The words don’t stick’. 'The words just move around’. ‘I have to concentrate so hard so I can’t do it for long’.

For the second time this year, I have had the opportunity to join classes who have used dyslexia as a focus for their work and for some of these class members, these struggles with reading, spelling and concentration is what they struggle with from day-to-day.

I, along with several other teachers and students attended the Level 2 Drama Class for their NCEA assessment. The drama was co-constructed by the members of the class then performed for the audience. The drama highlighted how those with dyslexia, a learning difference where their brains process sounds and letters differently, learn in other ways to their peers. Reading, spelling and showing their understanding is challenging so they often do not feel as able as others. They are 28% more likely to be bullied by their peers and have a reluctance to read. Instructions take longer to make sense and getting their ideas from their heads to the page is a frustrating and sometimes a confusing process. At SMC our girls are encouraged to find their passion and strengths as learning in these areas often gives them greater success and confidence for learning generally and their wellbeing.

The drama began with the girls being ‘shining stars’, and like other children starting school they were enthusiastic but this was slowly tarnished and eroded as they struggled to keep up in the ways learning is often presented, through reading and writing. Over time their anxiety increased and for some their wellbeing was affected. School changed from being a place of fun to a real struggle.

We know there is 10 % of the population with dyslexia. Many are incredibly successful because they have found their strengths and strategies that work for them. We all need to accept our part in the lives of those with dyslexia and other learning differences and provide the understanding and kindness emphasized in this drama, as family members, teachers, peers, friends, employees and employers.