My Child Has Dyslexia: How to Talk to Their Teacher the Right Way

Understanding What You're Feeling

If you've just found out that your child has dyslexia, or even if you've suspected it for a while, there's often a mix of relief and anxiety that follows. Relief in finally understanding why reading feels like climbing a mountain for your child. But anxiety—real, gnawing anxiety—about how this will play out at school, and how teachers will respond. Maybe you're worried your child will be seen as lazy, or that vital support will be delayed by bureaucracy or misunderstanding.

That first conversation with your child’s teacher matters more than you think. It’s not just a meeting. It’s the start of a partnership that could shape your child’s daily experience of school—for better or worse.

The Teacher Isn’t the Enemy

A lot of well-meaning parents walk into school meetings armed like they’re heading into battle. It’s understandable. Too many have had to fight hard for accommodations or felt their concerns brushed off. But here's a shift in perspective: most teachers want your child to thrive. They’re simply working under pressure, with diverse needs in every classroom, and may not always have the tools or training to recognize or support dyslexia well.

Approach the conversation with honesty and openness. Share what you’ve noticed at home—"Léo takes forever to get through simple reading tasks," or "He avoids writing assignments because spelling overwhelms him." It's okay to admit that you're learning alongside your child—and to ask for the teacher's insight too.

What to Share (and How)

If your child already has a diagnosis, bring in the report. But don’t just slide a printed document across a desk. Summarize what you’ve learned about how your child experiences schoolwork. For example, you might say:

• "Reading out loud is really stressful for her; she often stumbles and loses track, even though she understands what she reads in her head."
• "He remembers stories best when he hears them, not when he reads them."
• "She gets extremely anxious before spelling tests and shuts down completely."

Teachers aren’t speech therapists or neurologists—they don’t need the full scientific explanation. What they need is a clear snapshot of your child’s learning profile and ideas that might help. If you’re not yet sure your child has dyslexia but suspect it, here’s our guide to who you can talk to first.

Collaborate on Adjustments That Work in the Classroom

Once the teacher understands your child’s learning style, you can begin to explore possible adjustments together. This doesn't just mean extra time on tests—though that's important. It could include:

• Forgiving spelling mistakes in creative writing assignments, so your child feels confident to express ideas.
• Allowing oral responses instead of written ones for certain tasks.
• Using visual supports or audio tools in lessons when possible.

Many teachers appreciate practical tools they can implement with minimal disruption. For example, some parents have found success using learning tools that turn written lessons into audible formats—especially useful for homework review or revising in the car. One parent told me her son started listening to his lesson content as audio adventures where he was the hero. It not only captivated him but gave him confidence to discuss the material in class. (If that sounds interesting, Skuli, available on iOS and Android, offers features like that.)

Check In, Don’t Check Out

That first conversation is just the beginning. Reconnection is key. Once you’ve talked to the teacher, set a date—perhaps after a couple of weeks—to revisit what’s working and what’s not. Dyslexia manifests differently in every child, and sometimes trial and error are necessary. Teachers generally appreciate parents who stay engaged but respectful, who bring new observations without judgment.

Meanwhile, consider keeping a shared notebook or email thread with the teacher. Regular, short updates can help track patterns—like whether your child is staying calmer during reading time, or whether the workload is causing anxiety at home.

Don’t Forget the Emotional Side

Academic support is vital, but so is emotional safety. A dyslexic child who feels stupid or left behind may internalize that narrative fast—and painfully. In conversations with the teacher, don’t hesitate to bring this up. Ask questions like:

• "How does she seem during group reading time?"
• "Has he been participating more, or pulling back?"

And at home, create space for your child to share how school feels. If self-esteem is dipping, this guide on supporting confidence in dyslexic children is a great place to start.

Remember: You're Not Alone

No parent wants their child to struggle—but naming dyslexia is a step toward understanding, not a label to fear. And you don’t have to face it in isolation. Depending on where you live, your child may be eligible for school-based accommodations or specialist help. If you don’t know what’s available, this article explains your options at school.

If your child is nearing a transition to middle school, you’ll find support tailored to that age group here. And for those long afternoons when homework turns into a battleground, don’t forget to check out these fun and confidence-building activities.

One conversation isn’t going to fix everything. But it can lay the groundwork for a school year where both your child and their teacher feel seen and supported. That’s a powerful beginning—and your advocacy is making it possible.