Dyslexia Simulations
Our virtual dyslexia simulations offer a powerful, first-hand experience of what it’s like to struggle with reading, writing, and processing information. Designed for educators, school staff, and district leaders, these interactive sessions build empathy, spark reflection, and inspire more inclusive, supportive teaching practices. Delivered entirely online, simulations are a convenient and impactful addition to your professional development offerings.
"Decoding Drain:
Why Comprehension Slips Away"
When Decoding Gets in the Way of Understanding
Reading Comprehension Simulation:
Decoding, Fluency & Understanding
In this simulation, you’ll experience how difficulty reading unfamiliar words can affect overall comprehension. For students with dyslexia, the act of decoding is often so effortful that it leaves little mental energy for understanding or remembering what they’ve read.
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When reading isn’t fluent, comprehension breaks down—not because the student lacks thinking skills, but because their cognitive load is overwhelmed by the mechanics of reading itself.
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This experience sheds light on why fluency support and appropriate accommodations are critical for helping students access meaning—not just words—on the page.
“All Eyes on Me: When the Spotlight Burns Too Bright"
Round Robin Reading Simulation:
Reading Fluency & Emotional Impact
In this simulation, you’ll experience what it’s like for a student with dyslexia to be asked to read aloud in front of others. While common classroom practices like Round Robin Reading may seem harmless, they can cause deep anxiety and self-consciousness for students who struggle to decode words fluently.
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You’ll gain insight into the emotional and cognitive load these students carry, juggling the effort to read accurately with the fear of embarrassment or judgment.
This experience helps educators reflect on alternative strategies that support reading growth without putting students on the spot.
"From Brain to Paper: When the Message Gets Lost"
Writing Simulation #1:
Written Expression & Processing
In this simulation, you’ll experience what it’s like for students who struggle with writing due to learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, or processing challenges. When time to think, plan, and process is limited, even simple writing tasks can become overwhelming.
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You’ll notice how this pressure can affect sentence structure, handwriting, and a student’s ability to clearly express their thoughts. This activity offers a powerful perspective on why some students shut down during writing tasks and how we can support them with more compassionate, effective strategies.
"Lost in Translation: When Spelling Changes the Story You Want to Tell"
Writing Simulation #2:
Spelling, Word Choice & Dysgraphia
In this simulation, you’ll step into the shoes of a student who struggles with writing due to dysgraphia or dyslexia. You’ll experience how challenges with spelling, handwriting, and word choice can disrupt a student’s ability to express their thoughts clearly.
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While dysgraphia directly affects written expression, individuals with dyslexia may also face similar frustrations, especially when spelling continues to be difficult, even after progress in reading. The effort it takes to spell can cause them to simplify their ideas, lose their train of thought, or feel discouraged from writing altogether.
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This activity offers a powerful window into what writing can feel like for students with learning differences and why compassionate, supportive strategies are so essential.
"The Speed Trap: When Learning Moves Too Fast to Follow"
Processing Simulation:
Auditory Processing & Comprehension
In this simulation, you’ll experience what it feels like to struggle with auditory processing, something many students with dyslexia face daily. When information is delivered quickly, it’s not that these students can’t understand; they simply need more time and smaller chunks to process what’s being said.
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This activity provides valuable insight into how pacing, clarity, and instructional delivery can have a lasting impact on student success.
