Dyslexic Thinking with Made By Dyslexia

At Opogo, we are delighted to partner with Made By Dyslexia to promote their free resources for educators. Each lesson on the Opogo site contains a link to the training hosted on the Microsoft Learn platform. Simply click the link, take the training, earn your Microsoft certificate, then return to the Opogo site to take the quiz and gain your Opogo certificate, which demonstrates your investment in CPD. You can find lots of great resources in the materials section of this course which can be used in the classroom or for developing whole school approaches to dyslexia awareness and support.

The information below offers an insight into their work which champions Dyslexic Thinking.

Who are Made By Dyslexia?

Made By Dyslexia is a global charity led by successful dyslexics. We are the world’s largest community of dyslexic people and their allies.  Our mission is to teach the world the brilliance of Dyslexic Thinking, and to empower it in every home, every workplace, and every school. We’re aligned with the UN Sustainable Goals, so we aim to achieve this by 2030. Our free training, made in partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn and featuring world leading experts, is empowering Dyslexic Thinking in homes, schools, and workplaces across the globe.

Dyslexic Thinking  

For decades, Dyslexic Thinking has been responsible for some of our greatest, inventions, brands, art, and even icons.   Everything from the light bulb to the iPhone, the motor car to the aeroplane was invented by Dyslexic Thinking.   Now, as we enter the 5th Industrial revolution – a world powered by human intelligence AND machines – the demand for this creative, innovative and adaptable thinking has never been greater. Just as previous industrial revolutions – fuelled by steam power and electricity, or computers and digital connectivity transformed our world, modern-day artificial intelligence is revolutionising the type of thinking that’s critical for success today.   Because AI has learned to aggregate and recall knowledge faster and better than humans, making the skills that AI cannot easily replicate like:  

• Problem solving
• Innovation
• Lateral Thinking
• And interpersonal skills

  These are now the most sought-after skills in EVERY job, in EVERY sector, worldwide.   And these skills are inherent to one particular group of people … dyslexics.   So it’s never been more important to empower Dyslexic Thinking, because 1 in 5 learners in every classroom are dyslexic, and they are hardwired to thrive in this AI world.    

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexic brains process information differently. This results in a pattern of strengths, like problem solving, creative thinking and seeing the big picture. Plus, challenges like spelling, reading, writing and rote learning.  

What is Dyslexic Thinking?

Dyslexic Thinking was officially added as a noun to the dictionary and as a skill on LinkedIn in 2022. It is defined as:   An approach to problem solving, assessing information, and learning, often used by people with dyslexia, that involves pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, lateral thinking, and interpersonal communication.  

How to spot Dyslexia

1. Knowing how to spot, support and empower dyslexic thinking can transform the life of any dyslexic child.

• Dyslexia can be identified at 5 years or earlier. The earlier it’s discovered and supported, the sooner dyslexic kids catch up and keep up.

• A mismatch between what an individual seems capable of verbally and the written work they produce is a strong indicator of dyslexia.

• The ‘label’ is vital for our understanding. Adjustments and accomodations that come with identification are crucial for our success.

• You can spot dyslexia as much by the strengths as by the challenges. Dyslexic strengths are in high demand in today’s workplace.

• 4 in 5 dyslexics say knowing they were dyslexic helped them develop the perseverance to succeed. Identification is key to our self-esteem.

More information on the work of Made By Dyslexia can be found here.