Dyslexia: Tools for the Montessori Classroom


Dyslexia affects roughly 1 in 5 people, making it the most common learning disability. The Montessori Method—with hands-on materials, child-centered environments, and expert scaffolding —already align well with many dyslexia-supportive approaches to learning.

However, learners struggling to read require additional, structured reading support to thrive. Check out signs of dyslexia at different ages from Understood.org. When concerns arise, early, targeted interventions can have a significant impact. 

Important: These tools are helpful, but they are not a replacement for structured literacy intervention. Students with dyslexia typically require explicit, systematic instruction from a trained specialist.


Observation Is Key

To implement these tools, first utilize your Montessori observation super skills with specific students to see what supports would be a good fit. Then attempt strategies and observe for a good six weeks. Review observations, data, note progress and adjust as needed. Continue this cycle.

Remember to watch for related challenges or co-occurring issues. For instance, research indicates that between one-third and one-half of students with dyslexia also experience dysgraphia, so be prepared to offer additional writing supports as needed.

The following research-backed resources can help educators support students with dyslexia while maintaining high-fidelity Montessori classrooms.

1. Reading Instruction

What you should read

What students should read

Decodable Readers systematically build on phonics patterns as students learn, in order to isolate practice to known, predictable patterns:

Start with:
For older students:
List of Free Decodable texts

2. Assistive Technology

Audiobooks
  • Bookshare - Free with proof of learning difference
  • Learning Ally - Subscription for those with learning differences, highlights text as it plays--benefiting student fluency gains, along with other great features. Free in Texas & Florida.
  • Libby & Hoopla - Free with a library card
  • Audible - Paid subscription, high quality with a vast selection
Text-to-Speech
  • Tablets and computers have built-in text-to-speech features for reading passages aloud found in accessibility settings
  • Upgrade to text-to-speech apps with better voices and controls, usually with free and paid options, some with photo-of-text-to-speech capabilities
Reading Pens can scan any printed text and read it aloud

3. Essential Classroom Strategies

  • Break It Down - Chunk work into smaller, essential steps, try out Magic To Do 
  • Simplify Instructions - Restate instructions using the fewest words, communicate step at a time, or highlight only essential information
  • Peer Reading Partners - Perfect for students working on research together
  • Extended Time/Simplify Work - Budget for students with Dyslexia to take extra time for the same work, or judge if you can to reduce without losing content
  • Frequent Check-Ins - Review student’s planner daily and discuss how work will be completed, observe and step in when work takes a wrong turn or more feedback is needed
  • Alternative Mastery - Encourage creativity in follow up work

4. Additional Tools & Materials

Reading Strips - To help students isolate the text
Whisper Phones - students hear themselves amplified as they read, aiding phonological awareness for dyslexia (can also help with articulation and volume challenges)
Highlighters - To zoom in on essentials.
Daily Read Alouds - Make time for it and impress the importance of daily read alouds for all children on families and coworkers: Seriously, it is critical. Even with older students!

5. Empowering Books & Further Learning

Student Fiction: Great for class read-alouds or independent reading

Teacher & Parent Reads to gain a better understanding of Dyslexia

Continuing Education

 

When teachers combine Montessori principles with explicit dyslexia interventions—like decodable texts, assistive technology, and strategic classroom adjustments—students often show remarkable progress in their learning and confidence. 

Remember to observe carefully, adapt strategies as needed, and celebrate each improvement along the way!

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