Join Education and Communications Consultant Liz Loly for her thoughts on why support matters so much in education, the myths we need to bust, and why she's supporting Go Red for Dyslexia this October!
"I am passionate about increasing dyslexia awareness and dedicated to doing everything I can to make this happen. As a teacher, mum to a delightfully dyslexic son and a postgraduate psychology student, I have seen high and low moments for young people and adults who are dyslexic. We can and must continue to do more to increase the highs and ease the lows.
Every child should have the opportunity to reach their own full potential and hold a positive image of themselves, which can be very difficult when they may often feel like a square peg in a round hole. This is especially true whilst navigating their way through the education system, which generally isn’t designed for people who think differently.
I vividly remember my first parents’ evening as a teacher when the parents of a 7-year-old boy told me their son cried most evenings because he thought he was stupid. The sadness of this boy and the concept of such a bright, amazing boy thinking he was stupid, had a big impact on me and still does over 20 years later.
There are a myriad of myths that need addressing within schools. Here are a few:
“There’s no point doing anything until your child is 7.”
Food for thought: Why? So, they continue to develop a lower self-opinion of themselves; get more frustrated and are more switched off from learning?!?
“Your child isn’t particularly behind the average expected level so there’s no concern.”
Food for thought: But are they meeting their own individual potential?
“Without a formal diagnosis, we can’t do anything.”
Food for thought: If we know their main challenges can’t we start supporting them, whatever the reasons for the challenges?
“He’s just a typical boy…give him time and he’ll be fine.”
Food for thought: Is there such a thing? Yes, everyone develops at different rates but what if there is a reason that can be addressed, or motivation used to encourage them?
The longer-term stark reality of not meeting the needs of children with dyslexia is increased mental health difficulties; disengaged learners who follow paths that lead to a high percentage of the prison population being dyslexic and many adults never truly meeting or even being aware of their own potential. This sad reality negatively affects individuals, their families and wider communities as a whole.
The majority of teachers in the majority of schools are doing their best to support every child but it is difficult to meet the needs of every individual at the same time as following and meeting the high demands of a rigid curriculum. This is why I hope, that through awareness and passion for change, one day we will see an education system that appreciates and celebrates young people who think differently, and all student teachers will be trained to adopt dyslexia-friendly teaching styles that benefit all students.
We have many hurdles to jump and ‘educated’ people to truly educate... so this is why I am ‘Going Red for Dyslexia’, and am excited that so many of you are doing the same!"
If you’re an educator and you’re wanting to take some time with your class this October to talk about inclusivity, dyslexia awareness or any other aspects of accessibility, you can find our Go Red for Dyslexia schools resource packs courtesy of our friends at Twinkl- check out our Go Red for Dyslexia Assembly Pack, Go Red for Dyslexia No-Pen Outcomes Day Pack and Go Red for Dyslexia Year of Inclusivity Pack for how to Go Red in your school or college.