Navigating the School Year: A Guide for Parents of Children with Dyslexia
As we approach the start of a new school year, it's time to prepare not just the backpacks and lunchboxes but also for essential conversations with your child's teacher. For parents of children with learning disabilities like dyslexia, these conversations will set the stage for a successful academic year.
The first step to start the school year strong is establishing open communication with your child's teacher. This partnership can be a game-changer in your child's academic experience. Here's how you can make the most of it:
1. Initiate the Conversation
Don't wait for the first parent-teacher conference. Request a meeting or phone call during the first weeks of school. This proactive approach allows you to share valuable insights about your child's learning disability and help the teacher understand your child's unique needs.
2. Educate About Dyslexia
While awareness of dyslexia has increased a lot over the years, some teachers may still have limited training or experience with it. Share what dyslexia looks like for your child. For instance, you could say: "Sammy struggles with reading, writing, and spelling words. He reads slowly, often losing his place, and prefers being read to rather than reading independently."
3. Highlight Your Child's Strengths
Every child has unique strengths. Share these with the teacher to provide a holistic view of your child. For example, you might share: "Sarah loves sports and often is a leader on her teams in basketball and soccer. We hope she continues to rest to enjoy recess and PE this year at school."
4. Discuss the Emotional Impact
Dyslexia doesn't just affect academic performance; it can also impact a child's mental and emotional well-being. Share how your child reacts to academic challenges. This insight can help the teacher understand your child's behavior and respond empathetically.
5. Suggest Ways the Teacher Can Help
Teachers want to support their students, but they may not always know the best approach. Offer suggestions on how they can help your child. It is important for all of us to recognizing our students' hard work, even if they are behind their peers. Rewarding his progress and effort, rather than focusing solely on the final product, can make a significant difference.
Remember, you are your child's best advocate. By sharing your insights and hopes for the school year, you can help create a supportive and understanding environment for your child. For more tips on discussing dyslexia with your child's teacher, check out this helpful article from Reading Rockets.
At Read Write The Learning Center, we're committed to supporting parents and children on this journey. We offer one-on-one academic language therapy tailored to the needs of children with learning disabilities. Together, we can make this school year a successful one for your child.
