If you’re thinking, “I know my child needs help with reading, but I’m not sure what kind of tutor would actually make a difference,” you’re definitely not alone. I’ve heard from so many parents who feel overwhelmed by all the options—unsure if specialized tutoring, like a dyslexia tutor, is really necessary or just another thing on their plate.
And trust me, I get it…
As a parent who’s been down this road myself, I spent countless hours wondering if investing in a dyslexia tutor was the right call. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t just throwing time and resources at something that wouldn’t truly help. But here’s the thing: once I found the right support, everything changed—for both my son and me.
If I could go back in time, I would have skipped over Sylvan Learning Centers, Kumon, and the two other private tutors I hired. What I didn’t realize back then was that my son didn’t need help memorizing spelling words for his test on Friday and he didn't need hours of help each week on homework. That was just adding to the frustration and overwhelm he was already feeling. What he actually needed was a structured literacy program. He needed a specialized dyslexia tutor who could provide ongoing structured literacy instruction, filling in all the gaps from the basic skills that should have been mastered back in Kindergarten.
WHAT EXACTLY IS DYSLEXIA AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Let’s start with the basics! Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that impacts how children process written language. It’s not just about mixing up letters—it’s about how the brain interprets reading and spelling in a fundamentally different way. Understanding dyslexia is the first step toward getting the right support for your child and making real progress.
Dyslexia matters because...
Children with dyslexia often struggle with decoding words, making reading and writing a constant challenge.
When a child continuously struggles with reading while their peers move ahead, it can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy.
Traditional teaching methods won’t cut it. Children with dyslexia need a structured, systematic approach that builds skills step by step.
Dyslexia isn’t something that can be “fixed” overnight, but with the right support and instruction, children can overcome challenges and become confident readers.
Understanding these key aspects of dyslexia is crucial in recognizing why your child may need a different type of support—a structured literacy program specifically designed to address these challenges.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DYSLEXIA TUTOR AND A REGULAR TUTOR?
At first glance, a tutor is a tutor, right? Not quite. When it comes to supporting a child with dyslexia, the difference between a regular tutor and a dyslexia tutor is significant. While both aim to help your child succeed academically, the approach and focus of each are very different.
Here’s what sets a dyslexia tutor apart:
Specialized Training: A dyslexia tutor is trained in structured literacy, an evidence-based approach specifically designed for students with dyslexia. They understand how to teach phonemic awareness, decoding, and other foundational skills that children with dyslexia struggle with, which a regular tutor may not.
Focus on the Root Causes: Regular tutors often help with immediate tasks—like getting through homework or prepping for an upcoming test. In contrast, a dyslexia tutor addresses the underlying issues causing reading difficulties. They don’t just focus on memorizing words for the week; they work on building a solid reading foundation.
Multi-sensory Approach: Dyslexia tutors use a multisensory approach, engaging a child’s sight, hearing, and touch to make learning more accessible. This differs from the traditional methods a regular tutor might use, which often focus on lectures or worksheets.
Long-Term Strategy: While regular tutors may help with short-term academic challenges, dyslexia tutors focus on a long-term strategy, working through the specific steps necessary to close learning gaps and improve reading and writing skills over time.
By understanding these key differences, it’s clear that a dyslexia tutor offers more than just help with schoolwork—they provide the specialized instruction your child needs to succeed.
HOW CAN THE RIGHT TUTOR DO MORE THAN JUST IMPROVE READING SKILLS?
It’s easy to think that tutoring is only about academics, but for children with dyslexia, the right tutor can offer so much more than just reading improvement. Beyond teaching phonics or decoding skills, a specialized dyslexia tutor plays a crucial role in boosting your child’s confidence and self-esteem—two things that often take a hit when struggling with reading.
Here’s how:
Celebrating Progress, Big or Small: Dyslexia tutors recognize the importance of celebrating every victory, no matter how small. Whether it’s mastering a new sound or reading a sentence without hesitation, these moments are acknowledged and reinforced, helping your child see their own progress.
Creating a Safe Learning Environment: A dyslexia tutor provides a supportive space where your child feels safe to make mistakes and learn at their own pace. This is a key difference from a traditional classroom setting, where children might feel embarrassed or discouraged by their reading struggles.
Building Resilience: Overcoming reading challenges can be tough, but a dyslexia tutor helps your child develop the resilience to keep going, even when the work feels hard. This persistence is a skill that will benefit your child far beyond their reading journey.
By working with a dyslexia tutor who understands both the academic and emotional challenges your child faces, your child will not only improve their reading skills but also grow in confidence, self-belief, and resilience.
THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR CHILD RIGHT NOW
If your child is struggling, the best thing you can do right now is put accommodations in place for homework and spelling tests. To help you get started, download Our Ultimate List of Accommodations—with over 100 ideas to support your child right now. Alleviate the unnecessary burden of weekly spelling tests that your child can’t pass and homework that takes twice as long to complete compared to their peers.
Once ongoing literacy instruction with a dyslexia tutor is in place, your child will catch up, and then you can gradually lift those accommodations. Get The Ultimate List of Accommodations here.
What I'd Tell Every Parent
Choosing the right support for your child with dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding the unique challenges dyslexia presents and the specialized approach required to address those challenges is the first step. A dyslexia tutor goes beyond traditional methods, offering structured literacy and the emotional support your child needs to thrive.
With the right tutor, your child can develop the foundational skills necessary for reading success while also gaining confidence and resilience. Remember, this isn’t just about getting through the next spelling test or finishing tonight's homework—it’s about building a lifelong love of learning and equipping your child with the tools to succeed throughout their educational journey and beyond.