Science at KS1 and dyslexia

Read in conjunction with the main challenges for children with dyslexia across subject areas, and suggestions to help them.

You can:

• Use practical methods to establish concepts and move forwards in small steps – otherwise a dyslexic pupil can easily feel overloaded with facts.
• Use buddies who can be supportive in shared practical work.
• Have key scientific language on a vocabulary sheet or displayed in the classroom (preferably with illustrations). Introduce it in advance of the lesson.
• Use consistent language so the pupil does not get confused by changes in terminology.
• Try tinted overlays to help with reading tables and charts. Try writing on tinted paper – experiment to find the best colours for a particular pupil.
• Help with measurement (length, time, volume). Link science measurements to work in numeracy, or give extra help in the lesson.
• Support the pupil in feeding back ideas and conclusions - give targeted questions to help with vocabulary.
• Use charts for recording work, with colours and clear labels.  For example, colour part of a clock face to represent time taken or put a mark on a diagram of a ruler to show length.
• The Talking PEN can be helpful for a child who has difficulty in sequencing and remembering.