Activities to Teach Empathy and Self-Regulation to Dyslexic Kids
Last updated:
You’ve probably witnessed your dyslexic child’s emotional meltdowns that seem to go far beyond typical frustration – the devastating self-criticism where they call themselves “stupid,” the complete shutdowns when faced with reading tasks, or the way they seem unable to bounce back from setbacks that other children shrug off easily. The heartbreak of watching them struggle not just with academics but with managing their intense emotions, combined with the helplessness of not knowing how to teach them to be kinder to themselves and others, can leave you feeling like you’re failing to give them the emotional tools they desperately need to navigate their challenging world.
Teaching empathy and self-regulation to dyslexic children isn’t just about helping them feel better – it’s about giving them essential life skills that will help them navigate academic challenges, build positive relationships, and develop the resilience they need to thrive despite their learning differences.
Why Empathy and Self-Regulation Matter More for Dyslexic Children
The Emotional Vulnerability
Research consistently shows that children with dyslexia face unique emotional challenges that make empathy and self-regulation skills particularly crucial. Studies reveal that dyslexic children experience:
Higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to their peers
Lower self-esteem stemming from repeated academic struggles
Increased behavioral issues as they cope with frustration and feelings of inadequacy
Greater emotional volatility due to the stress of daily academic challenges
The Self-Compassion Crisis
Children naturally have difficulty separating their experiences from their identity. When dyslexic children repeatedly struggle with reading – a skill that appears effortless for their peers – they often conclude that they are fundamentally flawed rather than understanding that their brain simply processes information differently.
This creates a particularly harsh inner critic that says things like:
“I’m stupid because I can’t read like everyone else”
“There must be something wrong with me”
“I’ll never be as good as other kids”
“Why can’t I just be normal?”
Without empathy skills – especially self-empathy – dyslexic children can become trapped in cycles of self-criticism that make learning even more difficult.
The rational part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation doesn’t fully develop until around age 25. For dyslexic children, this means they’re trying to manage both normal developmental challenges AND the additional stress of neurological differences that make school particularly demanding.
When dyslexic children encounter reading difficulties or feel overwhelmed, their emotional brain takes over, and their “thinking brain” goes offline. This is where fight, flight, or freeze responses occur, explaining why stressed dyslexic children often shut down, become aggressive, or develop physical symptoms around academic tasks.
The Body-Brain Connection
Research reveals fascinating connections between body awareness and emotional regulation in dyslexic children. Studies show that:
Dyslexic children often exhibit challenges with body awareness and coordination
Proprioceptive deficits correlate with emotional difficulties
Interventions that improve body awareness can actually enhance both self-regulation and reading performance
This suggests that activities combining physical awareness with emotional learning can be particularly powerful for dyslexic children.
Building Blocks: Understanding Before Teaching
Emotional Intelligence Foundations
Since emotional intelligence doesn’t develop automatically, dyslexic children need explicit teaching in:
Emotion recognition: Learning to identify and name specific feelings beyond “good” or “bad” Body awareness: Understanding how emotions feel in their body Trigger identification: Recognizing what situations or thoughts lead to difficult emotions Coping strategies: Developing tools for managing overwhelming feelings Self-compassion: Learning to treat themselves with the same kindness they’d show a friend
The Academic-Emotional Connection
For dyslexic children, academic stress and emotional regulation are deeply intertwined. Teaching these skills isn’t separate from academic support – it’s essential for creating the optimal conditions for learning.
Author Quote"
Your dyslexic child’s sensitivity and emotional intensity – traits that might seem challenging now – can become tremendous strengths when channeled through empathy and self-regulation skills.
"
Evidence-Based Activities for Self-Regulation
Body Awareness and Calming Activities
Proprioceptive Activities for Emotional Regulation
Research shows these activities can support both emotional regulation and academic performance:
Heavy work before homework: Have your child carry books, do wall push-ups, or help move furniture before settling down to read
Resistance activities: Use therapy putty, stress balls, or resistance bands during reading breaks
Deep pressure input: Weighted lap pads during homework, compression clothing, or firm hugs when they’re overwhelmed
Balance challenges: Standing on one foot while spelling words, walking on a balance beam, or yoga poses
Breathing Exercises Made Concrete
Since dyslexic children often learn better with visual and tactile input:
Bubble breathing: Blow bubbles slowly and steadily to practice controlled exhales
Pinwheel breathing: Use pinwheels to make breath visible and engaging
Counting breaths: Start with simple 4-4-4 patterns (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4)
Animal breathing: Breathe like different animals (slow elephant breaths, quick bunny sniffs)
Story breathing: Create adventures where breathing helps characters overcome challenges
Mindfulness Activities for Dyslexic Learners
Sensory-Based Mindfulness
Traditional meditation can be challenging for dyslexic children, but these adaptations work well:
5-4-3-2-1 grounding: Notice 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste
Texture exploration: Feel different materials while focusing on the sensations
Sound identification: Listen for different sounds in the environment
Movement meditation: Gentle stretching or walking while paying attention to body sensations
Daily Mindfulness Routines
Morning check-ins: “How is your body feeling today? What emotions are you noticing?”
Transition breathing: Three deep breaths between activities
Gratitude practice: Share one thing they appreciated each day
Bedtime body scan: Notice how each part of their body feels as they prepare for sleep
Pre-Academic Calming Strategies
Creating Successful Homework Routines
Sensory preparation: Heavy work or movement before sitting down to read
Environment setup: Dim harsh lighting, reduce distracting sounds, organize materials
Positive self-talk: Practice encouraging phrases like “This is hard, but I can do hard things”
Goal setting: Break reading tasks into small, achievable pieces
Success visualization: Spend a moment imagining themselves successfully completing the task
Building Empathy Through Engaging Activities
Creative Expression for Emotional Understanding
Art and Drawing Activities
Research shows that externalizing emotions through creative expression helps children better understand their internal world:
Emotion colors: Draw how different feelings look using colors and shapes
Feeling faces: Create a collection of expressions for different emotions
Story illustration: Draw characters from audiobooks showing different emotions
Safe space art: Design their ideal calm-down space through drawing or crafting
Emotion sculptures: Use clay or playdough to create three-dimensional feelings
Movement and Drama
Emotion charades: Act out different feelings for family members to guess
Character role-play: Use puppets or costumes to explore how story characters might feel
Feeling dances: Move their body to express different emotions
Social situation practice: Act out challenging social scenarios and practice empathetic responses
Literature-Based Empathy Building
Adapting Stories for Dyslexic Learners
Since traditional reading can be challenging, use these approaches:
Audiobook discussions: Listen to stories together and discuss character feelings and motivations
Picture book analysis: Use visual cues to understand character emotions and relationships
Movie and video discussions: Analyze character decisions and emotional responses
Storytelling together: Create stories about characters who face challenges similar to theirs
Character Analysis Activities
Perspective mapping: Draw or diagram how different characters in a story might feel
Emotion timelines: Track how a character’s feelings change throughout a story
Alternative endings: Imagine how stories might end if characters made different choices
Real-life connections: Discuss how story situations relate to their own experiences
Social Skills Development
Cooperative Learning Activities
Partner projects: Work together on non-reading-heavy activities that require cooperation
Peer teaching: Have your child teach younger children skills they’ve mastered
Group problem-solving: Work as a family to solve puzzles or challenges
Community service: Volunteer together to help others and build empathy
Communication Practice
Family feeling check-ins: Regular discussions where everyone shares their emotional experiences
Conflict resolution practice: Role-play using “I feel” statements and active listening
Empathy responses: Practice responding appropriately when others share difficulties
Active listening games: Activities that focus on really hearing and understanding others
Academic-Specific Regulation Activities
During-Task Support
In-the-Moment Regulation Strategies
Teach your child to recognize when they need support and how to get it:
Break signals: Develop a system for indicating when they need a pause (hand signal, asking for “time”)
Quick reset activities: 30-second movement breaks, deep breathing, or positive self-talk
Refocusing techniques: Simple ways to return attention to the task after a break
Help-seeking language: Practice phrases like “I need a different explanation” or “Can we try this another way?”
Environmental Modifications
Calm-down corner: Create a designated space with sensory tools and comfort items
Fidget tools: Provide appropriate sensory input during challenging tasks
Visual supports: Use emotion thermometers or feeling charts to identify stress levels
Timer strategies: Build in regular breaks and help them pace their work
Post-Academic Processing
Celebrating Effort and Growth
Research shows that how children feel about themselves determines their behavior and motivation:
Effort recognition: Focus on persistence and strategy use rather than just accuracy
Progress documentation: Keep visual records of improvement over time
Strength highlighting: Point out what they did well in each session
Growth mindset language: Use phrases like “You’re getting stronger at this” instead of “You’re smart”
Emotional Debriefing
Feeling identification: “How did that reading session feel in your body?”
Strategy evaluation: “What helped you stay calm today?”
Challenge acknowledgment: “That was really hard work, and you stuck with it”
Planning ahead: “What do you think would help next time?”
Key Takeaways:
1
Dyslexic children need extra empathy and self-regulation support. They face unique emotional challenges from daily academic struggles that require specific skill-building.
2
Body awareness activities support both emotional regulation and reading. Proprioceptive exercises can simultaneously improve self-control and academic performance.
3
Creative and multi-sensory approaches work best. Dyslexic children learn empathy and regulation skills more effectively through art, movement, and hands-on activities.
Family-Based Empathy and Regulation Practice
Creating Emotional Safety at Home
Modeling Emotional Intelligence
Parents can become “emotional leaders” by demonstrating healthy emotional responses:
Share your own regulation: “I’m feeling frustrated with this task, so I’m going to take three deep breaths”
Validate their experience: “Reading is really challenging for you, and feeling frustrated makes complete sense”
Normalize struggles: “Everyone has things that are harder for them. Your brain just learns differently”
Practice self-compassion: “Let’s talk to ourselves the way we’d talk to a good friend”
Family Emotional Intelligence Routines
Daily emotion sharing: Everyone names one feeling they had and what caused it
Problem-solving meetings: Work together on challenges family members are facing
Appreciation practice: Regularly acknowledge empathetic actions by family members
Goal support: Help each other work toward emotional and academic goals
Consistent practice: Regular engagement in empathy and regulation activities builds stronger neural pathways
Multi-sensory learning: Engaging multiple senses accelerates brain development
Positive experiences: Success in emotional learning creates confidence for academic challenges
Integration: Combining emotional skills with academic work maximizes learning potential
Signs of Progress
Recognizing Growth in Self-Regulation
Watch for these positive changes:
Longer task persistence: Ability to work on challenging tasks for increasing periods
Independent strategy use: Using calming techniques without prompting
Verbal expression: Talking about frustration instead of acting out behaviorally
Help-seeking: Asking for assistance appropriately when feeling overwhelmed
Recovery skills: Bouncing back more quickly from setbacks
Recognizing Developing Empathy
Emotion awareness: Noticing and commenting on others’ feelings
Responsive behavior: Offering comfort or help when others are struggling
Self-compassion: Treating themselves more kindly during difficulties
Perspective-taking: Understanding that others may feel differently about situations
Social engagement: Increased willingness to participate in group activities
Moving Forward with Purpose
Teaching empathy and self-regulation to dyslexic children is an investment in their entire future. These skills don’t just help them manage current challenges – they provide the foundation for lifelong resilience, positive relationships, and academic success.
The Ripple Effect
When dyslexic children develop strong empathy and self-regulation skills:
They’re better equipped to handle academic stress and setbacks
They build more positive relationships with teachers, peers, and family members
They develop confidence that extends beyond academics into all areas of life
They become more willing to take on challenges and ask for help when needed
They learn to see their dyslexia as one part of their story, not the defining chapter
Remember the Bigger Picture
Your dyslexic child’s sensitivity and emotional intensity – traits that might seem challenging now – can become tremendous strengths when channeled through empathy and self-regulation skills. Many successful adults with dyslexia credit their empathy and resilience as key factors in their achievements.
Every activity you do together, every moment you spend helping them understand their emotions, and every time you model healthy regulation is building their capacity for emotional intelligence. You’re not just helping them manage today’s homework frustration – you’re giving them tools they’ll use throughout their lives.
The journey may have its ups and downs, but remember that developing these skills takes time and practice. Celebrate small improvements, stay patient with the process, and trust that the foundation you’re building now will serve your child for years to come.
Your dyslexic child has unique gifts and perspectives that the world needs. By helping them develop empathy and self-regulation alongside their academic skills, you’re ensuring they’ll be able to share those gifts with confidence, kindness, and resilience.
Author Quote"
Without empathy skills – especially self-empathy – dyslexic children can become trapped in cycles of self-criticism that make learning even more difficult.
"
When dyslexic children struggle with empathy and self-regulation, they often develop harsh inner critics that make their academic challenges even more overwhelming, but engaged parents who understand the unique emotional needs of children with learning differences can teach these crucial life skills through creative, hands-on activities that honor how their child’s brain learns best. As your child’s first teacher and the person who knows them most intimately, you’re uniquely positioned to help them develop the emotional intelligence they need to be kind to themselves and others while building the resilience necessary to thrive despite their learning challenges. By teaching empathy and self-regulation through movement, art, and multi-sensory experiences, you’re not just helping them manage today’s emotions – you’re giving them tools that will transform their relationship with themselves and their learning differences for life.
If you’re ready to help your dyslexic child develop the empathy and self-regulation skills that will serve as their foundation for both emotional wellness and academic success, we invite you to explore our free course “The Overly Emotional Child” at https://learningsuccess.ai/course/documentary-overly-emotional-child/. This comprehensive program systematically guides you through understanding how learning differences impact emotional development and teaches you practical, engaging activities for building your child’s emotional intelligence using approaches that work with their unique learning style.
We’ve made this course completely free because we believe that empowering parents with these emotional intelligence tools is the most effective way to help children with learning differences grow into compassionate, resilient, mentally healthy adults – and that’s how we create a more empathetic world, one family at a time.
