We know that exams can be one of the most stressful times of the school year—for students AND parents! For children with dyslexia, exam season often brings added pressure. Difficulties with reading, writing, memory, and processing speed can make revising and sitting exams feel especially overwhelming.
But with the right support, strategies and mindset, children with dyslexia can approach exams with greater confidence and less anxiety.
In this blog, we’ll share practical ways to help your child revise effectively and cope with exam stress, all based on the approaches we use at Toucan.
Start with Emotional Support
Before diving into revision strategies, begin by addressing how a child feels about exams. Fear of failure, past negative experiences, or a fixed mindset (“I’m just not good at exams”) can block motivation from the start.
At Toucan, we talk to children honestly about their worries. We validate their feelings and remind them that:
- Exams are not a measure of their worth.
- Everyone learns differently and their unique strengths matter.
- They are supported and not alone in this process.
Creating a safe space to talk reduces pressure and builds trust—and when children feel emotionally safe, they’re more likely to engage with learning.
Use Dyslexia-Friendly Revision Tools
Children with dyslexia benefit from multi-sensory, structured revision techniques that match how their brains learn best. Some of our favourite tools include:
- Mind Maps
Mind maps are visual, non-linear and allow children to organise ideas in a way that feels natural. Colour coding, symbols, and drawings help with memory and recall.
- Audio Notes
Encourage your child to record key points out loud and listen back while walking or relaxing. This taps into auditory memory and reduces reliance on reading.
- Flashcards with Visuals
Keep them simple: one question per card, bold text, and relevant images. Use apps like Quizlet or physical cards with large, clear fonts.
- Mnemonics and Rhymes
Memory tricks and rhymes can help recall information more easily. For example, “Never Eat Shredded Wheat” for compass directions. There are so many clever songs and raps on Youtube to help children remember complex concepts for a range of subjects, try searching the internet for specific subjects and key stages for ideas.
- Teach-Back Method
Have your child “teach” you a topic. Explaining it out loud helps reinforce understanding—and gives them a confidence boost.
Create a Personalised Revision Plan
At Toucan we help each child build a revision schedule that works for them. Here’s how we suggest doing it at home:
- Start Early: Give plenty of time to avoid last-minute cramming.
- Chunk Information: Break topics into small, manageable parts. 20–30 minute sessions work best, followed by short breaks.
- Mix Subjects: Rotate topics to keep the brain fresh and reduce boredom.
- Schedule Practice: Include time for past papers or practice questions—especially using any extra time or exam access arrangements they’ll have.
- Visual timetables or checklists can help your child track their progress and feel a sense of achievement.
Adapt the Environment for Success
Children with dyslexia often have difficulty focusing, so the revision environment makes a big difference.
Try to:
Reduce noise and distractions.
Use soft lighting (harsh light can strain the eyes).
Provide tools like coloured overlays, large print handouts or fidget aids if needed.
Make sure revision happens in short, consistent bursts—not in long, exhausting sessions.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of snacks, movement breaks, and fresh air!
Practice Exam Techniques in a Safe Way
Familiarity reduces fear so try to introduce exam formats long before the real thing. If children are in school, they will have practiced a lot before the actual exams are taken. You can access practice papers online to reinforce this at home.
Try the following:
- Practice using extra time, if your child has this access arrangement, so they know how to pace themselves.
- Show them how to plan answers, especially for extended writing tasks—use templates or visual organisers.
- Read questions out loud together (or use text-to-speech tools) to model how to break them down.
- Celebrate effort, not just results. Remind them that trying their best matters more than being perfect.
Support Wellbeing Throughout the Exam Period
This one is crucial. Dyslexia often comes with emotional challenges like low self-esteem or anxiety—especially around exams and testing. At Toucan, we build wellbeing into every day and the same should apply at home during exam time.
Encourage your child to:
- Move daily: Dancing, running, stretching—whatever they enjoy.
- Sleep well: Regular bedtimes and screen-free wind-down time.
- Breathe: Try simple breathing exercises or apps like Calm or Headspace.
- Talk: Keep communication open. Let them know they can always come to you if they’re feeling stressed. Show them how to journal their feelings if they have worries they’d prefer not to share.
- Eat well: nutrition matters, check out Lucinda Miller’s brilliant nutrition advice for exam preparation
You can also model calmness yourself—even when you’re feeling nervous for them. Children pick up on our emotional cues more than we realise.
Work with Their Strengths
It’s easy to focus on what your child finds hard during revision—but focussing on what they do well is also beneficial because confidence can fuel their enthusiasm for more learning.
Ask:
- Are they creative? Let them draw their notes or build a model.
- Do they love talking? Use voice recordings or act things out.
- Do they have a strong memory for stories? Link facts to a story or real-life example.
By playing to their strengths, you help your child learn in a way that feels enjoyable so it’s less of a struggle.
Be Realistic and Reassuring
Sometimes, despite all the planning, things don’t go smoothly. Your child might freeze in an exam. They might forget something they revised. That’s okay.
Reassure them that:
Everyone makes mistakes—even adults
One exam won’t decide their whole future
They are more than their results
At Toucan, we always remind our students that success looks different for everyone. Progress matters more than perfection. Effort is something to be proud of.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are brilliant tools that can help level the playing field for children with dyslexia during revision:
- Text-to-speech software (e.g., NaturalReader, Microsoft Immersive Reader)
- Speech-to-text tools (e.g., Dragon NaturallySpeaking or built-in phone tools)
- Spelling and grammar checkers (e.g., Grammarly)
- Dyslexia-friendly fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic or Comic Sans)
These tools aren’t “cheating”—they’re about access. They give your child the same opportunity to show what they know, in a way that works for them.
Stay Connected with School and Teachers
If your child is sitting formal exams, talk to their teachers early. Ask:
What access arrangements are in place (e.g., extra time, a reader, use of a laptop)?
Are there revision resources tailored to your child’s learning needs?
Can the school support with mock exams or 1:1 sessions?
At Toucan, we work closely with families to create consistent support at school and at home—and we encourage parents to be part of the journey.
Exam time doesn’t have to be a source of panic for you or your child. With the right tools, emotional support and understanding, children with dyslexia can feel more confident and in control. Remember your child’s value isn’t measured by exam results, and their particular strengths may not show up on an exam paper. What they need is compassion, encouragement and belief—in themselves and from those around them.
If you’d like to learn more about how we support children with dyslexia, please get in touch or for more advice and free guides to supporting your child, check out our socials.