, social experiences, or practical learning opportunities. These experiences matter and contribute to their overall development.

The key is recognising that a return to academic routines may require patience, support, and realistic expectations during those first few weeks.

Rebuilding Routines Gradually

One of the most helpful things we can do is focus on rebuilding routines rather than demanding immediate perfection.

Children benefit from consistency and predictability.

Helpful strategies include:

• Establishing regular sleep and wake times before school starts

• Creating visual schedules for mornings and evenings

• Organising school equipment together

• Using checklists for key tasks

• Building homework habits slowly and consistently

• Celebrating effort and progress rather than outcomes alone

Small successes build momentum. When a child feels capable, they are more likely to persevere when challenges arise.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset can be particularly powerful for dyslexic learners.

Many children with dyslexia have experienced repeated setbacks in reading, writing, or spelling. Over time, they may begin to believe they are "not good at school" or "can't do it."

Helping your child to develop a growth mindset helps challenge these beliefs.

Instead of:

❌ "I'm terrible at spelling."

Try:

✅ "I'm still learning spelling strategies."

Instead of:

❌ "I can't do this."

Try:

✅ "I can't do this yet."

The word yet is incredibly powerful.

It reminds children that ability is not fixed and that skills develop through effort, practice, support, and perseverance.

Praise should focus on:

• Effort

• Strategy use

• Problem-solving

• Persistence

• Resilience

Rather than simply saying, "You're clever," try saying:

"I noticed how hard you worked on that."

"You kept going even when it was difficult."

"That strategy really helped you solve the problem."

These messages help children see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than proof of failure. At The Learning Loft, we help to develop a growth mindset in our 1:1 and group sessions.

Developing Executive Functioning Skills

Executive functioning skills often play a significant role in the success of dyslexic learners.

These are the mental processes that help us plan, organise, remember, manage time, regulate emotions, and complete tasks.

Many dyslexic learners find these skills challenging, not because they are unwilling or lazy, but because these areas genuinely require more support.

Practical ways to strengthen executive functioning include:

Use Visual Supports

Calendars, planners, colour-coding systems, visual checklists, and reminder systems can all reduce cognitive load.

Chunk Tasks

Large pieces of work can feel overwhelming.

Breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps helps learners feel more successful and less anxious.

Build Independence Gradually

Instead of doing everything for a child, guide them through the process and allow them to take ownership where possible.

Create Predictable Systems

Having a designated place for homework, equipment, reading books, and important letters can reduce stress and improve organisation.

Teach Reflection

Encourage children to ask:

• What worked well?

• What was difficult?

• What could I try differently next time?

Reflection is a valuable executive functioning skill that promotes self-awareness and independent learning. At The Learning Loft, we help learners to develop their executive function skills in our 1:1 and group sessions.

Remember How Hard They Work

Perhaps the most important message for dyslexic learners returning to school is this:

Your effort matters.

Many dyslexic children are working harder than anyone realises. They demonstrate resilience every day as they navigate challenges that others may never see.

As adults, our role is to recognise that effort, celebrate progress, and provide the tools they need to succeed.

The start of a new school year doesn't need to be about catching up or comparing themselves to others. Instead, it can be about building confidence, re-establishing routines, developing new skills, and embracing growth.

With understanding, encouragement, effective support, and a belief in their potential, dyslexic learners can return to school ready to thrive.

Because success isn't about finding things easy—it's about continuing to grow, learn, and persevere, even when things are difficult. And dyslexic learners do that every single day.

Remember that Dyslexia East Sussex is here to support you. The Learning Loft offers a range of specialist intervention and supportive tuition. Get in touch to find out more.

The Learning Loft in Battle offers Level 7 specialist tuition for children with SEN, specific learning difficulties and additional needs

The Learning Loft has sessions taught by qualified SEN specialists who have taught in a Dyslexia Specialist setting for many years. Gap analysis, learner profiles and cognitive profiling available.