Back to School with Dyslexia: Five Calm Steps for a Smoother Start

Children starting the new school year

The end of summer often brings mixed emotions. For some families, September is about fresh starts and new opportunities. For others, especially when dyslexia is part of the picture, the build-up to term time can bring a wave of anxiety.

Parents worry: Will my child fall behind? Will their teacher understand? How can I support them at home without pressure? Children may also feel the weight of school before it even begins.

The good news is that there are calm, practical steps you can take to ease the transition. Here are five ways to help your dyslexic child start the school year with confidence.

1. Talk openly about feelings

Many children with dyslexia have learned to mask their struggles or brush off comments about reading and writing. Beneath the surface, they may feel worried, different or even stupid, a word many parents sadly hear their child say about themselves.

Set aside a quiet moment before school starts to talk openly about how they are feeling. You could ask:

• What part of going back to school feels hardest?

• Is there anything you’re looking forward to?

• What do you want your new teacher to know about you?

By naming their feelings, children reduce the power of unspoken fears. Your reassurance matters too. Remind them that dyslexia is not about intelligence, it is about how the brain processes information. Their strengths are just as real, and they deserve to be celebrated.

2. Ease into routines early

The jump from summer’s slower pace to school structure can be overwhelming, particularly for children who struggle with organisation and time management. Starting the shift before the first day helps everyone.

Practical steps include:

• Bringing bedtime and wake-up times gradually earlier.

• Doing a school morning rehearsal so your child knows what to expect.

• Organising school bags, uniforms, and lunch boxes together so the routine feels calmer.

For children with dyslexia, predictability is powerful. They often thrive when they know what is coming next, reducing the mental load of last-minute changes. Think of it as giving their brain a head start.

3. Prepare tools together

Tools and strategies can make a real difference, but the key is to involve your child in choosing and using them. When they feel ownership, they are far more likely to use them consistently.

Some simple but effective ideas include:

• Coloured overlays to reduce visual stress when reading.

• A homework planner or wall calendar to break tasks into manageable steps.

• A quiet, designated reading space with comfortable lighting and fewer distractions.

• Pencil grips or writing aids to reduce hand fatigue.

Turn preparation into a positive ritual. Instead of we have to get this ready, frame it as let’s build your toolkit for success. That sense of pride in having the right resources boosts confidence.

4. Connect with teachers early

One of the most helpful things you can do as a parent is to bridge the gap between home and school. Teachers want children to succeed, but they may not have full insight into what has worked well for your child before.

Reach out before term starts with a short email or quick chat. You could share:

• Strategies that have been helpful in the past (for example, extra time for reading).

• Any assessment results or learning profiles you have.

• Your child’s strengths and interests, this helps teachers see them as more than their struggles.

This is not about being demanding. It is about setting your child up for success and helping the teacher understand them as a whole person. Teachers often welcome this proactive communication, as it helps them prepare too.

5. Focus on strengths, not just struggles

Back-to-school conversations can easily revolve around grades, progress and catching up. While academic goals matter, it is just as important to remind your child of what they do brilliantly.

Maybe they are imaginative storytellers, problem-solvers, kind friends, or budding engineers. Highlighting these strengths builds resilience and gives them a positive foundation to fall back on when learning feels hard.

You could even start a strengths journal-once a week, write down something they achieved or enjoyed that had nothing to do with spelling tests or reading levels. Over time, this builds self-esteem and helps them see themselves beyond academic labels.

A Final Thought

Back to school with dyslexia does not need to mean stress or worry. By talking openly, easing into routines, preparing tools, connecting with teachers and focusing on strengths, you create a foundation that protects confidence and makes learning feel more manageable.

And if you are still wondering whether your child’s challenges are linked to dyslexia, remember that early identification changes outcomes. An assessment provides clarity, practical strategies and peace of mind for both you and your child.

Find out more about dyslexia assessments here: https://www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk/dyslexia-screening