When Letters Don’t Seem to Stick

Simon Yock Parent Guides

Understanding Dyslexia and What You Can Do

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that makes reading, spelling and writing feel unusually hard, even with plenty of effort. It’s not about laziness or low intelligence. In fact, many children with dyslexia are highly creative, verbal, and insightful. But they may struggle with recognising sounds in words, remembering spelling patterns, or putting thoughts on paper.

It often runs in families and can look different for every child. With the right support, children with dyslexia can learn to navigate reading in a way that works for them.

5 Early Signs to Look For

Look for consistent patterns rather than one-off struggles:

  • Difficulty matching letters to sounds or sounding out words
  • Skipping words or mixing up word order when reading
  • Struggles with spelling, even after lots of practice
  • Avoiding reading aloud or writing tasks
  • Strong verbal skills but frustration getting thoughts onto paper

A Real-Life Snapshot

Sienna is 8 and lights up when she’s drawing or telling stories. But when it’s time to read or write, things change. She stares at the page, bites her lip, and says, “I can’t do this.” Her mum notices she works twice as hard as her peers but still gets stuck on the same words. Spelling tests end in tears. Recently, Sienna whispered, “I think I’m dumb,” and her mum’s heart broke.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and help is available.

Strategies That Really Help

These steps reflect best practice and can build confidence while easing daily learning challenges:

  • Focus on strengths – Celebrate creativity, curiosity, problem-solving, or oral storytelling
  • Read together without pressure – Let them enjoy stories in any form (yes, audiobooks count!)
  • Use visual supports -Try coloured overlays, larger font, or dyslexia-friendly fonts if helpful
  • Request Structured Literacy – Ask the school what kind of reading support they use, look for approaches that teach step-by-step, with plenty of practice using sight, sound and movement. These are often the most effective for kids with dyslexia.
  • Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks – Add movement breaks to reduce cognitive overload
  • Give extra processing time – Be patient when they’re retrieving words or spelling patterns
  • Avoid comparisons – Every learner has a unique journey, honour their pace and progress

Helpful Phrases to Use

Your words have power. These phrases can shift their inner story:

  • “Your brain works differently, and that’s a strength.”
  • “Reading is one part of learning, not the whole picture.”
  • “Lots of clever people have dyslexia, you’re not alone.”
  • “Mistakes are part of learning. I’m proud of how hard you try.”

What to Do Next

If you suspect dyslexia, the earlier you seek support, the better:

  • Speak with your child’s teacher and ask about learning support
  • Talk to the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
  • Consider an educational psychology assessment if difficulties persist
  • Ask the school about Structured Literacy interventions or accommodations
  • Connect with local dyslexia associations or parent groups

Early support can change the learning experience and your child’s confidence.

Who Can Help?

These professionals can support your child’s learning and emotional wellbeing:

  • Specialist teachers trained in Structured Literacy or multisensory instruction
  • Educational psychologists
  • Speech-language therapists (especially if language processing is involved)
  • Resource teachers of learning and behaviour (RTLBs)
  • Literacy or learning support coordinators
  • Parent support networks or dyslexia foundations

A Positive Thought to Take With You

“Reading is just one way to shine – your child has many.”

With the right support, patience and encouragement, children with dyslexia can succeed in school and in life, on their terms

Helpful Resources to Explore

 

👇🔗 Link below for services that help with neurodiversity:

https://kidslink.co.nz/listing-cat/neurodiverse/

 

2025

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