A dyslexia tutor works with children or adults who have dyslexia, a neurological condition that causes difficulty reading and writing in varying degrees. A dyslexia tutor uses a variety of methods to help students improve their reading and writing skills, using a supportive and encouraging approach. One of a dyslexia tutor’s most important responsibilities is to spend time getting to know a student and learning as much as possible about his or her strengths and weaknesses. Dyslexia tutors work one-on-one with their students and tailor their teaching methods to meet their individual needs. Other conditions or learning disabilities may be present in some students with dyslexia, and a good dyslexia tutor should be aware of these.
The tutor may work with young children in an elementary school or adult college students. A dyslexia tutor should, in theory, treat each student as an individual with his or her own set of challenges. A dyslexia tutor may review any previous records, teacher’s notes, therapist’s records, or materials from an individualized education plan (IEP) or individual learning program (ILP), customized learning programs mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, before beginning any instruction (IDEA). A dyslexia tutor will design a specific course after an initial assessment of the student, encouraging students to take responsibility for what they learn and how quickly they learn the skills needed to improve.
Dyslexia tutors are experts at providing one-on-one help to their students. Students who want to overcome dyslexia’s challenges need to know that their dyslexia tutor understands what they’re going through. In order to create a customized learning path that involves the student in the learning process, the tutor must assess the student’s specific learning style. Learning is a logical and sensual process, so tutors can use multi-sensory teaching methods to help students interact with what they’re learning. Every time a student and a dyslexia tutor meet, they address and work on all of the student’s learning issues by doing things like reading easier texts to help improve their reading skills and build confidence.
Students with dyslexia may notice that their condition has an impact on many aspects of their lives. Students with dyslexia may already be anxious or tense as a result of problems they may encounter at work, school, or in social situations, and a tutor will be aware of this. Bullying, isolation, and pressure from anxious parents who want their child to overcome their dyslexia may already be problems for children with dyslexia. Tutors are also taught to be aware of other issues or conditions that may be linked to dyslexia, such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), dysgraphia, or any other difficulties with comprehension.