Dyslexia Forum: Supporting Children to Enjoy Reading

eperks1
4 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Brenda Ferrie has spent the last 10 years with the British Dyslexia Association

On 8 January 2026, Schoolreaders welcomed 72 active volunteers to an online forum focused on supporting children with dyslexia. The session was led by Brenda Ferrie, a dyslexia specialist with over 30 years’ experience working with children, educators and organisations.

Brenda helped volunteers gain a deeper understanding of what reading can feel like for a child with dyslexia, exploring the challenges they may face when learning to read. Through a series of practical activities, volunteers experienced first-hand how demanding reading can be for a dyslexic learner.

Many described this as an emotional and eye-opening experience, highlighting the extra effort and concentration involved. As one volunteer shared, “Seeing the script as a child would see it was extraordinarily helpful.”

The forum also provided practical guidance on how volunteers can support children with dyslexia during reading sessions, with a strong focus on confidence and enjoyment. A volunteer from Devon reflected, “I really appreciate Brenda emphasizing the enjoyment of reading, which I believe is of utmost importance.”

There was time for questions and shared discussion, allowing volunteers to explore real-life situations they are currently facing. One volunteer from Oxfordshire commented that the session “gave me a great deal of confidence that what I am doing with my pupils is on the right lines, together with very useful ideas and suggestions on how to be more effective.” Another added that it was reassuring to see how many volunteers experience similar challenges.

Volunteers also valued the depth of insight into dyslexia itself, with one attendee describing the session as providing “really invaluable insight and information about dyslexia and how it can affect a child and how best to support.”

Thank you to Brenda for such an insightful and supportive session, and to all the volunteers who took part. Together, we continue to help every child feel confident, supported and able to enjoy reading.