How to Help a Child with Reading Difficulties (Dyslexia & SEND)

When reading feels difficult, children may begin to avoid it, become frustrated, or believe they are “not good” at learning. This can be especially true for children with dyslexia or other SEND needs.

The good news is that small changes at home can make a big difference. By creating a supportive, low-pressure environment and using the right strategies, you can help your child feel more confident and start to enjoy reading in their own way.

Try This at Home

Start with just one small change this week:

👉 Sit down together for 10 minutes and try paired reading
👉 Let your child choose something they enjoy—even if it’s not a traditional book
👉 Try listening to an audiobook together at bedtime

Keep it relaxed, supportive, and pressure-free.

💛 Remember:
Every positive reading experience builds confidence—and confidence leads to progress.

Practical Tips

• Follow your child’s interests
  Let them choose what they read—even if it’s comics, magazines, or fact books. Enjoyment is key.

• Keep reading sessions short and positive
  5–10 minutes of relaxed reading is far more effective than long, stressful sessions.

• Use paired reading
  Read together and let your child take the lead when they feel ready. This reduces pressure and builds confidence.

• Introduce audiobooks
  Listening to stories helps develop vocabulary and understanding without the struggle of decoding every word.

• Celebrate effort, not perfection
  Praise your child for trying, rather than focusing on mistakes. Confidence grows from feeling successful.

For many children, reading isn’t just about learning words—it can affect their confidence, self-esteem, and overall experience of school.