Learning needs · Dyslexia
Homeschooling a child with dyslexia
Reading the question is often the hard part, not the maths or the idea behind it. Take the reading load away first, then see what the child can really do.
What it often looks like in practice
- Slow, effortful reading of prompts; skips words
- Spelling answers marked wrong for the right idea
- Tires quickly on text-heavy screens
- Much stronger when questions are read to them
What to switch on
On the child’s learning plan, tick Dyslexia under Learning needs and these come on by themselves — untick any you don’t want:
- Read feedback and explanations aloud too
- Bigger buttons and more space
- Read questions aloud (under Accessibility)
- Dyslexia-friendly font (under Accessibility)
- Coloured overlay (under Accessibility)
- Larger text (under Accessibility)
Also helpful
- Typed answers are marked tolerantly (spacing, capitals, curly apostrophes); spelling skills are practised where spelling is the point.
- The tutor explanation can be read aloud too, and asked for 'a different way'.
- A working level for English that is lower than for maths is normal and easy to set.
- The printable learning report (Progress → Learning report) lists the accommodations in use, what is mastered, what is developing and suggested next steps — written for SENCO, EHCP (IEP / 504) conversations.
What we don’t do
We do not screen for dyslexia; the settings reduce the reading load, they do not replace specialist teaching.