Learn to Read and Spell with Dyslexia: Mastering the Spelling Routine

Last updated: March 8, 2026

You’ve sat beside your child, watching as they struggle to spell simple words, feeling your stomach clench with every mistake. You’ve seen the spark in their eyes dim just a little more with each failed attempt, knowing they’re working ten times harder than their classmates just to keep up. That mixture of heartbreak and helplessness you feel isn’t weakness or overreaction—it’s your instincts telling you that something needs to change. And if you’ve spent late nights searching for answers while everyone else sleeps, wondering if you’re the only parent carrying this weight, I want you to know: you’re not alone, you’re not imagining it, and your fierce love for your child is exactly what they need most right now.

TL;DR

Learn the spelling routine for CVC words using the letters ST, P, I, A, and N.
Practice naming the letters as you write, rather than sounding out the words.
Use the provided grid or a piece of paper to write down the words and check your spelling.

Learning to read and spell with dyslexia requires a structured approach that builds foundational skills. In this lesson, we’re going to focus on the spelling routine and practice spelling CVC words using the letters ST, P, I, A, and N. To start, it’s essential to understand that spelling is a skill that can be developed with practice and repetition. By using a grid or a piece of paper, you can practice writing down the words as you hear them, naming the letters as you go.

This approach helps to reinforce the graphemic representation of the words, which is essential for reading and spelling. By focusing on the individual letters rather than the sounds, you can build a stronger connection between the written word and its pronunciation. This routine is an excellent way to develop your spelling skills, and with practice, you’ll become more confident and proficient.

Learn to read and spell with dyslexia by mastering the spelling routine and practicing letter naming and repetition. Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

Building Foundational Skills

When it comes to reading and spelling, it’s essential to build foundational skills that will serve as the basis for future learning. This includes developing phonemic awareness, decoding, and encoding skills. By practicing the spelling routine, you’re building these foundational skills and creating a strong foundation for reading and spelling.

It’s also important to remember that practice makes improvement, not perfection. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes – instead, focus on learning from them and using them as an opportunity to improve. By being kind to yourself and celebrating small victories, you’ll stay motivated and engaged in the learning process.

For more information on building foundational skills, check out the Foundations of the Brain Bloom System and Cognitive Micro-Skills.

Laura Lurns Learning Success Expert

As we explore the complexities of learning to read and spell with dyslexia, it's essential to recognize the critical role that language and expectations play in shaping our children's experiences. The way we communicate with our children about their abilities and challenges can either empower or limit their potential. By using language that focuses on skill development rather than labeling conditions, we can help our children develop a growth mindset and build resilience.

For instance, instead of saying "my child has dyslexia," we can say "my child is developing reading skills through specialized instruction." This subtle shift in language can have a profound impact on our child's self-perception and motivation. By emphasizing the idea that reading skills can be developed and improved, we can help our children see themselves as capable learners rather than being defined by a label.

Moreover, research has shown that children who are praised for their effort rather than their intelligence tend to perform better and develop a more growth-oriented mindset. This is particularly relevant for children with dyslexia, who may face unique challenges in reading and spelling. By focusing on effort and progress rather than ability, we can help our children develop a sense of agency and control over their learning.

As we work with our children to develop their reading and spelling skills, it's also essential to recognize the importance of self-talk and internal dialogue. By teaching our children to use positive and empowering self-talk, we can help them develop a more confident and resilient mindset. For example, instead of saying "I'm not good at reading," our child can say "I'm getting better at reading with practice and effort."

Ultimately, our goal as parents and educators is to help our children develop a love of learning and a sense of confidence in their abilities. By using language that empowers and motivates, and by teaching our children the skills and strategies they need to succeed, we can help them overcome the challenges of dyslexia and achieve their full potential.

Developing a Growth Mindset

When it comes to learning to read and spell with dyslexia, it’s essential to develop a growth mindset. This means believing that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, rather than being fixed traits. By adopting a growth mindset, you’ll be more likely to take risks, persist in the face of challenges, and view failures as opportunities for growth.

For more information on developing a growth mindset, check out the Growth Mindset course and Grit.

Additionally, it’s essential to focus on building confidence and self-esteem. By celebrating small victories and acknowledging progress, you’ll build a sense of accomplishment and motivation that will carry you through the learning process.

Key Takeaways:

Spelling Routine - Learn the routine of saying the word, writing it down, and naming the letters as you write. This reinforces the graphemic representation of the letters and helps with spelling.

Letter Naming - Instead of sounding out the words, name the letters as you write. This helps to focus on the individual letters and their corresponding sounds.

Practice and Repetition - Practice the spelling routine regularly, using the provided grid or a piece of paper. This will help to improve your spelling skills and build confidence.

Putting it all Together

By combining the spelling routine with a growth mindset and a focus on building foundational skills, you’ll be well on your way to developing strong reading and spelling skills. Remember to be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and stay motivated by focusing on progress rather than perfection.

For more information on reading and spelling, check out the 5-Minute Reading Fix and Attentive Ear Auditory Processing Program. Additionally, you can find more resources and support on the Learning Success website and by signing up for the Learning Success Newsletter.

Here’s what I believe with every fiber of my being: you don’t need anyone’s permission to help your own child. You don’t need to wait for school systems to finally notice what you’ve seen for years. You don’t need credentials or certification to be the most powerful teacher your child will ever have. The system may be designed to keep you waiting in the wings, feeling helpless while your child struggles—but that design can’t survive a parent who refuses to accept it. Your love, your instincts, and your daily presence are more powerful than any program, any label, or any expert assessment. And your child’s brain is capable of more growth than anyone who uses words like ‘can’t’ and ‘never’ would ever dare to imagine.