Spending most of my career in teaching I have seen every type of behaviour. Every trick from a child to get out of doing school work. When I first started in teaching I would get frustrated when a child was talking, or staring out the window. If they were shouting and misbehaving in class, instead of doing work. Then I realised that at the route of this behaviour, was not that the child did not want to the work. Usually it was because they did know how to do the work.

It can be scary, shameful and even humiliating to admit when we don't know how to do something. Children in class can feel the same. Young children may not understand that they can ask for help, afraid that they will get into trouble if they ask. This traffic light card below makes it simple and easy for a child to let you know if they need more help.

Traffic Light System Card

The Mooki Cards contain a “Traffic Light System” card. Learn joined-up writing and improve spelling. Use the card below on your phone or tablet for free!

This card is based on scientific research, "Assistive Systems for Children with Dyslexia".

Communicating Understanding

• Dyslexic children struggle with processing information. Traditionally classes were taught in away that did not benefit dyslexic thinking. In the past children were treated in a negative way by teachers, when they were able to do school work.
• Dyslexia friendly teaching methods can be used with a dyslexic child to help them in class. This includes tasks being re-explained to them on a one to one bases. Using teaching methods such as "Multi-sensory Learning".
• Children unable to complete schoolwork maybe feel stressed and anxious. These fears can show as hyper, unfocused behaviour.

Learn more about creating a dyslexia friendly learning environment, see "Calm Corner".

Traffic Light Feelings

Top Tips Dyslexic Mum

Traffic Light Feelings - The card above is a really simple way for a child to ask for help with school work. They can easily point to a "face" that shows if they understand what they need to do.

Don't Understand - It is important that you know when a child needs extra help and does not understand. If they are not given the right help at the right time, they may start misbehaving and become unmotivated.

Help Not Punishment - If the child does become unfocused avoid punishing them. Instead work with them to help them understand what they need to do, give lots of praise and breaks if they need them. The "Mooki" card deck if full of loads of ideas about how to help a dyslexic child.

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!