How to Support a Child With Dyslexia Starting First Grade (CP)

Understanding the Transition to First Grade With Dyslexia

For any child, entering first grade—or CP as it's called in France—marks a big leap into the world of structured learning. New routines, expectations, and the beginning of formal reading instruction can feel exciting for some, but for a child predisposed to dyslexia, this transition can also bring confusion, stress, and moments of discouragement. As a parent, watching your child struggle while others race ahead can be heartbreaking. Your instinct is to help, but when you're already juggling so much, it can be hard to know where to start.

The truth is: your presence, understanding, and small daily choices can make a tremendous difference. Let’s pause here—not to rush into advice—but to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface for children who show early signs of dyslexia.

How Dyslexia Manifests in Early Readers

Dyslexia is not about intelligence. It’s about how the brain processes written language. In early readers, this might show up as trouble distinguishing similar letters (like “b” and “d”), difficulty recognizing rhyming words, slower letter-to-sound decoding, or challenges in memorizing sight words. Importantly, many children are only formally diagnosed later, but early signs around ages 5–7 are often evident, especially as literacy demands increase.

If you're just starting to notice your child struggle, you might wonder: When should I start to worry about learning difficulties? The short answer is: now is a perfect time to care—without panicking. CP is a gateway year. Being proactive can lead to more positive outcomes, both emotionally and academically.

Creating a Safe Attitude Toward Learning

Most children sense early on whether they’re "good" or "bad" at school. That’s why your approach and language matter so much. Try not to focus only on performance. Instead, point out effort, celebrate small wins, and hold space for frustration. A child who feels safe to struggle is more likely to persist—and persistence, even more than talent, fuels long-term learning.

At home, you can help protect your child’s confidence by normalizing their experience. For example, calling dyslexia “a different way the brain learns to read” (rather than a ‘problem’) can change how your child sees themselves. Here's how to talk about dyslexia at home without making your child feel stigmatized.

Making Reading Feel Less Like a Battle

You’ve probably had evenings where reading homework ends in tears—yours or theirs. Those moments can leave both of you feeling defeated. Instead of pushing harder, sometimes what helps is pulling back and making space for pleasure and connection.

One gentle way to reimagine reading time is through audio stories. They let your child enter the world of books without the stress of decoding. Listening builds vocabulary, narrative comprehension, and keeps stories alive in their imagination—even before reading catches up. The iOS and Android app LISN Kids offers original audiobooks and audio series tailored for children ages 3–12.

Whether your child is into magical animals, brave adventurers, or silly mysteries, there’s something for every mood—and story time becomes a moment you both look forward to.

Using audiobooks is more than screen-free entertainment. It’s actually one of the most effective tools recommended to improve attention and grow reading skills in children with dyslexia.

Building a Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Environment

The space where your child reads matters. Harsh lighting, distraction, or uncomfortable furniture can add invisible stress. Consider carving out a small nook at home—a beanbag, a bookshelf within reach, a cozy blanket. The goal isn’t Pinterest perfection; it’s emotional safety. When reading feels like an invitation and not a demand, your child is more likely to return to it willingly.

Not sure where to begin? This guide on how to create a comforting reading nook for children aged 6 to 12 with dyslexia can inspire small, manageable changes.

Daily Rhythms That Help, Not Overwhelm

Children with dyslexia often use more cognitive energy during school, which means they come home depleted. It’s tempting to squeeze in extra practice—but overloading them can backfire. Instead, think about quality over quantity.

Experts often recommend short, consistent daily reading sessions—even just 10 to 15 minutes can make a difference when done with purpose and presence. Let your child’s energy levels guide your timing, and include choice: let them pick stories or topics they care about. Personal investment makes reading less of a chore and more of a curiosity-led habit.

You’re Not Alone—Lean on Support

CP is just the beginning of a long educational path, and dyslexia is one part of your child’s learning journey—not the whole story. There will be tough days and beautiful ones. Your role isn't to fix everything, but to walk beside your child with patience, humor, and hope. When school feels hard, your love is their most reliable resource.

And remember, community helps. Connecting with teachers, speech therapists, and other parents can offer insights, tools, and encouragement. You’re not in this alone—and neither is your child.