Parents of children who learn differently often feel left out of the usual advice about Quran classes. Group madrasah settings can be noisy, fast and inflexible, and some children come home having been labelled as lazy or difficult. One-on-one online lessons can change that, because the lesson can be shaped entirely around one child.

This article is general guidance from a teaching perspective. It is not medical advice; your child's doctor, therapist or school's special educational needs team will know your child best.

Why one-on-one helps

• The pace is the child's pace. No one is waiting, and no one is racing ahead.
• Fewer distractions. No classmates, and the setting is home.
• Routine. The same teacher, same time, same structure every lesson.
• Parents can be present to support and to share what works at home.

Approaches that often help

For children with dyslexia or reading difficulties

• Large, clear print and a coloured overlay or colour-coded tajweed mushaf.
• Learning letters through several senses: tracing in sand, saying the sound, hearing it.
• Lots of listening and echo reading. Many children with dyslexia memorise by ear very well.
• Smaller steps and more revision before moving on.

For children with ADHD

• Short lessons, 10 to 20 minutes, broken into mini-activities.
• Movement breaks and a chance to stand while reciting.
• Clear structure and a visual timer, so the end is in sight.
• Quick, specific praise.

See also keeping kids with short attention spans engaged.

For autistic children

• Predictability: the same order of activities every time, and warning before any change.
• A calm teacher with a steady voice, and a quiet space without background noise.
• Visual schedules showing the parts of the lesson.
• Respect for sensory needs, such as headphones or reduced screen brightness.

For children with speech or language delays

• Patience with pronunciation, focusing on progress rather than perfection.
• Lots of modelling and repetition, slowly.
• Coordinating with a speech therapist where possible, since some Arabic sounds use muscles therapists may already be working on.

Setting realistic goals

Agree goals with the teacher that fit your child: perhaps recognising ten letters this term, or memorising al-Fatiha and two short surahs. Celebrate each one. Compare your child to their own progress last month, not to other children. See how to track progress.

A comforting reminder

The Prophet ﷺ said that the one who recites the Quran with difficulty, struggling over it, has two rewards (al-Bukhari 4937, Muslim 798). Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity (al-Baqarah 2:286). A child who works hard to learn even a little is doing something beloved to Allah.

What to tell the academy

Before the first lesson, share:

• Any diagnosis or suspected difference, and what it looks like day to day.
• What helps at school or home, and what triggers frustration.
• Your child's interests, which a teacher can use to build connection.
• The best time of day for your child.

A good teacher will ask questions, adapt, and keep you closely involved.

Our approach

In our kids' Quran classes, every lesson is one-on-one, so teachers can adjust length, pace and methods for your child. Tell us about your child when booking the free trial, and we will try to match them with a teacher suited to their needs. If you are still unsure, read how to prepare for the first class.