For some it is an exciting time, something to look forward to, while for others it brings about a feeling of dread and anxiety of what's to come. Many learners, after just a couple of years at school, have come to fear the new year and what challenges it might bring for them.

As a parent, you can steer the course towards their friends, the fun stuff at school and other dreams they may want to pursue in the future. It's also a good idea to keep them focused on the successes they have had in previous years, perhaps the art competition, the science display or the athletics carnival. Now is the time to bring every success to the front. It's ok to chat about the challenges too and prepare for the possible ways to overcome these. Be realistic and they will appreciate it.

Be kind to the teacher and give them the opportunity to settle in on the first week, then make sure they are aware of your child's learning difference, in the most kind and sensitive way you can.

You can introduce them to Lex and Me and educate the educators at your school or direct them to the Introduction to Dyslexia and Literacy Learning course on the website (50% off using promo code: LEARN50 until the end of January 2020)!

As a teacher, you have the opportunity to change a child's life and they way they think about school and learning, beginning on day one. Try to be aware of the children who may have dyslexia (or other learning difficulties) in your new class, before the school year begins. If you don't know about dyslexia, now is the time! Our Introduction to Dyslexia and Literacy Learning course is only 4 hours long and can be acknowledged as professional development hours.

If a parent advises you about their child's learning challenges, please listen, as chances are that nobody has been listening and the child continues to struggle.

These students are not lazy, dumb, badly behaved or unmotivated. They just don't learn the way some educators assume, so appropriate adjustments must be made. Dyslexia is a neurological condition and is genetic in its origin.

It is wonderful to see that so many educators are looking for ways to support learners and many schools are now providing the appropriate structured language interventions to support these learners.

Be the teacher who looks outside the system to help these amazing children to reach their potential, without anxiety, without fear of failure and with enthusiasm and confidence as they begin the year 2020 at school.