Tips for Back to School

1. Open the Lines of Communication Early

One of the most important things you can do at the start of the school year is connect with your child’s educational team. Even though teachers receive IEPs and accommodation plans, a personal conversation makes a world of difference. Reach out to teachers, special education staff, and case managers to introduce yourself, share your child’s strengths, and highlight key supports that help them thrive.

A quick phone call or email at the beginning of the year helps everyone start on the same page—and sets the tone for a collaborative, supportive school year.

Pro Tip: Keep it simple—share 3 key things your child needs most to succeed.

2. Support Your Child in Speaking Up for Their Needs

Self-advocacy is a powerful skill—especially for students with dyslexia. We want our students to know that their voice matters and that they can ask for what they need to learn best. Help your child practice how to talk about their learning needs, what makes reading easier, or how to ask for clarification when something doesn’t make sense.

This is especially helpful if a substitute teacher forgets to follow accommodations, or if your child is asked to read aloud unexpectedly. We teach our students how to decode words—but we also want to empower them to speak up when the environment doesn’t match their learning style.

Try This: Role-play common scenarios with your child so they feel confident and prepared.

3. Create a Recharge Routine

Learning can be exhausting—especially for children with dyslexia who often work twice as hard just to keep up. Help your child identify ways to recharge after school. Some kids need quiet time with a snack, others benefit from movement or play before starting homework.

There’s no right answer here—just consistency and care. Finding a routine that works will not only improve mood and focus, but support emotional regulation and motivation over time.

Remember: Your child’s well-being is just as important as their academic growth.

4. Build Systems That Support Organization

Many students with dyslexia also struggle with executive functioning, such as planning, organizing, and managing time. Creating simple routines and visual supports can go a long way. Consider visual checklists for morning and evening routines, a shared family calendar, or setting up a dedicated workspace with the tools they need.

It might take some trial and error—but once you find a rhythm, it can bring a real sense of confidence and independence.

Resources

Need Ideas? We’re happy to share the organizational tools that work well for our students!