How to Build a Homeschooling Curriculum for Dyslexic Students

You've probably seen those Facebook posts where parents share "perfect" curriculum finds. Comments flood in with well-meaning suggestions, but often none quite fit your dyslexic learner's needs. And that's what they don't tell you. Building a homeschool curriculum for dyslexic students requires a specialized approach. A tailored plan, grounded in structured literacy methods and complemented by affirming teaching, can transform your child's relationship with reading and writing.

Whether you're building your curriculum from scratch or looking for expert-led support, Outschool offers flexible classes designed with dyslexic learners in mind. You’ll find certified instructors, Orton-Gillingham phonics courses, and interest-based options that help your learner build confidence at their own pace.

How to build the right foundation for your dyslexic learner

The truth is, dyslexic learners need more than just a modified curriculum; they need an entirely different approach to how reading and writing are typically taught. One that’s grounded in how their brains actually learn, not how traditional programs expect them to.

That’s why the best place to start isn’t usually with someone else’s favorite resource; it’s with a foundation built on professional insight, proven methods, and a learning plan tailored to your child’s unique strengths. From there, you can choose tools, classes, and teaching strategies that actually support progress and rebuild your child’s confidence along the way.

Skip the one-size-fits-all recommendations

Popular homeschool curricula recommended in Facebook groups often fail to meet the needs of dyslexic learners. These programs assume typical reading development, but dyslexic learners process language in a different way. What works for most kids can actually increase frustration and erode their confidence. Instead of following crowd-sourced advice, you need a personalized roadmap tailored to your child's specific learning style.

Get a professional evaluation first

Start with an evaluation from a licensed psychologist who specializes in learning differences. This assessment reveals your child's unique strengths and challenges, providing you with concrete data to inform your decisions. The psychologist can then refer you to certified dyslexia specialists who understand evidence-based interventions. This professional foundation prevents years of trial and error with methods that may not match your child's needs.

Choose structured literacy methods with proven results

Research supports structured literacy approaches, such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, Lindamood-Bell, and Barton Reading & Spelling. These methods teach reading systematically, utilizing multi-sensory techniques specifically designed for individuals with dyslexia. You can work with a private specialist in your area, or find certified instructors through platforms like Outschool, which offers Orton-Gillingham phonics classes and personalized tutoring that bring this expertise directly to your home.

Why structured, multi-sensory methods work

Multi-sensory teaching methods, like Orton-Gillingham, engage multiple pathways in the brain simultaneously, creating stronger memory connections for reading and spelling. Here's how these principles translate into daily practice:

• Teach decoding step-by-step, rather than relying on sight word memorization. Break words into sound-symbol relationships that build on each other, starting with single sounds and progressing to complex patterns, rather than asking your child to memorize whole words by sight.
• Use color coding to highlight tricky patterns - Write irregular "red words" (like "said" or "does") in bright red ink, use different colors for vowel sounds, and highlight word endings to create visual memory anchors that stick.
• Incorporate texture and movement into lessons - Have your child trace letters in sand, write words with finger paints, or tap out syllables while walking to engage their sense of touch and body movement alongside visual and auditory learning.
• Follow the cumulative, explicit structure - Each new concept builds directly on previously mastered skills, with plenty of review and practice before moving forward, preventing the gaps that often frustrate dyslexic learners.
• Skip generic reading programs and tutoring - Standard phonics programs move too quickly and assume typical language processing. In contrast, Orton-Gillingham's slower, more intensive approach aligns with how dyslexic brains actually learn to read.

Build daily learning with tools and classes that support dyslexic learners

The right tools can make a big difference in how your child experiences reading, writing, and organization throughout the day. Here are some tools families often find helpful when homeschooling a dyslexic student:

• Text-to-speech tools – Programs like NaturalReader or the built-in tools in Google Chrome can read web pages and digital text aloud, helping learners access content without relying solely on decoding.
• Speech-to-text apps – Tools like Google Docs voice typing allow students to speak their thoughts instead of writing them out, reducing barriers during assignments or journaling.
• Decodable text libraries – Digital libraries like Flyleaf, Reading A-Z decodables, or physical options like Dog on a Log offer engaging, phonics-aligned books for early and developing readers.
• Phoneme cards and letter tiles – Tactile tools, such as magnetic letter boards or color-coded vowel/consonant cards, support sound-symbol association. These are often used in Orton-Gillingham-based programs for hands-on practice with blending and spelling.
• Assistive browser extensions – Tools like BeeLine Reader add color gradients to guide the eye across lines of text, while Mercury Reader simplifies web pages for easier readability.

These tools empower dyslexic learners to access content, express their thoughts, and develop skills in ways that feel supportive. The more accessible and affirming the tools, the more confident your learner becomes.

How Outschool can support you

Finding the right teachers can transform your child's learning experience. Outschool offers Orton-Gillingham and phonics classes taught by teachers specialized in teaching dyslexic kids. These teachers understand how to break down reading into manageable steps and use the multi-sensory techniques your child needs. They know when to slow down, when to celebrate small wins, and how to keep lessons engaging without overwhelming your learner.

You can also find book clubs and discussion-based classes that can become safe spaces with like-minded peers. Group classes like this offer valuable opportunities for your child to share their bright ideas and connect with other kids who share similar interests.

Homeschool curriculum for dyslexic students: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Parents often feel overwhelmed when searching for the right educational approach for their dyslexic child. The questions below address the most common concerns families face when building a personalized learning plan that truly works.

What is the best homeschool curriculum for dyslexic students?

There isn't one "best" curriculum because every dyslexic learner is different. Structured literacy programs like Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or Barton work well for many students. The key is matching the method to your child's specific needs through professional evaluation.

How do multi-sensory teaching methods help children with dyslexia learn at home?

Multi-sensory methods engage multiple pathways in the brain simultaneously, enhancing retention and memory formation. For example, writing "red words" in bright red ink while saying the sounds aloud helps dyslexic learners remember challenging words through sight, sound, and movement.

How can parents adapt homeschool curriculum to meet the unique needs of a dyslexic child?

Start by identifying your child's strengths and challenges through a professional assessment. Then modify materials using their preferred learning style, allow extra processing time, and choose affirming teachers who understand dyslexia. Flexibility becomes your most powerful adaptation tool.

How should I pace curriculum content for my dyslexic learner?

Move at your child's speed, not grade-level expectations. Some concepts may need weeks of practice while others click quickly. Break lessons into smaller chunks, celebrate incremental progress, and remember that mastery matters more than covering everything in a traditional timeframe.

Building a dyslexia-friendly homeschool

Building a homeschool curriculum for dyslexic students that actually works starts with professional guidance. Consult with a psychologist to identify your child's specific learning profile, then match it to structured literacy methods like Orton-Gillingham. This foundation helps you choose the right approach with confidence.

Once you have that foundation, choose supportive formats that build momentum. Try an Orton-Gillingham phonics class, join a graphic novel club without read-aloud pressure, or explore art classes where teachers naturally repeat directions. These experiences create a supportive learning environment for dyslexic children where your kid can thrive while discovering their strengths.