This document provides study strategies and tips for dyslexic learners, including breaking large tasks into smaller sections, using flashcards, color-coding notes, and utilizing assistive tools like text-to-speech. It discusses managing time, effective studying methods like the Pomodoro technique, and test-taking strategies such as reviewing what is known first and using all available time. Resources are also listed for dyslexic students to get additional help and support with their learning needs.

1. Dyslexia Learner
Strategies
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

2. Outline
 Quick tips
 Time management
 Studying
 Test taking
 Tools you can use
 What works for you?
 Questions

3. Quick Tips: Time management
 Break large tasks into smaller ones
 If you have to write a 10-page paper, try breaking it up into 3 or 4 sections and
writing one per day.
 If you have a test, break it up into small sections or chapters
 Take breaks
 If you finish a study session quickly, take a break before the next section
 Plan rewards! After each study session, assignment, or exam

4. Quick Tips: Studying
 Use all your senses
 Flashcards
 Pomodoro Method or timer – study for 25 minutes, take 5 minute break

5. Quick Tips: Studying
 Use all your senses:
 Listen
 Use text-to-speech tools, or read your notes outload
 Practice studying in a similar sounding environment as a test
 Visualize
 Color-coding your notes gives you visual cues to spark your memory.
 Try to associate pictures with certain words or reading passages. This triggers
your brain to remember them better.
 Create your own Venn diagram to break things down.

6. Quick Tips: Studying
 Use all your senses:
 Touch
 Flashcards
 Even Smell & Taste
 Use the same chapstick, lotion, etc. with a specific scent when you are studying,
and then taking an exam
 Chew gum, or eat a Jolly Rancher of the same flavor, if allowed

7. Quick Tips: Studying
 Flashcards
 Add images & icons to flashcards, even just a star, circle, or square, to help
associate what you are learning with a visual queue
 Great for color-coded visuals too.
 You can bring them with you anywhere and get some extra studying in.
 Separate cards you know, from ones you don’t

8. Quick Tips: Studying
 Read slowly & take your time
 Study with a partner, if it works for you
 This helps verbalize what you are learning
 Organize material into sections before an exam
 Review what you know first, quickly
 Spend the majority of time reviewing what you don’t know

9. Quick Tips: Test Taking
 Review what you know and feel confident about right before the exam
 Plan your time:
 Look through the entire test first and answer the easiest questions first. This will
help to reduce your anxiety.
 Use the entire exam period rather than rushing through the test.
 Read the question carefully
 Underline keywords in the question (e.g. increasing, or decreasing)
 If the question has several parts, use these parts to structure your answer.
 Ovoid overthinking
 Ask for extended time, if you haven’t already, to minimize anxiety

10. Tools you can use
 Listen to text:
 Speechify
 NaturalReader
 Reading:
 Use colored overlay sheets
 Change text to Dyslexic Friendly Font
 Writing
 Grammerly
 Writing Center, or a writing tutor for human help
 Smart Pens & lecture recording

11. References & resources
 Tips From Students - Yale Dyslexia
 dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/dyslexics/living-with-dyslexia/school/test-taking-strategies
 www.studyclix.ie/blog/dyslexia-study-tips-for-dyslexic-students
 Dyslexic Students Learn Differently: Tips, Tools and Apps to Help Them Succeed |
Dyslexia Help at the University of Michigan (umich.edu)

12. Get Help: Ask the Library
 ask.lib.montana.edu
 Chat
 Email
 Schedule an online appointment