Navigating the world of education can be challenging for any child, but for those with dyslexia, the journey can seem like an uphill battle. Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects reading, writing, and spelling. However, with the right support, children with dyslexia can achieve academic success and build their self-esteem. In Ireland, finding a specialized tutor is essential for these young learners. Here, we'll explore why specialized help is crucial, the steps to finding a tutor for children with dyslexia, and share links to valuable resources. Let's embark on this journey together, as we shed light on how to find the perfect tutor for your child.
Does dyslexia tutoring work? Why Specialized Help is Essential for Dyslexic Children:
Before we dive into the details of finding the right tutor for children with dyslexia, let's understand why specialized help is so important:
1. Tailored Instruction: Dyslexic children often struggle with traditional teaching methods. Specialized tutors can customize their approach to cater to each child's unique learning needs, helping them unlock their full potential.
2. Boosting Confidence: Dyslexia can impact a child's self-esteem. Specialized tutors provide an environment where children can gain confidence in their abilities and develop a positive attitude towards learning.
3. Improving Reading Skills: Reading is the cornerstone of education. Specialized tutors use evidence-based methods to help dyslexic children become more proficient readers, which is key to their academic progress.
4. Enhancing Writing and Spelling: Dyslexia affects writing and spelling skills. Tutors work diligently to improve these areas, ensuring children can express themselves effectively.
5. Empowering Parents: Specialized tutors offer guidance and resources to help parents play an active role in their child's education.
Steps to Find a Specialized Dyslexia Tutor in Ireland
Now, let's delve into the practical steps for finding the right tutor for your child with dyslexia in Ireland:
1. Assessment of Needs: Begin by understanding your child's specific challenges and strengths related to dyslexia. This will help you identify the type of support they require.
2. Consultation with Experts: Educational psychologists, teachers, and special education coordinators can provide valuable insights into the type of support your child needs. Seek their guidance to determine the best course of action.
3. Research and Recommendations: Connect with teachers, dyslexia support organizations, or other parents of dyslexic children. They can provide recommendations and referrals to qualified tutors.
4. Check Qualifications: Ensure that the tutor holds relevant qualifications and experience in working with dyslexic children. Look for a strong background in structured literacy methods, which are highly effective for teaching dyslexic students.
5. Interview Potential Tutors: Arrange interviews with potential tutors to discuss your child's needs and goals. This is an opportunity to assess their compatibility and teaching approach.
What is the best tutoring for dyslexia?
All children have different skills and learning styles, assessing which type of tutoring is best for your child depends on many factors relating to their strengths and challenges. It can be helpful to enlist the help of an experienced professional when deciding the best methodology for supporting your child. The list of websites below can be helpful for finding a professional who will be able to assist you in making the best learning support plan for your child.
List of websites providing Dyslexia tutors and resources:
Dyslexia Association of Ireland: The Dyslexia Association of Ireland is a comprehensive resource for understanding dyslexia and finding qualified tutors. They offer a directory of tutors and resources for parents.
Dyslexia Specialists Ireland (DSI): is a body established to support its members and promote their recognition as qualified assessors and tutors of individuals with dyslexia. All members of Dyslexia Specialists Ireland (DSI) are practicing and experienced teachers, accredited by The Teaching Council of Ireland. It has lists of tutors for different areas in Ireland.
Dyslexia Matters Ireland: Is run by two primary school teachers each with fifteen years experience teaching. They provide:
Online Recorded Courses such as: Querying Dyslexia and the Assessment Process, Practical Tips and Strategies for Parents, Dyslexia Friendly Teaching for Teachers and Tutors, Creating a Dyslexia Friendly School.
One to one termly literacy programs for primary school children. We will carry out a series of mini assessments to gauge their strengths and areas of need (this is not an official diagnosis). We will then create a program that is specific to your child and deliver it weekly in our premises in Navan.
Phone / Video Consultations - Consultation calls are available to parents to discuss topics of your choice e.g. your child's learning, their strengths and areas of need, help at home and general advice for you in the area of dyslexia and literacy.
Also check out their instagram by clicking here.
Dcode Dyslexia: DcodeDyslexia is an easy-to-use structured literacy reading programme for dyslexic students, their parents and schools. It uses colour-coded phonics to create fun and engaging programs for students of any age. This reading method supports dyslexic students and builds neurological pathways in the brain to improve their reading skills.
Dcode creator and founder Mary Moran has spent a career spanning over three decades teaching dyslexic students. Trained by Katherine Weldin de Blois (MSc Ed), in the gold-standard Orton-Gillingham approach to deliver teaching using a structured literacy method, Mary’s passion lies in giving struggling readers the lifelong gift of literacy. Dcode is informed by the unique teaching style that Mary developed over the course of her career. Having achieved consistent success with 1000s of struggling readers under her tuition, Mary packaged her methodology into a simple, interactive, and highly effective reading program so that every child can become a happy and confident reader.
The Reading Academy: Founded by teachers at a reading school in Co Dublin, Ireland, a school for children who have dyslexia. They have created a comprehensive reading program that followed the Orton Gillingham approach and used their expertise to teach students with dyslexia and struggling readers how to read. They provide tuition, toolkits for parents and helpful resources for use at home.
SchoolDays.ie: Has a list of tutors and other supports.
SEN Teacher: SEN Teacher offers a variety of free teaching and learning resources for children with special educational needs, including those with dyslexia.
Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT): IASLT can help you find qualified speech and language therapists who specialize in working with dyslexic children, particularly in addressing language and communication challenges.
Finding the right tutor for a child with dyslexia in Ireland is a vital step in ensuring they receive the specialized support they need to thrive academically and personally. With the wealth of resources and specialized tutors available, you can help your child reach their full potential. Start by understanding your child's needs, seeking recommendations, and consulting experts in the field.
The useful websites and references provided can be valuable tools in your journey to connect with the perfect tutor for your child with dyslexia. Remember, every child has unique strengths, and with the right support, they can overcome challenges and succeed in their education and beyond. Your child's future is bright, and the right tutor can help them navigate their path to success. Embrace the journey, and may it be filled with progress, growth, and a deep sense of achievement for both you and your child.
References for Further Reading
1. Dyslexia Association of Ireland - About Dyslexia
2. Professional Association for Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (PATSSL)
3. SEN Teacher - Free Teaching and Learning Resources
4. Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT)
5. Dyslexia Specialists Ireland (DSI)
6. Dcode Dyslexia
7. Dyslexia Matters Ireland