Get Set For The New School Year

 Get Set For The New School Year

While the school term might be coming to an end and the summer holidays are just getting underway, there is no better time to turn your attention to September. Preparing for the new school year now can help you prepare your classroom and reduce the stress and pressure of setting up your new students for success.

Early preparation becomes even more important when teaching children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. Ensuring that you have the right tools in place from the first day of school is essential, and in this latest article, we thought we would take a look at some of the key products that can support your students and give them everything they need for the year ahead.

Understanding dyslexia and the challenges it poses

Before we take a look at some of the key products that every teacher needs, it’s important to understand dyslexia and some of the challenges it can pose. By addressing these directly, you can help your students to succeed, and some of the most common issues teachers face include: 

• Reading difficulties

One of the most frequent hurdles to overcome is having students who struggle with their reading fluency and the ability to decode words and understand text. This can make it very difficult for them to keep up with their peers and participate in class discussions. 

• Spelling and writing issues

Dyslexia can also affect a student’s ability to spell words correctly and write coherently. This can lead to frustration during writing assignments and make it difficult for them to organise their thoughts on paper. 

• Slower processing

Many students with dyslexia will process information slower than their peers, which can impact their ability to follow along during lessons and complete assignments on time. 

• Memory retention

Short-term memory difficulties are common in students with dyslexia, making it harder for them to remember instructions, spelling rules, mathematical formulas, and other critical information. 

• Attention and focus

Attention and focus within traditional classroom settings can be a challenge for students with dyslexia, especially in lessons that rely on heavy reading and writing. 

• Self-esteem and confidence

Repeated academic struggles can take their toll on a student’s self-esteem, leaving them feeling less capable compared to their peers and lacking the confidence to participate in class. 

How can teachers overcome these challenges?

While these challenges can have a big impact on the academic success of students, utilising the right tools and employing the right strategies can empower students with dyslexia and spur them on to achieve their goals. Some of the most effective include: 

Multisensory instruction

Use a combination of visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learning activities to help students grasp concepts more effectively. 

Assistive technology

Tools such as text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and word processors with spell-check can assist students overcome any difficulties. OCR and reading pens are also very useful, allowing students to quickly scan text and copy it to a computer or have it read aloud to them, boosting their comprehension and understanding.    

Tailor lessons

Adapt your lesson plans to the diverse needs of your students, ensuring they get the appropriate level of support. 

Classroom accommodations

Provide extra time on tests, offer oral assessments, and allow the use of notes during exams to help level the playing field for dyslexic students. 

Engage parents

Involving parents and working together collaboratively can help to create a consistent and supportive environment for students at home and school. 

The benefits of planning ahead

While you might be tempted to put your feet up and take a well-earned break this summer holiday, getting your classroom and school prepared for the new school year now can provide a wide range of benefits. 

• Reduced stress and anxiety

Starting the new school year with a well-thought-out plan and everything in place can help to reduce the stress and anxiety for students and teachers alike. Knowing the lessons, materials, and schedules are all prepared will allow you to not only relax more over the summer break but also hit the ground running this coming September. 

• Effective classroom management

Early planning also helps you to develop clear rules, procedures and expectations. You can use this as a foundation for structure and consistency for the new year, leading to fewer disruptions and a more focused learning environment. 

• Tailored approach

Planning ahead will also allow you to better understand the diverse needs of your students, allowing you to develop differentiated learning strategies to ensure everyone has equal opportunities. 

• Resource allocation

Planning in advance allows you to identify and procure all of the required resources for your class. From textbooks and technology to specialised materials, this proactive approach will minimise delays later in the year. 

Key products to help with dyslexia

Now that you know some of the challenges that can arise in teaching students with dyslexia and the importance of planning early, what are some of the essential products and tools you need for the new school year? 

Tinted exercise books

Tinted exercise books are a fantastic addition to any classroom, helping to reduce visual stress, which is one of the most common challenges for students with dyslexia. The coloured pages help to provide a more comfortable reading and writing experience, enhancing their focus and boosting comprehension. 

Different colours may work better for different students, so it is advisable to get a few options to ensure your class can utilise the best options for them. 

Coloured overlays

Similar to tinted exercise books, coloured overlays are transparent sheets that can be placed over a variety of texts. This helps to reduce distortion and improve overall readability, boosting students’ comprehension and understanding. 

These overlays are portable and can be used on any form of printed material, making them a highly versatile tool for students across every subject. Of course, a vast portion of the curriculum is now undertaken on computers, which is why monitor overlays are also an essential addition to any classroom. 

Pens, pencils and writing aids

There are a wide range of specialised pens and pencils that have been specifically designed to help students with dyslexia. These writing aids feature things such as ergonomic grips and smooth ink flow that help to reduce hand fatigue and visual stress. 

Electronic aids

Technology is helping to transform education and there are a wide variety of electronic aids that have been specifically created to help students with dyslexia. The OrCam Learn pen is one of the most effective devices, providing a powerful text-to-speech feature that is capable of reading an entire page of text from any surface at just the click of a button. This gives students the ability to follow text at their own pace, ensuring they can better absorb the content and boost their comprehension. 

Get ready with The Dyslexia Shop

If you want to get ahead of the curve and ensure your school and classroom are fully prepared for when the new school year starts, then The Dyslexia Shop is here to help you. Alongside a truly comprehensive range of tools, equipment and educational games designed to help students with learning challenges, we are also able to provide white exercise books and bespoke printed books with your logo, ethos, or any other form of customisation, ensuring we’re your one-stop shop for all of your needs! 

Want to find out more about our range and how we can help your school? Contact our team, who will be happy to help.