Readability, Dyslexia, and Why I Use Manrope
Font choice might seem like a minor design decision, but on math worksheets, it has a real impact on how students access content. Math already asks learners to juggle numbers, symbols, and procedures. If the text itself is hard to read, students are using cognitive energy on decoding instead of problem-solving.
That is why I consistently use Manrope for my math materials.
Readability Comes First
Manrope is a clean, modern sans-serif font with open letterforms and consistent spacing. Numbers are clearly shaped, symbols are easy to distinguish, and lines of text do not feel crowded. This helps students scan problems quickly and reduces visual fatigue, especially during longer practice sessions or assessments.
Supporting Students with Dyslexia
For students with dyslexia, font choice can significantly affect readability. Fonts with tight spacing, decorative strokes, or similar-looking letters can increase visual confusion and slow comprehension.
Manrope supports dyslexic readers by offering:
- Clear distinctions between commonly confused characters such as 1, l, and I
- Even stroke weight that reduces visual noise
- Generous spacing that helps letters and numbers remain visually separate
No font can fix dyslexia, but choosing a clean, predictable font removes barriers that have nothing to do with math understanding. The goal is not to add an accommodation, but to make default materials easier for more students to access.
Why I Do Not Default to OpenDyslexic
OpenDyslexic is often recommended for dyslexic readers, and for some students it can be helpful. However, research on dyslexia-specific fonts shows mixed results. Many studies suggest that spacing, simplicity, and consistency matter more than specialized letter shapes.
In classroom practice, OpenDyslexic can also:
- Slow reading for some students due to heavier letterforms
- Feel visually distracting or unfamiliar
- Make worksheets look inconsistent across subjects
Manrope offers many of the same accessibility benefits without drawing attention to the font itself. This helps materials feel inclusive rather than special or different.
Calm, Age-Appropriate Design
Many fonts designed for clarity end up looking juvenile. Manrope strikes a balance by feeling friendly and approachable without appearing childish. This matters for upper elementary and middle school students who want materials that feel age-appropriate and respectful.
Consistency Builds Confidence
When worksheets look predictable and uncluttered, students know where to look and what to expect. Consistent font use reduces cognitive load, which is especially important for students with attention challenges, dyslexia, or processing differences.
A Research-Based Perspective
Educational research consistently shows that clear typography, adequate spacing, and high contrast improve readability for all learners, not just students with identified learning differences. Accessible design benefits everyone, and thoughtful font choices help ensure that mistakes reflect math understanding rather than visual confusion.
Design Should Get Out of the Way
Good worksheet design should not be noticeable. The best font is one students forget about entirely because it allows them to focus on the math. Manrope helps me do exactly that.
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