Back On Track After Half-Term: Helping Your Dyslexic Child Stay Organised

As the autumn term gathers pace and the festive season edges closer, many families find that the weeks after half-term can feel like an uphill climb. The initial excitement of a new school year has faded, darker evenings creep in, and routines that once ran smoothly can start to wobble. For children with dyslexia, these changes can be especially challenging, and memory difficulties, organisational struggles and fatigue can all combine to make the run-up to Christmas a little overwhelming.

But with a few practical strategies, you can help your child rediscover their rhythm, rebuild confidence and stay motivated right through to the end of term. In this latest article, we explore how you can keep your child focused this autumn…

1. Keep to a predictable routine

After a break, returning to school routines can feel like starting all over again. Dyslexic children often rely heavily on structure and predictability to feel secure and focused, so a visual timetable or weekly planner can make an enormous difference here. Display it somewhere visible, such as on the fridge or by their desk, and colour-code days for homework, clubs, and rest time.

At The Dyslexia Shop, you’ll find a range of visual planners, timetables and wall charts designed to make daily routines clear and easy to follow. These visual aids not only help children see what’s coming next but also reduce anxiety around unexpected changes.

2. Use tools that support memory and focus

Dyslexic learners can find it difficult to remember multi-step instructions or recall what they need for lessons, especially after time away from school. Simple tools can help bridge those gaps, so try using memory aids like sticky notes, reminder cards or small notebooks, to jot down what needs packing in a school bag or what homework is due.

Assistive technology can also make a huge difference. Voice recorders, text-to-speech pens and reading rulers help children work more independently and with less frustration and using these regularly at home builds confidence in managing schoolwork and reduces reliance on parents or teachers for every reminder.

3. Prioritise rest and wellbeing

As the nights draw in, energy levels can dip, and, with dyslexic children often working harder than their peers to process information, fatigue can build quickly. Regular breaks, early bedtimes and plenty of downtime are not luxuries; they’re essential.

Encourage time away from screens and focus on calm, creative activities. Reading can help your child unwind while still supporting literacy skills, and here at The Dyslexia Shop, we have a range of carefully selected books that your child will love!

4. Keep communication open

The weeks leading to Christmas can be emotionally charged, with tests, performances and end-of-term deadlines. Make time to check in with your child regularly, not just about schoolwork, but about how they’re feeling. Children with dyslexia may internalise frustration or embarrassment, so a calm, open chat can make all the difference.

Teachers and parents working together can provide a united front of understanding and encouragement. Sharing what’s working at home (and in class) helps everyone stay aligned and ensures consistent support.

5. Look ahead with optimism

It’s easy to see the autumn term as a marathon, but it’s also a season of growth and progress. Celebrate small wins such as mastering a new piece of tech, remembering homework, or simply showing resilience after a tough day, as it’s these moments that build the foundations of confidence that will carry your child through the rest of the school year.

At The Dyslexia Shop, we’re proud to support that journey with everything students need to excel this academic year.