These dyslexia activities are simple, multisensory homework tricks designed to make spelling, reading and writing feel calmer and more achievable. Each one uses evidence-backed approaches shown to support working memory, reduce cognitive load, and help children engage with tasks at home.

“Children with dyslexia often benefit from structured, well-scaffolded routines that reduce working memory load during homework tasks.” – ScienceDirect study, 2021

Activity 1: Textured Tracing For Spelling

Textured tracing supports letter formation by giving the brain strong sensory signals that reinforce how each letter feels. This is particularly helpful for tricky spellings where children need physical reinforcement as well as visual cues. Research shows that combining touch and movement strengthens memory for sequences and patterns, which spelling relies on.

Materials Needed:

• Sandpaper, felt, salt tray or any textured surface

• A pencil, finger or paintbrush

  
  

Steps:

1. Write or display the target word.

2. Ask your child to trace each letter slowly on the textured surface.

3. Say each letter out loud as they trace.

4. Blend the sounds together to read the full word.

5. Repeat twice to help the pattern stick.

   
   

Why it helps: This multisensory approach connects movement, sound and touch—three pathways that support spelling accuracy. These kinds of multisensory games give dyslexic learners more ways to store information when visual memory alone isn’t enough.

Activity 2: Colour-Chunking Sentences

Colour-chunking breaks homework sentences or instructions into smaller, meaningful parts. This makes long lines of text easier to process and reduces the cognitive load that often makes homework overwhelming for dyslexic children. BDA guidance highlights how visual scaffolds give children a clearer route through tasks.

Materials Needed:

• Highlighters or coloured pencils

• Printed or handwritten sentences

  
  

Steps:

1. Divide a sentence into meaningful chunks (e.g., subject | action | detail).

2. Assign a colour to each chunk.

3. Read each coloured section aloud.

4. Ask your child to explain what each chunk means in their own words.

5. Put the chunks together and read the full sentence.

   
   

Why it helps: Colour-coding offers an accessible form of phonics practice because it helps children see sound and meaning groups more clearly. It also reduces working-memory strain by visually mapping what to read first, next and last.

Activity 3: Magnetic Word Build & Say

Magnetic letters turn decoding into an interactive, hands-on process. When children physically move letters to build words, they create strong memory anchors that support reading accuracy and fluency.

Materials Needed:

• Magnetic letters or letter tiles

• Small board or tray

Steps:

1. Choose a target word from homework.

2. Ask your child to find each letter tile.

3. Build the word together, saying each sound aloud.

4. Slide your finger under the whole word and say it smoothly.

5. Mix up the tiles and have your child rebuild it independently.

Why It Helps: This activity boosts reading fluency by helping children hear, see and feel each sound in a word. Because the task is hands-on, it feels playful rather than tiring—helping children stay engaged during homework

Activity 4: Air-Writing With Verbal Rehearsal

Air-writing strengthens motor memory and helps children rehearse spellings or key words before writing them down. It’s especially valuable for children with dyslexia who may experience working-memory overload.

Materials Needed:

• Just your arm and some space

• Paper and pencil

Steps:

1. Say the target word together.

2. Write it in the air using big arm movements.

3. Say each letter or sound as you “write” it.

4. Close eyes and repeat the movement.

5. Write the word down on paper.

   
   

Why it helps: Air-writing blends movement with verbal rehearsal, supporting memory exercises that strengthen retention. Large gestures make neural patterns clearer and easier to retrieve later.

Activity 5: Listen–Repeat–Rewrite Loop

This activity builds comprehension, spelling and memory at the same time. The loop structure—hear it, say it, write it—gives clear boundaries that reduce overwhelm, especially for longer or multi-step homework instructions.

Materials Needed:

• A short sentence (spoken or recorded)

• Paper and pencil

Steps:

1. Read a short sentence aloud.

2. Ask your child to repeat it back.

3. Let them write what they remember.

4. Read the sentence again to check accuracy.

5. Correct together using a highlighter.

   
   

Why it helps: Hearing, saying and writing the sentence creates multiple pathways for recall. It is especially helpful for children who lose details when instructions are only spoken.

Conclusion:

These dyslexia activities turn homework into short, sensory-rich routines that build confidence without adding pressure. Try one activity each evening and see which one feels most helpful for your child. For more support, explore our Talamo dyslexia screener for your school here.

References:
1. ScienceDirect. Role of Executive Functions in Reading and Maths Performance in Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022096521002320

2. British Dyslexia Association. How Can I Support My Child With Homework? Retrieved from: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/children/how-can-i-support-my-child/homework

3. PMC / National Institutes of Health. Working Memory, Cognitive Load and Learning Outcomes. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11209994