All About Dyslexia: A Practical Guide for Secondary Teachers

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Voices of Dyslexia

PART 1: Introducing Dyslexia

1.  Dyslexia: Context, Myths and Definitions

2.  From a Learner's Perspective: How I do it Differently

PART 2: Practical Strategies in the Classroom

3.  Strategies Across the Curriculum

4.  Metacognition, Self-regulated Learning and Study Skills

5. Reading Across the Curriculum

6. Writing Across the Curriculum

7. Maths, Science and Dyslexia

8. Other Curricular Areas

9. Assistive Technology

PART 3: Whole School Approach

10. Exam Access Arrangements

11. The Learning Culture and Environment 

12. Intervention

13. Transition

14. Collaboration with Parents

APPENDICES

1.  How to Interpret a Diagnostic Report

2.  Exam Access Arrangements: An Interview with Lia Castiglione

3.  Further Resources

Bibliography

Index

Biography

Louise Selby is a dyslexia specialist trainer, consultant, author, assessor and teacher. She has 25 years of experience of working with SEND within Hertfordshire local authority in teaching, SENDCO and advisory roles. She now works freelance, providing training and consultancy for schools as well as dyslexia assessment. Louise believes in partnership and collaboration and this is at the heart of all that she does. She is also author of Morph Mastery: Morphological Intervention for Reading, Spelling and Vocabulary.

"Louise Selby's guide is essential for secondary educators, SENCOs, and parents addressing dyslexia's challenges. This book offers practical strategies across the curriculum, ensuring dyslexic students thrive academically. It covers assistive technology, effective interventions, and smooth educational transitions. The book provides advice on managing exam access arrangements and creating supportive learning environments. Highlighting the use of graphic organisers and visual aids, this comprehensive guide equips educators and parents with the tools to foster an inclusive learning environment, making it invaluable for improving dyslexic students' educational experiences." - Abigail Hawkins (FCCT), SEN Consultant, SENsible SENCO

“All About Dyslexia offers an interesting and accessible short read for non-specialist classroom teachers who want to learn about dyslexia.  Louise has demystified dyslexia and she takes the reader on a thoroughly engaging learning journey. The text starts by exploring identification and assessment experiences and perspectives using well-crafted anecdotes that are put in the broader context of recent research and analysis (including the Delphi study). Key strategies and interventions are applied to teaching and learning practice and insights emerging from Quality First Pedagogy. What stands out for me is that Louise imbues these strategies with purpose and meaning, allowing the non-specialist reader to engage closely with the mechanics of application. We all have many Zebs in our schools. This text is an essential resource that will encourage all of our Zebs to make practical sense of their learning adventures undertaken in secondary school settings.” - Karen Sitch, Secondary SEN Consultant for a multi-academy trust

“A must read for all classroom practitioners, from trainees to the highly experienced.  There is much to learn from Louise’s insights, specialist knowledge, empathy and understanding of the dyslexic child’s experience in education. A truly supportive piece of work, with achievable and practical strategies for the classroom that will really make a difference.  Highly recommended!” - Sally-Ann Morrison, Founder and Director of Praxis CPD

“This book is packed full of ideas and tips for how to plan learning in a way that is inclusive and supportive of dyslexic learners, so that they can experience success and be enabled to work to their potential, but is also, as the author says, about learning how to teach everyone ‘really, really well’. The voices of those with dyslexia giving their perspective on education makes a powerful case for the use of these ideas in our classrooms across the curriculum. The author has a very readable style and helps the reader understand why it is important to plan and teach in this way by underpinning it all with just enough of the theory without it becoming dry or heavy to read. It is a book that can be dipped into for ideas again and again. It should be a compulsory read for all teachers and student teachers; I wish it had been around when I was training as a teacher!” - Anne Langley, School-based Specialist Teacher

“I highly recommend this book; academic research is skilfully interlaced with practical ideas for supporting dyslexic pupils in the classroom. The design of the book allows teachers, both new to the profession and more experienced colleagues, to read the book cover to cover or to select specific topics. Louise Selby writes in an easily accessible style and respects her readers; the ‘Quick Wins’ and ‘Top Tips’ mean that even the busiest teacher will find something they can introduce to their lessons to support dyslexic learners without too much effort.” - Anna Fenelon, Buckinghamshire Specialist Teacher for Cognition and Learning

“Louise Selby is a well-qualified professional who brings all her expertise to produce this latest highly practical book on Dyslexia. All about Dyslexia is a very valuable resource on this important subject. It is current and relevant, including the updated definition of dyslexia and giving details in the many aspects of dyslexia that it covers, including latest research that informs practice. Louise briefly explores learning differences that are so often part of dyslexia. including metacognition and self-regulated learning as well as reading, writing and spelling.  I found it very well written in an informative and interesting way that engages the reader and Louise’s empathy shines through. The accessible language makes it suitable for all interested in this area: parents and all educators, class teachers, specialists, leadership teams and support assistants.  The chapters are thoughtfully set out in a logical sequence which makes it easy to follow, each one begins with a useful summary of the key points, which is very useful and busy parents and teachers can dip in and out to find the answers to their queries. Throughout the book, practical solutions and strategies appropriate to support children at all stages in primary are given, both for learners and the learning environment and beginners to those who need to develop their skills more. The inclusion of using examples from dyslexic learners and real school case studies brings to life some of the realities these learners experience at school and the strategies used to support them in their learning.  I think this book fills an important gap in the material around this area of learning and although I will use this in my current role as a Specialist Tutor, I would have found it a very useful when I was a Support for Learning Teacher in Primary. I would thoroughly recommend to teachers, other staff and parents who want to find out more about the theories as well as lots of practical tips and resources when working with their dyslexic learners.” - Hazel McPake M. Ed (SEN), Tutor specialising in supporting and teaching pupils with Dyslexia and other literacy difficulties.

 

“All About Dyslexia is a practical and clear-sighted book, with the authentic voices of adults and young people with experience of dyslexia woven through every page. Louise clearly explains the challenges presented by dyslexia and dispels some of the commonly held myths that lead to confusion about how best to teach these learners. Her emphasis on quick wins, practical, low-cost classroom-based strategies and individual strengths will help teachers across the age-ranges and subjects support all their students not just to survive, but to thrive. - Bridget Thornhill, Senior Teacher for Dyslexia, Nottinghamshire County Council

“This book is a must-have for every classroom and home where young people have barriers to learning. Louise’s style of presenting information with clarity, practical examples, and ideas for further support is invaluable. I read this in one sitting, scribbling notes to use, from both a parent and professional perspective. Louise provides theory and background to help understand the evolution of our current view of dyslexia and how this has shaped the support provided and the perspectives of those involved. There is a wealth of information to take away and use immediately.  I highly recommend this book to all.” - Dr. Sarah Moseley, Educational Consultant, Inclusion, SEND, and Literacy Specialist

"I found All About Dyslexia in Secondary School by Louise Selby to be an invaluable resource. This book fills a crucial gap in the market by offering a comprehensive guide specifically for teachers. It provides up-to-date research, dispels common classroom myths, and offers practical tips for busy educators. Covering essential topics such as metacognition and assistive technology, I highly recommend it to all secondary teachers. The book is particularly useful for helping teachers create a learning-friendly classroom for all their students. Additionally, it allows educators to easily dip in and out to address specific issues and improve compliance with the code of practice." - Kevin Smith, Professional Development Coordinator, Patoss

"In her opening chapter, Louise describes her personal interest in dyslexia as ‘fascinating and hopeful’ and this book is exactly that. It identifies how and where students with dyslexia may need support across all curriculum subjects - not just English - and Louise has been generous sharing a wealth of practical ideas that can be used by teaching staff.   The layout is easy to dip into, with top tips for success, quick wins and QR codes to access further online resources – perfect for bite-sized CPD.  In addition, there are chapters considering whole school topics such as supporting students with dyslexia in transition, developing study skills, exam access arrangements and the use of technology and AI." - Felicity Nichols, SEND Adviser, HFL Education

"This book is a must for anyone who works with children and young people in schools; packed full of realistic and practical ideas, with a balance of theory and practice, and relevant to today’s education systems. I can’t wait to share it with our schools!" - Alison Szalay, Senior Specialist Advisory Teacher for SEND (Cognition and Learning)