Setting Up A Dyslexia-Friendly Classroom For The New Term

It might be the summer holidays, but many teachers are already busy preparing lesson plans, organising resources and creating welcoming classrooms where every child feels ready to learn.

For pupils with dyslexia, the environment can have a huge impact on confidence, focus and independence, and creating a dyslexia friendly classroom does not require a complete redesign. Small changes to the layout, displays and resources can make learning more accessible for everyone, while creating a calmer and more inclusive space for all pupils.

If you want to make sure you have a welcoming space, come September, here are some of our practical tips…

Create a calm and organised layout

The layout of a classroom can make a big difference for children who find it difficult to concentrate or process lots of information at once. Try to create clear areas, such as a reading corner, independent workspace, or resource station, and be sure to keep pathways open and avoid overcrowded areas, as a busy environment with too many distractions can sometimes feel overwhelming for children with dyslexia.

You should also consider where children sit and whether they have a clear view of the teacher and board without unnecessary visual distractions around them. Simple organisation systems, such as clearly labelled storage boxes and consistent places for equipment, can also help while supporting children to become more independent.

Use dyslexia-friendly displays

Classroom displays are a great way to support learning, but too much information can become distracting. When creating displays in your classroom, consider using:

• Clear, easy-to-read fonts
• Good spacing between words and lines
• Simple layouts
• Colour combinations with strong contrast
• Visual supports such as pictures, diagrams and symbols

 

You should also avoid filling every available space with information, as a carefully designed display with key information is often more effective than a wall packed with text!

Choose accessible classroom resources

The right resources can help children with dyslexia access learning more independently, and tools such as reading rulers, coloured overlays and reading pens can support pupils who find reading challenging, while writing aids and pencil grips can make written tasks more comfortable. Having these resources available in the classroom means children can use them naturally when they need support, rather than feeling singled out.

Multisensory resources are also valuable for dyslexic learners, and activities that combine seeing, hearing and touch can help children develop stronger connections and remember new information more effectively.

Make worksheets easier to read

Worksheets and printed materials are used every day in classrooms, so making them dyslexia-friendly can have a significant impact. When creating yours, consider using clear fonts such as Arial or similar sans-serif styles, increasing line spacing, breaking large sections of text into smaller chunks, and highlighting important information.

Bullet points and images can also be helpful, and they not only support children with dyslexia but also make the resources easier for all learners.

Create a positive reading environment

For some children with dyslexia, reading can feel challenging or frustrating, but creating a positive reading environment helps build confidence and encourages pupils to see reading as something enjoyable.

A comfortable reading area with a selection of engaging books, including dyslexia-friendly options, gives children a place to explore stories at their own pace. You should also encourage pupils to choose books based on their interests, rather than focusing only on reading level, as a child who is excited about a topic is often much more motivated to read.

Support organisation and independence

Many children with dyslexia benefit from clear routines and visual reminders. Classroom organisation tools such as planners, checklists and colour-coded systems can help pupils keep track of tasks and manage their workload, while visual timetables give a clear overview of the day and help students to prepare for transitions between activities.

Encourage a growth mindset

Perhaps the most important part of creating a dyslexia friendly classroom is building a culture where every child feels valued. Dyslexia does not affect intelligence, creativity or potential, and many children with dyslexia have excellent problem-solving skills, strong imagination and unique ways of approaching challenges.

Celebrate effort, encourage questions and make sure pupils understand that asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.

Ready to start preparing your classroom?

If you are looking to start creating an inclusive classroom ready for the new school year, then The Dyslexia Shop is here to help. We provide a wide range of carefully selected resources to support schools, teachers and pupils, ensuring every child can begin the new school year ready to learn.

If you want to learn more about our products and the support we offer schools, get in touch!