By McKenzie Borst
Navigating dyslexia can be difficult, but if you suspect your child may have it, I want to offer some faith-based tools and dyslexia tutoring strategies to help them feel confident in their comprehension, writing, and study skills.
You may have noticed your child struggling with reading, writing, phonological awareness, or handwriting skills. The earlier dyslexia is identified and supported, the better. I encourage families to have their child evaluated so they can receive the right interventions. Early intervention equips your child with problem-solving tools as they grow. If you’re concerned, talk to your child’s teacher or a pediatric specialist.
There are many structured literacy programs that support dyslexic learners. I was trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, a systematic, multi-sensory method proven to
support students with dyslexia. You can learn more about OG-based interventions here: International Dyslexia Association – Structured Literacy
Identifying Your Child’s Learning Style
One of the first steps I take with a struggling student is determining whether they are an auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learner. This helps you choose the correct activities and manipulatives for building skills. You can also combine all three learning styles so your child can interact with content in multiple ways, which increases comprehension.
Use scaffolding to gradually release responsibility as your child masters each skill—this builds confidence and independence.
Master One Skill at a Time
Rather than rushing through curriculum to stay on pace, slow down and ensure your child fully understands one concept before moving on. Practice skills daily and track progress so you can identify areas that need focused support.
Using Manipulatives for Dyslexic Learners
Manipulatives are powerful tools for dyslexia tutoring. A whiteboard and marker can make practice less intimidating because mistakes are easily erasable. Encourage them to keep trying without pressure.
Tactile Tools to Reinforce Learning
Hands-on tools help dyslexic learners connect with letters and sounds. Writing in sand, using textured surfaces, or tracing letters on a bumpy screen engages the senses and helps reinforce letter formation, phonics, and spelling.
Allow Time for Mistakes
Give your child the time they need to make mistakes and learn from them. Children with dyslexia often require more processing time. Patience and a calm environment will help them persist through challenges.
Create a Fun Learning Environment
Consistency is key. Set a simple daily routine to build strength and motivation. Reading together every night is a great habit—let your child answer comprehension questions while you do most of the reading.
Audiobooks are also a wonderful tool, especially during car rides or quiet time.
👉 Toniebox
👉 Yoto
Encouraging Writing Through Engaging Activities
For writing, encourage activities like journaling, copying Bible verses, and creative writing. Keep writing fun instead of grading it.
Some classroom activities you can use at home:
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Minute Monday – write as much as they can in 60 seconds
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Wacky Writing Wednesday – silly or creative prompts
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Paragraph of the Week – choose a topic to write about every Friday
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, add more structured writing lessons for balance.
Teaching Organizational and Study Skills
Dyslexic learners benefit from strong organizational routines. Help your child create a system that works for them—using a calendar, checklist, or visual schedule.
One strategy I love is the First–Then Method:
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FIRST: complete the required task
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THEN: choose a fun or relaxing activity
This builds motivation while maintaining structure.
Encourage a Growth Mindset
Remind your child they may not feel confident yet, but growth takes time. God has equipped them with the ability to work hard and improve.
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Philippians 4:13: “I can do al
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l things through Christ who strengthens me.”
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Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good…for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.”
Build a Supportive Community
Don’t walk this journey alone. A strong support system—including your school, other parents, and faith-based dyslexia tutoring services—can provide encouragement and fresh ideas.
Family Focused Tutors specializes in individualized help for dyslexic learners and can support your child through compassionate, structured instruction.
How Family Focused Tutors Can Help
Dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but the right support can help your child thrive. At Family Focused Tutors, we offer personalized tutoring for children with learning differences such as dyslexia. Our experienced tutors are trained in Orton-Gillingham and other research-backed methods to support reading, writing, and study skills.
To learn more, visit us at www.familyfocusedtutors.com and explore how we can partner with you on your child’s educational journey.
FAQ: Dyslexia Tutoring
Q1: What is dyslexia tutoring?
A: Dyslexia tutoring is specialized instruction designed to help children with dyslexia improve reading, writing, spelling, and study skills. Methods often include multi-sensory approaches like Orton-Gillingham to support learning.
Q2: How can I tell if my child needs dyslexia tutoring?
A: Signs may include difficulty with reading, writing, spelling, or handwriting, trouble remembering letter-sound associations, and slower progress in school despite effort. Early intervention is crucial for success.
Q3: What strategies are most effective for dyslexic learners?
A: Effective strategies include using manipulatives, multi-sensory learning, scaffolding skills, mastering one concept at a time, and incorporating study and organizational tools. Encouraging a growth mindset is also key.
Q4: Can dyslexia tutoring be faith-based?
A: Yes! Faith-based dyslexia tutoring integrates Christian values and encouragement while providing structured academic support, helping children build confidence and a sense of purpose in their learning.
Q5: How do I find a qualified dyslexia tutor?
A: Look for tutors trained in evidence-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham, with experience in multi-sensory instruction, and ideally those who understand your family’s faith-based values. Family Focused Tutors provides personalized tutoring for children with learning differences.