Going to a British school in the 1980s, 1990s was like stepping back in time. One of my first memories aged 4 is being made to sit at a desk, look at the board and write. I struggled to sit still, behave and got sent to the headteacher for not listening on occasions. It continued like this for the rest of school. Teachers were strict, Victorian like. They would scream, shout, humiliate children that broke the rules. Children that talked in class, got questions wrong or forgot their homework.

Classes of thirty plus children had no teaching assistants. Conditions like dyslexia were never talked about and multi-sensory learning was unheard off. I found going to school very stressful and scary. I could not understand why I was always getting into trouble and I struggled to learn. The teachers very much put the blame on me. I now realise that I am dyslexic and needed to be taught in a dyslexic friendly way. In a classroom that made me feel calm and able to learn. To help you create a dyslexia friendly space for a dyslexic child, I have created the card below.

Calm Corner Card

The Mooki Cards contain a “Calm Corner” card. To help create a dyslexia friendly learning environment. Use the card below on your phone or tablet for free!

This card is based on scientific research, on "Nurturing Inner Calm in Children".

Dyslexia Friendly Classroom

• Dyslexic children need to be able to talk in class, ask questions. A classroom where they are told to be quiet, can effect their learning. Struggling with reading, writing they may need to able to talk through their ideas.
• The child may have "Audio Dyslexia", this means they struggle with verbal instructions. They then need to be able to repeat instructions back to the teacher, out-loud. To help them remember and understand the instructions.
• It can appear that a dyslexic child is not listening or learning. They need to be able to move around, fidget and stretch. They may stare out the window, stop working, whilst their brain processes information. The child needs to be given the freedom to do this, with regular breaks to stop them becoming overwhelmed.

Learn more, see "10 Steps to Making You Classroom Dyslexia Friendly".

Create a Calm Homework Corner

Tops Tips from Dyslexic Mum

Use the ideas below to help a dyslexic child learn:

• Quiet - Find a place with little noise or music.
• Comfort - Get away from desk, sit on cushions instead.
• Calm - Slowly count to 10, sitting with eyes shut.
• Breaks - Take a break every 10 - 15 minutes.
• Move - Stretch your arms and legs.
• Focus - Gaze out the window, look around the room.

All the cards are available as part of a "Mooki Cards". Complete with 56 cards and storage wallet. Perfect for using at home or in the classroom. Order your "Mooki Cards" here!