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Learning Guides

Resources, insight, and encouragement to support language growth at every stage of learning.

Supporting Spanish Learners with Dyslexia: How La Senda Helps Struggling Readers Thrive

10/30/2025

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When Reading Feels Harder Than It Should
Every child deserves to feel confident and capable when learning a language. But for some students, reading in Spanish does not come easily. They may stumble over words, struggle to connect sounds to letters, or feel frustrated when their peers seem to move ahead more quickly.


​Sometimes these challenges come from diagnosed dyslexia, and other times they are signs of undiagnosed reading difficulties. Either way, these students need specialized support, and that can be hard to find, especially for Spanish learners.

​Across the country, there are very few programs that provide out-of-school help for dyslexia in Spanish. That gap leaves many families unsure of where to turn. At 
La Senda, we have worked hard to change that.
Filling a Local Gap in Spanish Dyslexia Support
Our team recognized that families needed a resource that truly understands both language learning and reading challenges. That is why several of our instructors have completed specialized training in supporting students with dyslexia and reading difficulties in Spanish.
We use this expertise to help students build stronger reading foundations, gain confidence, and rediscover the joy of learning. Whether a child has a diagnosis or not, we meet them where they are with patience, skill, and individualized care.

Going Back to the Basics: Phonics and Sound Awareness
For many struggling readers, success starts by returning to the building blocks of language.
At La Senda, our instructors use phonics-based strategies and trusted tools like Heggerty resources, which focus on phonemic awareness, the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate sounds in words.
In Spanish, phonics instruction is particularly powerful because the language is highly consistent in its sound-to-letter patterns. Once students gain confidence decoding these patterns, they begin to read more fluently and with greater understanding.
This foundational work can make a remarkable difference for students who previously felt stuck or discouraged.

Why One-on-One Support Matters
In school settings, even the most dedicated teachers often have limited time and resources to provide individualized reading support. Students who struggle can easily fall behind, not because they are not trying, but because they need personal attention that is hard to give in a large classroom.
That is why La Senda’s one-on-one tutoring is at the heart of our approach.
In a private setting, we can:
  • Adjust the pace and focus based on each student’s specific needs.
  • Target problem areas without pressure or comparison.
  • Use multisensory techniques that make reading more interactive and memorable.
  • Celebrate progress, no matter how small, to rebuild confidence.
For many students, this type of individualized support becomes the turning point where learning starts to feel possible again.

Balancing Skill-Building with Joy
We understand that reading challenges can affect more than academics. They can also impact a child’s self-esteem and motivation. Many students begin to believe they are bad at Spanish or bad at reading, when in reality they simply need the right tools and encouragement.
At La Senda, we work intentionally to make learning fun, hands-on, and empowering. Games, songs, creative activities, and authentic connection remind students that Spanish can still be joyful, even when it feels hard.
Our goal is to help each learner rediscover confidence and pride in their progress.

Partnering with Families
We also believe that supporting a child means supporting their family. Our instructors communicate regularly with parents about what strategies are working and how to continue them at home. Simple routines like reading together, playing word games, or practicing sounds can make a big difference when reinforced consistently.
Even if your child does not have a formal dyslexia diagnosis, trust your instincts. If reading feels harder than it should, early intervention can prevent frustration and help your child build lasting skills.

How La Senda Can Help
At La Senda, we are proud to offer a space where Spanish learners with dyslexia or reading challenges can receive specialized, compassionate support.
Our trained instructors use phonics-based methods, individualized tutoring, and joyful teaching to help students strengthen their reading skills and confidence.
If you are looking for extra help beyond school, or if your child needs a learning environment built around understanding and encouragement, we are here to help.

Final Thoughts
Every child deserves to experience success in learning Spanish. With the right approach, students with dyslexia or reading struggles can make incredible progress and rediscover the joy of reading.
At La Senda, we believe that with patience, expertise, and genuine care, every learner can thrive.
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    Emma Johnson, founder and Executive Director of La Senda, is passionate about Spanish and dedicated to fostering connection, curiosity, and confidence, in every learner.

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