When your child has a learning disability like dyslexia, it's can be difficult to send him back to school — since having a learning disability comes with its own set of challenges. Rest assured that you are not alone. Many parents go through exactly what you're going through right now. Here are some important tips and tricks that make going back to school a little less stressful when you have a child with dyslexia.
1. Break Projects Down
Students who are dyslexic often find it difficult to focus on a large project for an extended period of time. To make it easier, try breaking up large projects into smaller ones. Look at the project as being the sum of its parts, and completing it will be much easier.
2. Stay Involved
As a parent, it's important to stay on top of the curriculum so that you can prepare your child for what's to come on the educational end. It doesn't pay to be a "helicopter parent," but knowing what the teacher will be talking about next will help you smooth the way for your child.The fewer surprises, the better.
3. Use Prioritized Lists
Dyslexic students often find it helpful to outline their tasks and tackle them in the order that they are due. This makes it easier to remember what's most important and also helps students learn to meet deadlines.
4. Adaptive Technology
Thanks to all the advanced technology now available in schools, learning — even with a disability — is much easier. Predictive software and audiobooks help facilitate learning for students with dyslexia.
5. Patience
Patience is a virtue for both parents and students. As a parent, be patient with your child, who is going through a lot with her learning disability. Teach your child, by example, how to be patient with herself and trust the learning process. It may not make sense now, but it will make sense eventually — all you need is a little diligence and a lot of practice.
