Classroom Accommodations That Truly Help Children With Dyslexia Thrive

Understanding the Real Needs of a Dyslexic Child in School

If you’re reading this, you probably have a child who’s bright, imaginative, and full of curiosity—but who gets lost, frustrated, or tearful when faced with a dense page of text. You’ve likely watched your child struggle with reading tasks that seem effortless to their peers, and you’ve heard the term dyslexia whispered in teacher conferences or possibly stamped on a report.

So where do you go from here? What does your child's day look like from a classroom seat when the letters won't stay in place and reading aloud feels terrifying? And more importantly—how can the school adapt to your child’s needs so they can learn with dignity, motivation, and confidence?

The Difference Between Fair and Equal

One of the hardest things to grasp as a parent (and a teacher) is that fairness doesn’t mean everyone gets the same thing. Fairness means everyone gets what they need to succeed. For a child with dyslexia, that means rethinking how learning is delivered, perceived, and demonstrated in the classroom.

Some adaptations may feel like shortcuts to outside eyes, but for your child, they’re not shortcuts—they’re scaffolding. Your child is not less smart; their brain just processes written language differently. These accommodations give your child access to the same curriculum and expectations, but through a door they can actually open.

The Key Classroom Accommodations That Make a Difference

Every child is different, but here are some of the most effective, school-proven supports for children with dyslexia:

1. Multisensory Instruction

Children with dyslexia benefit immensely from multisensory learning—methods that engage more than one sense at a time. Instead of relying solely on visual reading, teachers can incorporate touch, movement, listening, or speaking.

For example, learning spelling using sand trays, air-writing letters, or tapping out syllables on fingers can help the brain form stronger memory connections. Audiobooks or speech-to-text can turn a reading-heavy history lesson into a more accessible experience.

In cases where no one has time to read a textbook aloud, some parents have found creative solutions. Using tools like the Skuli App, for instance, you can transform a classroom lesson into an audio version that your child listens to—perhaps during a car ride to soccer practice. It’s not just more accessible, it’s more enjoyable.

2. Extra Time and Alternative Assessments

Tests are often reading marathons in disguise. Extended time gives your child space to decode and process the material without the pressure of a ticking clock. But even more helpful is allowing alternatives to traditional written assessments.

Could your child give an oral presentation instead of writing an essay? Could they draw a comic strip to show their understanding of the solar system? These accommodations don’t lower expectations—they shift the method of expression.

3. Visual Support and Classroom Layout

For many students with dyslexia, a cluttered worksheet or a dense paragraph is already intimidating. Teachers can help by providing clean, chunked templates, using bigger fonts, and including visual organizers.

Even classroom layout matters. A seat away from high-traffic areas reduces distractions, and a consistent place for turning in work eliminates small stressors that can snowball quickly.

Building a Bridge Between School and Home

Maybe your child comes home exhausted or angry. You know they’re trying their best, and yet the gap between effort and results feels discouraging. That’s when communication with teachers becomes essential.

Request a meeting—not after a problem arises, but early in the year. Share what works at home. Ask what strategies they’re using in the classroom. Ensure the accommodations are precise, consistent, and documented—especially when navigating formal recognition like an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or other support measures available in your region.

Also, remember that early identification matters. If you’re not sure yet whether your child is dyslexic, it’s worth exploring. Signs can appear early—as young as six—and action can start even before a diagnosis. You can read more on that in our article When Can You Tell If Your Child Has Dyslexia?

It’s Not Just About School—It’s About Confidence

Dyslexia isn’t something your child will “grow out of,” but with the right supports, it becomes manageable—and even a strength. Many dyslexic children grow into deeply creative, skilled, and empathetic adults. But that journey relies heavily on how their needs are met now.

As you advocate for your child, remember: no adaptation replaces your love, your belief in them, or their sense of self-worth. That, more than anything on a checklist, is what will carry them through the hard days.

If you still wonder whether those letter reversals are cause for concern, we discussed that here: My 7-Year-Old Reverses Letters—Should I Be Worried?

Moving Forward With Gentle Courage

Perhaps this journey isn’t what you imagined when you packed their first lunchbox. But it's still a story of learning, resilience, and joy—just written a little differently. Armed with patience and the right supports, both at school and home, your child can thrive in ways that truly reflect their intelligence and uniqueness.

And when doubts linger (because they always do), this reminder might help: dyslexia does not define your child's future. But the steps you take today may very well shape it.