Supporting Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties in Schools: A Guidebook for ‘A Nasty Dose of the Yawns’

This guidebook, designed to be used alongside the storybook A Nasty Dose of the Yawns, has been created to educate readers on the practical, social and psychological impacts of dyslexia on children and young people.

Supporting Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties in Schools provides an easy-to-read introduction to dyslexia and literacy difficulties, this resource is rooted in theory and takes a holistic approach to supporting children with dyslexia. Chapters cover not only strategies to support literacy before and during their school lives, but also offer an understanding of the emotional challenges that come with struggling to master a skill that other people pick up so easily.

Key features include:

• an accessible guide to dyslexia and literacy difficulties
• chapter-by-chapter discussion points for use with A Nasty Dose of the Yawns, supporting young people’s reading of the story, helping them to understand dyslexia and encouraging them to recognise their strengths
• case studies and strategies to help parents and practitioners recognise the challenges faced by children with dyslexia, and to provide additional support.

This is an essential resource for parents, teachers and other professionals supporting children aged 8–12 with literacy difficulties or dyslexia.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

A Note on the Language used in this Guide

Synopsis of A Nasty Dose of the Yawns

The Main Messages in A Nasty Dose of the Yawns

• Understanding Literacy Difficulties

Some Causes of Literacy Difficulties

Specific Difficulties with Literacy/Dyslexia

• The Psychological Impact of Dyslexia

Low Self-Esteem

Anxiety, Stress and Depression

Disruptive Behaviour

Cognition and Executive Function

Impact on Parents and Family Relationships

Poorer Life and Employment Outcomes

• Using A Nasty Dose of the Yawns to Promote Discussion
• Supporting Children with Early Literacy Skills

Supporting Children Before They Start Formal Education

Early Support When Children Start School

• Supporting Children with Persistent Literacy Difficulties

General Strategies

Role Models with Dyslexia/Literacy Difficulties

Hearing and Auditory Issues

Visual Issues

Reading Spelling and Writing

Phonic Skills

Speed of Processing

Working Memory

Executive Function

• Conclusion
• References

"'Dr Plum Hutton has used her wealth of knowledge and experience of dyslexia to deliver a book which is informative but also amusing and captivating for children. Weaved throughout the story are the challenges faced by the hero who has dyslexia, but his strengths are highlighted as he saves the day! The accompanying guidebook provides helpful questions to challenge thinking in this area and offers valuable information about this specific difficulty.' "
- Jane Jackson, Head of Learning Support, Dragon School

"I can honestly say I now know an awful lot more about dyslexia and the unique challenges it brings – it was a really interesting, accessible read and will be useful both personally and professionally. Thank you!"
- Emma Judge, parent

"It has been so refreshing to read such a clear explanation of the different aspects that make up the dyslexia concept. This is a gift to parents and schools who need a professional but easy-to-digest understanding of dyslexia. This understanding is then put into a living context, by the hilarious, imaginative and emotionally intuitive story about a child surmounting the barriers that dyslexia-type difficulties can cause. The activities that sit alongside the story make this ‘package’ a wonderful and pragmatic resource for parents and schools."
- Caro Strover, Educational Psychologist