Build Confidence in Dyslexic Learners

In my experience of working with bright, older, dyslexic students, their biggest barrier to success is  

their lack of self-belief

When at school students with dyslexia often feel overwhelmed, exhausted and defeated, which results in them having low expectation of what they can attain. Some entirely giving up on ever achieving academically.

When this happens, it is hard to motivate students to invest additional time and effort into learning skills that have the potential to transform their learning.

 Learners need to understand that

• they are intelligent, but their literacy skills are weak

• their intelligence is NOT defined by their ability to read, write or spell

• the quality of their thoughts and ideas are what defines their intelect

• technology can help them overcome their difficulties with literacy

Only when a student starts to believe in their own ability will they be motivated to learn new skills to help them achieve.

What improves self confidence?

What can help young learners understand that they are bright when they experience difficulties at school?  

The younger dyslexia is identified and students understand their learning style is ‘different’ rather than ‘inferior’ the easier this is.

I have found watching videos encouraged my students far more than listening to anything I’ve ever said to them.

Encouraging Videos

Many videos have been created to inform and encourage dyslexics. These can be great conversation starters. The discussions I’ve had with students after watching videos have been enlightening, providing clues as to where further support is required.

Where to find helpful videos

I’ve created a playlist on YouTube

Videos to build confidence & encourage dyslexics

I will add new helpful videos when I find them.

Below is a helpful guide to this playlist that could save you a lot of time,

Why are there so many videos on this Playlist?

This webpage lists a lot of videos, because what helps one child could be detrimental to another. Hearing about famous, creative, genius, and successful dyslexics can make some children feel totally inadequate, but really inspire others.

I recommend the adults these watch videos first to decide which ones they think would be helpful for an individual or group.

Parents need encouraging too

Parents, while researching which video will help your child, you might well find you are educated and encouraged too.

Understanding that your dyslexic child can go on and be successful helps calm natural anxieties, enabling you to parent positively.

For a long time, my parenting was fuelled by fear, which I now see was hugely detrimental.

All these videos and many more can be found on my YouTube Channel

While I LOVE YouTube for learning (watching beats reading for me!!), this is one instance where my website is far more informative than just working your way through a playlist. This page should hopefully make it easier and quicker for you to select helpful videos.

Let me save you some time

I've spent an inordinate amount of time watching oodles of videos to find the most helpful ones. 

Here is a list of videos that have had the most positive impact on my students from ages 6-18 years. I've included some brief notes to help you select the most appropriate ones. This will hopefully save your precious time.

If you know of any other encouraging videos, please email them to me.

Videos

Dyslexia Explained: What's It Like Being Dyslexic?

This can bring a tear to many an adults’ eyes, but primary school aged children LOVE it, plus it can be a good conversation starter for secondary students   It’s a cartoon, telling the story of a boy who hates school, whose teacher thinks he's lazy, but finds that that is wrong and apologises.

likeadyslexic

My primary school students love this.  It’s very upbeat, created by a 12 year old dyslexic.  It communicates via the written word so it needs to be read out to ensure that all students understand it.

See dyslexia differently

This animation seeks to pre-empt misconceptions amongst young audiences by shedding light on the real challenges that dyslexic children face, whilst also acknowledging their strengths and potential. Enjoyed by all ages and it has a narrator throughout, so no reading of the screen required.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexic Advantage One Minute Video.  The Dyslexic Advantage YouTube channel is excellent, I would totally recommend checking it out, however they don't have that many videos that would hold a young student’s attention.  This video is short, and extremely helpful.  It acknowledges that dyslexics often find school hard but explains many strengths that those with dyslexia have.  I find the sound volume too low.  If you are showing this to a number of people you might need a speaker to boost the volume.

Made By Dyslexia YouTube channel. 

All the videos are fantastic. They are inspirational, educational and sometimes both. They tend to be short and extremely professional. Here is a flavour:

Dyslexia Heroes - The World is Made by Dyslexia

This is short and powerful.

Why dyslexia is not a disadvantage.

Clever and professional.

Famous Dyslexics

The clue is in the name.  It is UK based, and upbeat. The celebrities mentioned are people that children/students will have heard of.  It doesn't rely on students being able to read tonnes.

Dyslexia - Explained for Grade 5 Class South Australia.

BIG favourite with students.  It is suitable for primary aged and younger secondary.  Fun and upbeat but relies on students being able to read, which cannot be assumed in a class full of dyslexics, so I always read the text aloud.  As students got familiar with it they volunteered to read the text for the younger/slower readers.

Dyslexia - Famous Dyslexics

Australian, lists successful dyslexics from all over the world and explains their accomplishments and some of the struggles they had when they were young.  Doesn't rely on students reading and includes mostly 'relevant' famous people from a student’s perspective with upbeat music.

Dysadvantage YouTube Channel

 Suitable for secondary school children up

Trendy twenty something talks about different aspects of dyslexia.  Some are more helpful for school students than others. I’ve save you time by picking out my favourites.

I LOVE this channel!!

Seeing someone aspirational but NOT a celebrity or wickedly successful, being happy, open and seeing the funny side of being dyslexic, models how students can handle tricky situations. 

My students listen more attentively to Kyle’s input than they would
any teacher or more serious video

Sometimes the language is not totally suitable to show in school, but it’s not terrible, so I show them anyway!!  They will hear much worse in the play ground. When I apologise in advance that there might be swear words, the students want to watch them all the more, and give the videos their undivided attention. They are disappointed when there isn’t any bad language at all, which does happen in some videos.

Here are some of Kyle’s videos that I've found most helpful 

Do I tell people I'm dyslexic?

Discusses the advantages of being open about being dyslexic.

Types of Dyslexics.

Discusses the different type of dyslexics:

Victims - Those with low expectations and others who are Driven.
Challenges students to accept struggles, but to dream big and create a plan.

Is school important?

Don't give rubbish teachers the power to stop your dreams. He talks about how he wishes he had worked hard when at school. Be warned - Defo a swear word or two.

Things I'd tell my teenage self

Things Kyle wishes he’d known when he was at school.

VERY powerful
I show this a lot!!

It’s worth spelling out what is included in this one. It can have a much bigger impact that anything I say.

1. Revision is super important. Give 100% effort Try different methods if what you are doing isnt working

2. Don’t worry about what other students think of you. So many teenagers wont use the tech or access arrangements in exams that will help them. While Kyle doesn’t specifically talk about this here, I always refer to them after students have listened to his advice.

3. Aim high. Models how to respectfully handle limiting advice.

4. Be resourceful & proactive. Take back power from teachers.

5. Have fun!! Enjoy school

   
   

More Videos

I have listed these because I like the content, but these did not hold the attention of my students and were not therefore often requested.

Embrace Dyslexia: Unlocking Potential.  Very similar to the Famous people with dyslexia video above but with different famous dyslexics presented differently .  Needs some content reading for students.

Dyslexia - Changing Perception of Dyslexia. .  Suitable for older primary and secondary.  It has been created to sell a program that I have not investigated.  It talks through out and doesn't rely on children needing to read.

Dyslexia Motivation Video.  Looks at the strengths of dyslexics.

Famous People With Dyslexia.  Great content, as it introduces each person without giving their name, but telling something negative that was said about them when they were young, then listing their amazing accomplishments.  It's really inspiring but the music is depressing and it relies on everything being read.  I always read it aloud otherwise it might not serve the intended purpose.

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