Dyslexia & Forgetfulness - Why Kids Struggle to Remember (and How to Help)

Ever sent your kid to fetch something, and they return five minutes later asking, “What was it again?” If this happens all the time, no, your child isn’t just being “lazy” or “not paying attention.” (Yes, Grandma, we hear you.) Memory struggles are a real challenge for kids with dyslexia—and they directly impact their academic performance.

Wait, What Does Dyslexia Have to Do with Memory?

Dyslexia isn’t just about reading—it’s a mental workout, every single day. Kids with dyslexia often have difficulties with working memory—the mental notepad that helps them hold and use information.

Here’s how this plays out in school:

• They forget instructions mid-task.

• They struggle to recall sight words and spelling rules.

• They mix up sequences—letters, numbers, even daily routines.

• They study for a test, but it vanishes from their brain like a Snapchat message.

Reading & Writing: The Secret Memory Gym

The good news? Learning to read and write strategically can strengthen memory and focus (yes, really).

When kids practice decoding words, recognizing patterns, and using multisensory techniques (like tracing letters in sand), they’re actually training their brain to retain and recall information better.

It’s like lifting weights for the memory!

• Phonics-based learning – Helps connect sounds to letters faster.

• Chunking information – Breaks down reading/spelling into bite-sized pieces.

• Mnemonics & visual cues – Turns words into memorable images.

•Repetition & overlearning – Because one-time reading = instant forgetting.

Intervention = Less Frustration, More Focus

Early academic support for students with dyslexia doesn’t just improve reading—it can also help them stay more focused, remember instructions, and manage learning tasks more independently. Structured, evidence-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham help students build reading and writing fluency, which reduces the mental effort needed and helps them feel more confident and in control.

Where to Get Help?

If your child finds it hard to remember instructions, focus during reading, or recall spelling patterns, you’re not alone.

At Dyslexia Let’s Read, we offer structured academic support that helps students build stronger reading and writing skills while gaining confidence and independence.

To learn more, feel free to reach out to us at dyslexia.roshush@gmail.com. We’re always happy to share how we support learning in a way that fits your child’s needs.

Disclaimer: This article shares educational insights only. For medical advice or diagnosis, please consult a qualified professional.