Dear Parents,

If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, you may be wondering, what does this mean for your child’s brain—and how can you help support their reading journey?

This week, we’ll explore the neuroscience of learning, the importance of repeated success, and how research-backed approaches can rewire the dyslexic brain for lasting literacy growth.

Hebbian Learning: Why Repetition of Success Matters

The phrase “neurons that fire together wire together” comes from the concept of Hebbian neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself based on repeated activity. When a child experiences repeated success with a task (like identifying the sound of the letter “b”), the neural circuits responsible for that task strengthen. Over time, these connections become faster and more efficient.

For children with dyslexia, who may initially struggle to form these connections, it’s crucial that their learning environment offers many opportunities for early, easy wins. Each success reinforces the correct neural pathways, gradually building a brain that is more fluent at processing language.

Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development: Meeting Kids Where They Are

Psychologist Lev Vygotsky introduced the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)—the sweet spot between what a child can do independently and what they can do with guidance. Instruction within this zone ensures that children are challenged just enough without becoming frustrated.

For children with dyslexia, teaching within the ZPD means starting with fundamental skills—like phoneme awareness and basic sound-symbol correspondence—and only moving forward once these are mastered. Skipping foundational steps risks cognitive overload and discouragement, while steady progress within the ZPD builds confidence and cognitive stamina.

The Neuroscience of White Matter: Why Practice Changes Brain Structure

White matter in the brain acts like a superhighway—transmitting signals between brain regions. Stronger white matter connections make reading faster and more efficient. In dyslexia, certain white matter tracts are less developed, particularly in regions tied to phonological processing and reading fluency.

But here’s the hopeful news: repeated, successful learning experiences can strengthen these pathways.

What This Means for You and Your Child

• Celebrate small wins. Each success—no matter how small—strengthens the brain.

• Stick to structured, explicit instruction. Programs like Orton-Gillingham are effective because they offer step-by-step mastery.

• Don’t rush complexity. A strong foundation in phonological skills must precede reading fluency and comprehension.

• Advocate for practice, not just exposure. Repetition isn’t boring—it’s brain-building.

In Summary

Rewiring the dyslexic brain takes time, intention, and lots of positive, scaffolded repetition. By starting early, working within your child’s zone of proximal development, and focusing on foundational mastery, you’re not just teaching reading—you’re literally helping their brain build better highways for lifelong learning.