Working on Their Strengths
Working on Their Strengths
When a child is in upper elementary and middle school, it is a great time to help them identify and sharpen their strengths. Right now, your child most likely feels that they have very few strengths, so they must learn about the strengths of dyslexia.
There are 10 common strengths people with dyslexia most likely have that people without dyslexia do not. When people with dyslexia begin to recognize these strengths within themselves, they can learn to lean on them to help balance the struggles they deal with, especially in school.
10 Common Strengths
1. Critical Thinking
2. Visual-Spatial Ability
3. Abstract Thinking
4. Puzzle Solving Skills
5. Highly Imaginative
6. Highly Analytical
7. Strong Memory Skills
8. Great Conversationalists
9. Great Empathizers
10. Innovative Problem Solvers
Imagine your child could see these strengths in themselves. It would be so empowering for them. And these are only the top ten strengths. When a person focuses on their strengths, it can enhance their overall social-emotional learning (SEL) and well-being. SEL helps students with dyslexia use their strengths, turning them into skills and knowledge, in powerful ways that help them navigate school positively.
Typically, a person with dyslexia may have three to four of these strengths (or others not on the list I gave). I encourage you to have your student take a strengths aptitude test. I have listed two that are free.
https://strengthsbasedresilience.com/
HIGH5 website. (This one is recommended for 16 or older, but your child still could use it.)
Once they learn about their strengths, help them see the strengths in themselves. Brainstorm ways that they could use their strengths in the classroom. This might be a little challenging atfirst, but do some role-playing. For example, let’s say your student is highly analytical and can analyze stories or ideas in depth. Help them realize this is a great skill to use in literature class. Encourage them to speak up and share their analysis with the class. They can also let the teacher know that they have this strength and would love to use it during class discussions. Know that it will be a work in progress, but they will become more confident with their strengths, especially when they know them.
This is an exciting time! Your student knows what they struggle with, but it’s important to shift the emphasis to strengths rather than struggles. These strengths are the ones that will be there for the rest of their lives. School struggles are temporary. I know it’s hard for them to see that now, but be their champion, keep finding and honing their strengths.
Reference
Celestine, N. (July 11, 2025). 9 Free Strengths Assessments & Tests. Positive Psychology.com.
