Finding the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. For parents whose children struggle with dyslexia, the stakes are even higher. A dyslexic child needs a learning environment that not only understands their challenges but also provides the support necessary for them to thrive.
If you’re searching for a school for dyslexia near me, this guide will walk you through essential factors to consider, drawing on key insights from Japari School’s approach to helping children with learning challenges.
Understanding Dyslexia and Its Challenges
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, the impact goes beyond the classroom. Children with dyslexia often struggle with self-confidence, experience social challenges, and may feel isolated or misunderstood. Recognising these broader challenges is critical in finding the right school near you.
Japari School’s holistic approach addresses not only the academic hurdles dyslexic students face but also their emotional and social well-being, helping to build their self-esteem and resilience.
We have several therapies to help pupils with the learning support they need and tailor our approach to fit your child’s needs.
Why Finding a Specialised School for Dyslexia is Necessary
Choosing the right school can be a game-changer for children with dyslexia. The right environment will offer:
- Tailored Instruction: Children with dyslexia benefit from specialised teaching methods, such as phonics-based approaches that emphasise understanding words.
- Emotional and Social Support: Schools that provide counselling, mentoring, and peer support can help students develop coping mechanisms and build confidence.
- Consistency: A strong routine and consistent reinforcement of learning strategies help dyslexic students build the skills they need to succeed.
Key Features to Look for in a School for Dyslexia Near Me
When searching for a school for dyslexia near me, it’s important to consider schools that provide the following support systems:
Personalised Learning Plans
Every child with dyslexia learns differently, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. Personalised learning plans should be tailored to each student’s unique challenges and strengths.
At Japari School, every pupil has a customised learning plan that adapts to their evolving needs. This ensures that children progress at their own pace, allowing them to grasp concepts before moving forward.
One of Japari School’s blog posts, Multisensory Learning explains how engaging multiple senses simultaneously—such as touch, sight, and hearing—helps reinforce learning in students with learning challenges. By using these kinds of teaching techniques, the school ensures that every child’s learning style is accommodated.
Qualified, Experienced Teachers
Teachers trained in dyslexia-specific methods, such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading, are essential. These educators have specialised skills in teaching children how to break down words into their constituent sounds, making reading less overwhelming. Small classroom settings and safe nurturing environments allow for students to feel confident to learn and enjoy their learning environments.
Japari School’s staff includes professionals experienced in offering excellent learning support, many of whom are trained in these methods, making them well-equipped to support dyslexic learners.
Focus on Reading Fluency
Schools that specialise in dyslexia understand the importance of building reading fluency. One program that stands out in remedial education is RAVE-O (Retrieval, Automaticity, Vocabulary, Engagement, and Orthography), used at Japari School. This program emphasises the importance of automatic word retrieval, helping children read more quickly and efficiently.
According to a Japari article on Building Strong Readers, teaching phonics is foundational, and strategies like RAVE-O help students master the building blocks of reading.
Comprehensive Learning Support
It’s not enough to address reading challenges alone. Dyslexia often comes with co-occurring challenges such as ADHD, auditory processing disorder, or even anxiety. Look for schools that offer comprehensive support that includes therapeutic interventions, counselling, and additional resources.
At Japari School, therapy plays a crucial role in students’ overall progress. The school offers multiple therapies, including occupational and speech therapy, to address the broader spectrum of learning barriers.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Children with dyslexia may develop feelings of inferiority due to repeated academic setbacks. The right school should focus on building self-esteem and providing an environment where children feel accepted and celebrated for their unique strengths.
Japari School excels in this area by promoting a nurturing and inclusive culture. Ensuring that each student is recognised for their achievements—big or small.
As discussed in Japari’s blog on Five Barriers to Learning. One of the most overlooked barriers is the emotional toll learning challenges can have on a child.
The school addresses this by offering a supportive community where children learn that their learning style is just one of many and not something to be ashamed of.
Regular group sessions and one-on-one meetings help students develop a positive self-image and the confidence that they can succeed academically. Our educational psychologists are able to assist your child by building their confidence and giving your child the ability to believe in themselves.
The Benefits of Multisensory Learning in Overcoming Dyslexia
Multisensory learning is a key approach for children with dyslexia. Schools that utilise this technique engage multiple senses—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile—to reinforce learning.
For example, a child might trace letters in the sand while saying the sound the letter makes. Japari School integrates this strategy across numerous subjects. Ensuring that students can fully absorb new material in a way that resonates with them.
This method has been shown to improve not just reading skills but also spelling, memory retention, and overall academic performance. Japari’s Exploring Sensory Blocks blog post explains how multisensory tools like sensory blocks can help with both literacy and numeracy skills. This reinforces the importance of a hands-on, interactive approach to learning.
How Japari School Empowers Students with Dyslexia
At Japari School, the philosophy is simple: every child has the potential to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face. The school offers a safe, structured environment where children are free to learn at their own pace, and where the support they need is always available. Here’s how Japari School stands out:
- Individualised Attention: With small class sizes, teachers can devote more time to each student, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.
- Expert Staff: The school’s teachers and therapists are specialists in remedial education and learning support, offering strategies specifically tailored to children with learning difficulties like dyslexia.
- Community of Support: Japari School emphasises collaboration between parents, teachers, and students, ensuring that everyone is working toward the same goal—student success.
Conclusion: Finding the Right School for Dyslexia Near Me
The journey to finding the right school for dyslexia near me can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that the right school will offer your child the tools they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.
Schools like Japari School provide the holistic, supportive environment dyslexic children need to overcome barriers and unlock their true potential.
If you’re interested in learning more about Japari School’s unique approach, we encourage you to schedule a visit with us and see how we can help your child learn with us.
