Best Techniques to Help a Dyslexic Child Understand Their Lessons

Understanding What Dyslexia Really Feels Like

If you're the parent of a dyslexic child, you know the look—all too well. That first flash of confusion followed by frustration, sometimes even tears, when your child tries to make sense of a reading assignment or remember what they just studied yesterday. It's not that your child isn't trying hard enough. It's not even that they're "bad" at school. It's that their brain processes information differently, and many classroom techniques simply don't work for them.

But here's the good news: once you understand how your child learns, you can help them succeed—not just academically, but emotionally too. Let's explore some of the most thoughtful, practical ways to support your dyslexic child at home.

Start with Empathy, Not Performance

Your child is probably already aware that reading and writing are harder for them than for most of their classmates. Some might jokingly call themselves "dumb" or try to avoid schoolwork entirely. One of your biggest tasks as a parent isn't just helping them study—it's helping them believe they are capable.

That begins with empathy. Remind them that dyslexia is not about intelligence. In fact, many dyslexic children are exceptionally creative thinkers. Reassure your child that your priority isn't getting perfect scores—it's finding ways to learn that actually work for them.

Use Multi-Sensory Learning Techniques

Dyslexic brains thrive on learning that involves more than just reading and writing. Try combining different methods to activate multiple senses:

• Visual: Use diagrams, color-coded notes, and video explanations.
• Auditory: Turn lessons into audio files or songs your child can listen to.
• Kinesthetic: Use hands-on tools like letter tiles, flash cards, or even drawing in sand to practice spelling words.

For example, if your child is learning about the solar system, don't just hand them a worksheet. Build a model with paper mâché planets, watch a documentary together, and listen to an audio summary while driving to school. The more ways they experience a concept, the better they retain it.

One approach many parents find empowering is using technology creatively. Some education apps allow you to transform written lessons into audio adventures that feature your child as the main character—using their own name and voice prompts to keep them engaged. This can be a game-changer for children who struggle with traditional reading—not as a replacement for learning, but as a bridge toward it. The Skuli App, for example, includes features like turning a picture of a lesson into a personalized quiz or audio story, making learning feel far less intimidating and a lot more fun.

Break Lessons into Manageable Chunks

A full 30 minutes of reading can feel overwhelming for any child, let alone one with dyslexia. Rather than pushing through in one sitting, divide tasks into smaller segments. Aim for 10–15 minute pockets of focused learning with breaks in between. This helps prevent burnout and builds a sense of achievement—"I can do this!" instead of "This is too much for me."

Make it visible. Use a whiteboard or sticky notes to write down each part of the lesson you're tackling, then check them off together. This externalizes progress and makes it tangible for your child.

Make Review Time Playful

Reviewing is where information really starts to stick—but that doesn't mean repeating the same flashcards over and over. Turn review into a game. Pretend you're on a quiz show. Let your child play teacher and "test" you on spelling or capital cities. Use funny voices, move around, shout the answers while bouncing a ball.

If you're not sure what review method fits best for your child, this guide to review methods for 6–12-year-olds can help you compare different options and approaches.

Use Daily Routines as Learning Moments

Many dyslexic children learn best indirectly—when they're relaxed and engaged in a different activity. Instead of setting aside study time as a high-pressure event, look for windows of opportunity in your everyday life:

• Listen to an audio version of a lesson while driving to school or soccer practice.
• Review math facts during breakfast—"How many eggs will be left if we eat two?"
• Use chores for vocabulary—"Can you sweep parallel to the table?"

These micro-moments relieve the stress of formal homework sessions and integrate learning into a supportive, low-stakes environment.

Create a Safe Emotional Space

Dyslexia can chip away at a child's self-esteem if it's not handled with care. Your child is not just battling phonics—they're managing stress, frustration, and sometimes shame. Make home a space where mistakes are not only accepted but expected. Celebrate effort, not just results.

If your child forgets something they just learned, respond with calm encouragement instead of correction. As we explain in our article about why children struggle to remember lessons, repetition with compassion is far more powerful than repetition with pressure.

Let Them Lead—Even Just a Little

One of the most empowering things you can do is give your child some control over their own learning. Let them choose which subject to tackle first today. Ask them how they’d like to review this time. Involve them in setting small goals.

And yes, in moments when they simply can’t focus, it’s okay to pause. As we explore in this article on helping children focus, exhaustion (yours or theirs) often signals that it’s time to change the approach—not the child.

You're Not Alone in This Journey

Supporting a dyslexic child isn't easy—but it is absolutely doable. You don't need to be an expert in pedagogy or memorize all the phonemes of the French alphabet. What matters far more is showing up, day by day, with curiosity, patience, and faith in your child's potential.

Find tools and allies that match your family's rhythm. Try new methods, celebrate small wins, and don't forget to acknowledge yourself too. You're doing life-changing work just by being in your child's corner.

And if you're looking for ways to make daily homework less of a battle and more of a bonding time, this article on turning homework into a fun moment can offer additional inspiration.