Product reviews for The Little Book of Dyslexia

There is much to like about this little book. Joe Beech tracks his own journey of growing up with dyslexia and negotiating the road from early years to teacher training, thus combining the perspectives of the dyslexic learner with those of the newly qualified teacher. He offers an introduction to the nature of dyslexia in the context of education and a range of suggestions that might make educational contexts more "dyslexia-friendly”. One wishes that EVERY dyslexic learner encounters a teacher like Joe.

The first three chapters offer an accessible introduction to the nature and manifestations of dyslexia and track the impact through the early years. Joe makes sufficient linkage to research to enable the reader to choose to take the initiative to explore further. His use of insights from his own experience, linked with information about dyslexic differences allows him to offer sensible suggestions to parents and teachers. He offers ways of allowing dyslexic learners to understand school experience in retrospect. These chapters were particularly effective.

Joe then moves on to cover primary and secondary schooling, technology, exams and
qualifications, HE and teaching in a similar way. He provides many helpful and practical suggestions although why they are appropriate for dyslexic learners, rather than any learner, is not always highlighted, which misses the opportunity to remind busy teachers of the nature of dyslexic differences and how easy it can be to adjust their classrooms and practice. Each chapter is clearly organised into topics with a concluding section headed -˜Teacher Tips' which covers assessment, classroom practice and behaviour containing highly appropriate and often creative practice.