Dyslexia Kit in a Bag

Dyslexia is estimated to affect 20% of the population, 4-6% severely. It is not gender specific and is often mistaken as a condition affecting a person’s academic ability. What does this mean for us? Generally in each class of 30 we would expect to see 5-6 pupils with dyslexia. The kit comes with a booklet including photocopy resources. It is full of really useful information, instructions and ideas with free printable resources to use time and time again.

Key Features

• Help young people talk about their difficulties and what helps
• Support self-organisation
• Help raise self-esteem and confidence
• Help a child let you know if they are worried or upset
• Give the child a voice and tell you what they may need

Additional Information

Most classes will have 1 or 2 children who struggle and may have a diagnosis, leaving a further 3-4 students with difficulties that remain undiagnosed. The conversation starter cards ‘Dealing with Dyslexia at School’ look at 4 different areas: ‘Identification’, ‘Opinions’, ‘Being Creative’ and ‘Solutions’. They are designed to stimulate conversation with a young person to find out more about them and identify how best you can help.

Kit Content

• Let’s Get Organised Curriculum Self Organisation Fan
• Rotary Schedule Board with mini dry wipe boards and pen (helps with self-organisation)
• What do I do if I am worried fan
• How do I tell someone if I am worried fan
• What do I do if I am being bullied fan
• Emotions and Expressions Fan
• Feelings Fan
• Now/Then communications kit
• Set of mini dry wipe boards
• Cloud dry wipe board
• Set of 2 ‘I’m OK/I’m not OK’ mood bands
• My special Sticker Sets with Blank Fans
• A printable teachers and teaching assistants resource book. Use to print off posters and activities including resources to take home.
• Further information about dyslexia

How to Recognise Dyslexia

In early years up to 5, many children find it hard to pay attention and have poor concentration. They may listen but show little interest in letters or words. Children may develop speech and language slower than others. It may be hard to remember names or to carry out a set of instructions, forgetting what has been said. Some children may also find some physical skills hard such as catching, kicking or throwing a ball.

As children start school and progress, their difficulties become more noticeable with poor concentration and difficulty following instructions. Some may ‘forget’ words, names, and numbers. The standard of written work is often lower than expected with messy work, words rubbed or crossed out and poor handwriting. Physically, you may also see awkward or poor pencil grip. Joined-up writing is hard to achieve, and difficulty in remembering sequences (including sequences of letters with poor spelling).

Other areas become more obvious with children finding self-organisation hard alongside poor timekeeping. As the child becomes more aware of their differences, they may decide to employ avoidance tactics which can include poor behaviour designed to get them out of the class! Some children may choose to invite laughter rather than face judgement and become the class clown. Others may become withdrawn, worried and anxious. Sadly, many children find themselves the butt of bullies' attention.

Other Traits That May Be Seen

• Difficulty making friends and keeping friends – Often children find it hard to keep up with peers and will focus on friendships with younger children. Some may prefer the company of adults who have more time for them.
• Frustration and Challenging Behaviour – Many children do not feel understood and may become socially isolated. They may find their own coping mechanisms which can include becoming the class clown, acting the fool. Some may be attention-seeking, yearning for approval. Others may have periods of worry, anxiety or even depression.
• Tiredness and headaches – Excessive tiredness due to the need to concentrate. However, some headaches may develop into migraines which may require medical intervention.

Other Kits in This Fantastic Range

• Positive Behaviour Kit in a Bag
• Anxiety and Worry Kit in a Tin
• Autism Resource Kit in a Bag for Classrooms
• ADHD Classroom Kit in a Bag