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World of Dyslexia Advice Line and Discussion Forum


Subject: Dyslexia in the Public School


Author:
Lori
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 08:17:15 02/03/11 Thu
Dyslexia diagnosis from what I am seeing on these post primarily comes from a parent who has read, researched and found private testing.
This is the case for my son. We had concerns early on and then pushed for our own solutions and testing. He was diagnosed by 8. He is a trooper and can hang in there however, the stress of public school and all the readig based testing, school/homework, and AR reading and test are very overwhelming. We are starting to see the signs of the stress and have concern. No matter how much you educate the school system and individual teachers it does not change the day to day operations of the school and the conformity to fit the dyslexic in the system. It takes both of his parents in and out and emailing daily to assure he can be accommodated and not singled out. Any advice on public school and testing? It is only getting worse with all the higher grades of end of course testing. It does not appear that any state has accommodated reading in standardized test. They are still required to read the reading sections without modifications. Let me know of any advice.
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Subject: Switching of letters b and d.


Author:
Bess
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 03:00:54 02/03/11 Thu
Hi All,
I've just completed Module 3 of the Certificate course, and thought I would share with you an idea for helping children remember the formations of the letters b and d, using a fresh approach to the spelling of the word "bed".

Switching of these letters after a certain age, is a source of terrible embarrassment for children, and we have all seen them being made fun of as a result. Deal with it early in a multi sensory way, and the benefits will be clear.
Create large (1m high) letters of thick cardboard in the shape of the b and d and make the e half the size. Create a bedroom scene in the classroom (2 chairs and a stool in the middle make a good bed. Now, placing the cardboard letters in the correct positions so as to "build" the bed, go about "making" the bed, i.e. bring a small mattress to place over the chairs, and a small quilt and pillow to finish the job. Each child will want a turn to get into the bed, but not before they have learnt the rhyme that goes with the "making of the bed".

Top of the headboard to make the b,
Come down then up and round,
Now the e.
The ball comes first when you make the d,
My bed is made, easy as 1 2 3.

The rhyme not only helps the child to learn the spelling of the word, but also helps with correct writing practice. Many children use the incorrect method of writing the down line for the d first, and then have to move back into the word to create the ball. This is especially a problem once they learn cursive writing, as there simply is no space for that ball. Instead, children use the rhyme in parts, e.g. to write the word dog, a child will say to himself, "The ball comes first when you make the d", and immediately he starts writing the ball. By the time he has finished saying the rhyme, he has written the letter. Similarly, for "b" his first thought is, "Top of the headboard", and immediately he knows where to begin.
If possible, keep the bed in the same position for a period of time so that the child becomes accustomed to facing a certain way to get the spatial benefit of remembering the position of the letters.
Manipulating the very large letter blocks to build the bed provides tactile stimulation, (He could be made to paint the letters in long downward brush strokes, going up and round the ball, while repeating the rhyme). A wonderful way to engage the other senses and to round off the exercise, is with a hot chocolate drink and a bed time story. These can also be used as rewards for successes with future b's and d's.
It's easy!
Subject: Creative teachin methods


Author:
Noor ul Sabah Ali
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 08:58:08 11/19/10 Fri
I have found that dyslexic children learn best with an approach that engages
them in a multi-sensory manner. If our lesson requires them to be seated for a
stretch of 40 minutes, then that is too much of an endurance test for them. The
students need to be given a vast range of experiences during any lesson. There
needs to be time made for sitting, standing, moving, reading, writing,
listening, and most importantly touching. By dividing our class into a circle
time, when everyone gathers on a rug for listening to a story/discussion, then
getting up to go to their seats for a structured lesson, playing some music as
they work on art etc. all provide the dyslexic child with opportunities to be
kinesthetically engaged.

Dyslexic children often struggle with spelling. I found that introducing them to
'Word Work' provides them with a great chance to experience and experiment with
words. The same spelling words that are used for the week, can be built in a
variety of ways. For instance, instead of giving a regular black & white
worksheet to be done, we could be more creative. We can have them make words
with colored play dough, write the words with different types of stamps( big and
tiny ones), provide them with magnetic letters to spell the same words, write on
small black or white boards, write the word in spaghetti or sand, use word cubes
or phonic tiles to build the same words. Having had the chance to hold the
words, and create them multidimensionally allows the student to remember it with
more meaningful associations. Using body movement to create words, like standing
straight for an 'I', arms across for a 't' can help them to connect to
spellings ('it') too.
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Subject: Need for showing respect


Author:
Noor ul Sabah Ali
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:08:17 01/30/11 Sun
It is essential that we show respect to the dyslexic child. Since these children are often great thinkers/builders it is a great boost for their confidence if we are interested in what's going on in their minds. To stop our busy lives for a bit and have our own 'listening ears' ready for them is a great step toward building trust. We will often be surprised by the ideas they have or the method and logic behind their lego creations and other constructions. It was refreshing to hear a seven year old dyslexic think of a way we could invent phones that would find the owner when someone's calling instead of having a frantic search for the phone when it rings in some remote corner of the house, or how revolving parking lots, could make traffic lighter and parking easier! I wouldn't be surprised if these inventions actualized in the next few years, and that too by a visual thinker!
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Subject: my son just started high school


Author:
mish
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Date Posted: 10:33:29 02/01/11 Tue
it is so heartbreaking to see my son fall apart after only two days at high school..... due to homework. I had meetings with the school last year and assumed they had briefed all his teachers. I am now emailing all his teachers individually. No doubt some will be sympathetic and some not. In Australia, in an independent school, what rights do we, as parents have, to insist our son not be penalised for being unable to attempt or complete homework? He has very mild Aspergers too, so he is completely overwhelmed with starting high school and all the changes that entails. he holds it together at school but is falling apart at home.
Subject: Resources!


Author:
Alexx17
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 08:57:47 01/29/11 Sat
I would like to recommend the book 'Reversals: A Personal Account Of Victory Over Dyslexia' written by Eileen Simpson, which is suggested in the Certificate in the Teaching of Children with Dyslexia course.

I have lost count of how many times I have now read this book! Both in an academic sense and as bedtime reading! The book gives a great written account of what it is like to grow up unknowingly with dyslexia.

Also, I would recommend the documentary 'Kara Tointon: Don't Call Me Stupid', which was aired on BBC Three. The documentary follows Kara, a British actress with dyslexia, to find out more about dyslexia, particularly outlining the importance of recognising that a child has dyslexia and the possible consequences if it goes unrecognised.

Hope this helps!
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Subject: HOW TO GET ON THE DISCUSSION GROUP FORUM


Author:
Shervil
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:17:24 01/29/11 Sat
Reading up on "What is Dyslexia?" has made me want to go on some more.I need to know more from you how to get on the discussion group forum,if to just type in our messages.New to this!
Subject: Children's self-confidence


Author:
Genet
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Date Posted: 05:08:37 01/26/11 Wed
Hello everyone!!

I have recently started the e-learning course and would to post my experience of working with children's self-confidence who have dyslexia and speech/language difficulties (I am a speech and language therapist).

I have found that these children have become so used to failure within an educational environment that before any therapy/ teaching can begin that a level of encouragement, support and understanding is required for the child.

I will always start with a gentle conversation, and in some instances be the only one who talks for the first few minutes, leaving pauses to see if the children want to start to talk. Occasionally we have just drawn pictures together until the child is more comfortable and confident to talk.

I explain to the students that I see and help lots of children who have difficulties with language.

And I always tell them trying is the important thing. I give praise to the children for having a go at a task by saying 'Good try' or 'good effort'

Hope someone finds this useful!

Gen
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Subject: Fiction for fun


Author:
L.M
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Date Posted: 10:54:14 01/27/11 Thu
Hello, I am a teaching assistant from Coventry and I'm interested in learning support.
After reading about the 'garden rule' in the course book and the section in the text book about supported reading, I have set up a fiction for fun session. I sit with a child and together we fill in the 'What I like to read' sheet which I altered to suit the age group I work with. Once or twice a week we sit together and look at a fiction book purely for pleasure, focusing on the story, pictures and childs interests and following the golden rule. The child can take the book home if they wish and I have advised parents about what to do. I find this particularly useful to increase the child's desire to read, their self confidence and their willingness to read with me and other without feeling they are being judged or criticised.
Subject: Positive Worksheets


Author:
Elizabeth David (( happy, hopeful ))
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 00:12:08 01/26/11 Wed
Somehow we feel that we need to make the work as difficult as we can. Where I teach, worksheets are usually given to us. Often, they are at the level of the brighter students which does not provide a positive experience for students who have difficulties in learning. I think worksheets must be planned/selected carefully. Whenever possible, I try to make my own worksheets that are simpler and that have one objective in mind. We need to maximize the chances of success in our children and not set them up for failure.
I am almost at the end of the Certificate Course and am so glad that I did it. After working for years with children who have developmental delays and intellectual impairment as well as those with dyslexia, I have still learned so much and a lot of what I have been doing has been reinforced.
Subject: WARNING: SOME POSTERS HAVE INCORRECT ADVICE


Author:
Theresa
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Date Posted: 22:22:48 01/25/11 Tue
Warning to parents and teachers of dyslexic students: I feel I must warn you that some posters on this message board seem to advise glasses, vision treatments, or new phonics programs. Unless the reading therapy or treatment is ORTON-GILLINGHAM BASED IT WILL NOT WORK. At the very least, call the International Dyslexia Assn. and ask them. They will tell you the same thing. Please don't let these opportunists try to "cash in" on your concerns and worries. Yes, dyslexia is managable, but don't waste your money on new fixes. The tried and true methods are what work. Theresa Hayward Hills, CA
Subject: Does well in school yet dyslexic?


Author:
Dewey
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Date Posted: 20:09:03 01/12/11 Wed
I have a 10 year old daughter who is very bright. Her verbal skills are amazing. She also happens to be a very good reader. However, now that she is in the 4th grade, we are beginning to notice some difficulties. She is really struggling in math. Especially on tests. They are all multipule choice and if she gets an answer wrong, she has almost always chosen the answer next to the correct one. On her last math test (fractions) the aid, teacher and I were all sure that she had a solid understanding of the material. She got a 55% on the test. She really struggles with spelling. She can memorize the words for the test and then misspells them soon there after. She misspells common words in her written work all the time. She completed speech last year for r and l dificulties. She has difficulties copying work from the board or the computer. She is an amazing out of the box thinker. Very logical. Great problem solver. She is involved in robiotics and loves it. She gets all a's and b's in school. She is forgetful (she is an 11 year old girl). She did not start reading or writing until she was almost 6. Once she did however, she took off. Thankfully the shcool was just happy that they were putting thoughts down and not big ont the spelling or neatness. My mom is severly dyslexic. Is is possile that she does so well in school yet has some form of dyslexia? Her teacher is wonderful and already makes some accomidations for her. I am affraid to lable her if it is not nesessary! PLEASE HELP1
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Subject: possible dyslexic student


Author:
Donna
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Date Posted: 08:51:22 11/13/10 Sat
I teach a private Pre-k 4 class. I have a student who can't recognize all of his letters. (He can recognize about 3 of them). He knows a lot of the sounds of letters and can give me words that starts with the letter, but can't tell me what the letter is. For example, I can lay out the letter G,K,&L. If I ask him which one is K he can point it out but if I hold up the letter K and ask him what the letter is, he doesn't know. It seems like there's something blocking him from recognizing them. His parents and therapists have noticed it as well. I know dyslexia runs on his mom's side of the family. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help him with letter recognition? Thank you.
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Subject: Training working memory


Author:
Joyce
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Date Posted: 00:22:39 01/25/11 Tue
Our daughter had been tested and they found that she had a weak working memory. The school advised to do the COGMED training to improve her working memory. We are happy that we followed the advise. The COGMED training is a computer training you do with you child at home. It is an intensive training. They have to play all kind of memory games and the computer increase or decrease the level according to the results. There are in total 12 games. They have to play 8 games per day. If they do well the games change the next day. They have to do it 5 days in a row for 5 weeks. To play all the games it will take up to an hour per day. After the training is finished you can use the program for the rest of the year. Our daughter improved a lot. Also at school they noticed the difference. I can recommend it. Info at www.cogmed.com. Let me know if you like to have more info.
Subject: Western Australia - Visit


Author:
Luqman Michel
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Date Posted: 20:06:35 01/21/11 Fri
I am intending to visit Perth in July this year. I enjoy driving in Australia and would be driving from Perth to Albany down South and from Perth to Carnarvon up North.I would be happy to meet parents of dyslexic children and share what I know about teaching dyslexic children. It is all free of charge just like my blog. Please write to me at:
luqmanm2002@yahoo.co.uk

Luqman Michel
http://www.parentingdyslexia.com
Subject: Hearing a Child Read (The Golden Rule)


Author:
Jane Cook
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 19:33:56 01/20/11 Thu
Reading must be for pleasure not a task that is stressful. Let the child pick an appropriate book. A book that is colourful with great pictures and an interesting story. Look for a repetition in words and short sentences were you can each take turns. Ask your child when you would like to read. Look for a suitable time maybe when you are both settled at night.Some people enjoy sitting at the dinning room table side by side for good posture. Let the child start the story. If unsure of a word tell the child the word they don't know and let them read on. You will notice by their expressions and movement in their chair if they are tense. Take over if need be and then when they are confident again the child can take over from you. When you have established their confidence by them knowing we will read the difficult words try to help them with the words they are finding difficulty with. Give them the sounds of the first letter to some of the words were previously we have stopped for a few seconds. Be quick to not lose momentum with the story otherwise the child will lose interest, so take over when need be. We must keep to the Golden Rule. Take your child to the library and pick a few books out ask them what they like to read. Happy Reading.
Subject: A program that has changed my friend's child's life.


Author:
Bruce (Elated)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 02:49:13 01/20/11 Thu
My best friend has a son, who at the end of third grade wasn't reading. My friend was extremely frustrated and decided to take matters into his own hands. He found a non-profit program called Reading Connections Inc. out of Green Bay Wisconsin. After a year of working with RC my friends child was not only reading but reading fluently at a 6th grade reading level! I'm sharing this because I know that this program can help A LOT of other people, young and old. This has totaly turned my friends son's life around! I won't leave the website address here because I don't want to spam but if you Google Reading Connections Inc. Green Bay Wisconsin you should be able to find their website. I'm pretty sure that they can help people no matter where they live due to an online learning system that they have.
Subject: need help


Author:
Denise (frustrated)
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Date Posted: 19:56:25 01/12/11 Wed
I'm glad I finally found a website for kansas. My granddaughter, 4 years old, has dyslexia. hasn't been tested yet but wow all the signs are there. Does or did anyone have problems with a preschool taking you seriously about the child when you tell them the childs father has dyslexia and the child is showing signs big time? The school system sucks when it comes to helping a child in need of special education assistance. I need advice, please.
Thanks,
G-ma
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Subject: Help for Everyone


Author:
Christina
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Date Posted: 20:36:09 01/15/11 Sat
#1-Contact International Dyslexia Association on-line. Great resources in every state.

#2-Contact the Neuhaus Center in Houston,TX and they can help with other resources (i.e. get your on dyslexia specialist who is certified) Look for "CALT".

#3-The Briarwood School in Houston, TX has at least 5 new students a year from 1st grade to 10th grade that move from out of state just to attend this school.

#4-Remember you can't change a school district but you have the power of changing your child's life by finding and funding private services yourself.

I have walked the walk and talked the talk. I have 2 boys (17yrs old and 8yrs old) that have different types of Learning Differences (I don't call them disabled just different). Such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, auditory processing disorder, adhd. I think I covered them all.

Now I am much more at ease b/c I know there is help out there such as dyslexia specialists, Technology (RFBD and Kurzweil 3000),

Now that we are looking at colleges you would be amazed how much help there at the colleges themselves. I guess they realized how much federal funding there is for IDEA and Section 504. LSU has a great program!!! Texas Tech very good!! The Neuhaus Center has information on all this.

If I can help anyone else you can email me chris@iwjg.com
Subject: Self confidence Technique for Homework


Author:
Jane Cook (Helpful)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:58:20 01/12/11 Wed
I have just completed assignment 4 and have learnt so much on all aspects of a child/teenager with dyslexia. I would like to share a Technique I have used with my 11year old dyslexic son with his homework.
My son's homework this week was to present an independent reading report on a novel they have been reading. The requirements were as followed.
2-4 minute speech to the class
Title of writing
Genre of writing
Interesting information
Recommendations
He was to be assessed by the teacher and one peer of the class.
My son's confidence to do this was very low as the question to me was how am I going to do this with all the class focus on me?
My son is confident on the Lap-top but not with the written work. We decided to do a Power point presentation on all of the above requirements. My son created the power point presentation with colour,detail and excitement it was terrific. My son stood in front of the class reading from the screen holding his novel in one hand and full of confidence. His classmates were impressed with the power point and wished that they did theirs this way. I would recommend other children to present work this way. The self-confidence and joy of actually impressing the teacher and class meant everything and coming home with a 26 out of 30 for his grade was something to talk about.
Subject: On-Line Tutors for Dyslexic Students


Author:
Bill
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:36:04 01/12/11 Wed
Would anyone have suggestions for locating on-line tutors for specific subjects?
Our girl is a high school senior and was diagnosed within the last year. We are located in Germany where there is not a lot of support and help. We ourselves are providing her with help in some subjects (primarily English and foreign languages), but are looking for help in History, Geography, or Biology, where we ourselves have less abilities.
Subject: Teenage dyslexic earning a foreign language


Author:
Elizabeth
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 02:15:05 01/12/11 Wed
Any suggestions of methods? I'm using various sensory methods to help him remember things like third person singular 's' - ie: writing s in the air as he says the sentence and determines the form, or writing in beans, or forming a pipecleaner into an s, but these are all a bit baby-ish for him. Also lots of repetition, movement. Would love to hear any ideas. He is a German speaker learning English, has had it 4 years in school, can understand well and read, speaks with courage and reasonable vocabulary, but with little grammatical awareness, and can't write his way out of a paper bag. Thanks for any assistance!
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Subject: New to Certificate course


Author:
R. Edwards 22227 (Very happy)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 00:58:06 11/16/10 Tue
Good morning to everyone.
I have recently started the dyslexia certificate course and would like to briefly share a few initial observations with you. Although I have only been studying for a couple of weeks, I feel that I have already learnt so much. The course is 'bringing situations to life' for me. By this I mean that things that I have read about I have actually seen happen in real-life in the classroom and I find this very exciting.
1. A dyslexic student (child A)yesterday started private tuition in maths at the end of the day. I twice told him to report to my room so that I could escort him to his room as this was his first time. Fifteen minutes into the lesson he was nowhere to be found. Eventually when he was found, he was sitting in reception feeling confused.
2. The same student sat in my lesson doing nothing. When I asked him why, he replied that he didn't realise that he had to get his pen out.
3. The same student used to write with his head to one side. Thanks to tips from the course, I now have him sitting in the correct position when writing.
4. I printed out a worksheet. The student was struggling to read it. I then colour-coded it, and wow, magic. It made a huge difference to his reading ability and motivation.
5. Today I asked a student if he was okay with me writing on the board. He said he found it very difficult. I gave him printed material and he was much happier.
6. I have started to give a student a list of more difficult words to spell, such as 'firend' and 'eyes'. I have been doing this for a couple of weeks and today I had a breakthrough. I continually told the boy in question that these were very hard words to spell. Today he told me:'these words are so easy for me' and managed to spell both perfectly.
So, as you can see, the course is already emowering me and making me a more effective teacher for students with dyslexia.
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Subject: my friend might be dislexic


Author:
melissa
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:38:40 01/04/11 Tue
he droped out of school because his classmates and teachers made fun of him. he felt embaressed when the teacher asked him to read in front of everyone. he is 17 and cant read big words he tells me he cant write eather . he doesnt want to try anymore. he gave up on everything and i want to help him. he belives he is not capable of learning. he sais he is stuped and slow. but i know he is smart. he sais he will never get a job not even a driving licence because he cant read or write .can some one help me and tell me what is to be done first .
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Subject: Free Testing


Author:
Randi McCray
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:06:02 01/05/11 Wed
My name is Mrs. Randi McCray and I am working on a study here @ Yale University called Genes, Reading and Dyslexia (GRaD). We are currently recruiting all readers ages 10 -15 to participate in our study. There are many benefits to participating in the study, which can include intervention services in the areas of tutoring. Please read our website and contact me if you have additional questions.

randi.mccray@yale.edu
The Yale GRaD Study
[genes, reading & dyslexia]
www.gradstudy.yale.edu
Subject: Dyslexic College Student going into teaching


Author:
Paula
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:52:04 12/31/10 Fri
My son in a college student studying to become a special education teacher. He chose this field because he is dyslexic. He has been there as a student growing up and knows he can help children learn. In our state, all education majors must pass a "Basic Skills Test" in order to become fully accepted into the College of Education. A part of this test is writing an essay with complete sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, etc. He is not permitted to use a computer with Dragon Naturally Speaking as he does in college. He is not permitted to use a spell checker or any help for his disability. I feel he is being discriminated against because this is his disability. He has a scribe who will only write and will ask him to spell the words to write down. There has to be some sort of help for him. Does anyone know anything about helping him with this portion of the Basic Skills Test?
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Subject: over coming Dyslexia has an adult!!!


Author:
Blanca
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 20:23:22 01/03/11 Mon
Hello everyone,
well here it is I'm a(37yrs.)mother to three beautiful kids.i've been sturggly with my dyslexia for years!i've kept it hiding from evryone in my family and friends! I recently went through some hardtime that i'm ready to control and concourd my dyslexia.Well, i've never been tested seen back in my time there were not much out there to help dyslexia and the help i got was only in elementray and didn't really help!I wish to go back to school and study to me nurse but i've very scare that i will drop out and fail!i would like to know how ,where,to go for help!!A friend of mine gave me this wedsite she has a son that has dyslexia! Please some one help me with any information that could get me started ! I should also say i live in north CALi so if anyone know of places in my area! Thank YOu, god bless u all and your family!!
Subject: Dyslexia in school


Author:
Nicola campbell (Anxious)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:19:56 11/19/10 Fri
My child is in p5 but is now starting to struggle. Let me explain, she has always been in the bottom group but the teacher has always tried to maintain this positio through school. Now she has been given a book which she doesn't understand and she never gets to finish maths sheets in class because the teacher has to keep moving her on to stop her falling behind. I feel she has reach a point where she is not achieving herself and the teacher is not so much supporting as doin the work for her. I am of the opinion that we she drop her ayear for long term confidence. The school are frightened it will knock her confidence again if she starts falling behind again in the next class, but socially her best friend is in the year below. What do u think? Please help
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Subject: UK Government Funding for Dyslexia Training


Author:
Dawn
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:04:39 10/07/10 Thu
There is £10 million government funding for 4000 teachers to be trained as dyslexia-SpLD Specialists. This funding was in response to the report published by Sir Jim Rose in 2009. Unfortunately this funding is due to run out in March 2011. The information for the funding can be found at http://www.thedyslexia-spldtrust.org.uk/. Also, under the 'see the difference' drop down menu on this site can be seen a video of an inspirational primary school who have set up a dyslexia unit. I hope that we can look forward to seeing more of these schools in the future.

(I have sent a letter to the head teacher of my daughters school hoping that the government funding would be of interest, unfortunately I did not receive a positive response. I am currently trying to decide how to pursue the situation).
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Subject: 17 yr old Daugher


Author:
Sue
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:59:00 08/27/10 Fri
Just took my daughter and had her evaulated....She is 17 and a Junior in high school...she is reading at a 4th grade level! I have a meeting at the public shool to discuss her IEP...anyone have any advise on what I should ask of the school? Some have suggested a Kindle, any one have any other ideas?
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Subject: Comfort Zone


Author:
J.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:58:55 12/29/10 Wed
I am a mother of two dyslexic children ages 10 and 6. When I first noticed this issue I was extremely upset because I knew very little about dyslexia and was quite shaken by the unknown. After MUCH research, I have discovered that the challenge is not theirs, but mine. They have been blessed with a very special gift and I must find the best way to teach my 'gifted' children. Many famous and successful people are dyslexic. As their teacher, I have learned to think 'out of the box'. So get out the paints, clay, playdoe, sand, blocks, or whatever your imagination can crank out and enjoy the ride. Believe me, your kids (whether they are dyslexic or not) will enjoy this approach to learning much more than just staring at a book for hours a day. One other suggestion. I always make them exercise their bodies before they exercise their minds. This makes it much easier for them to settle down and focus when they need to the most.
Yours Truly,
Happy Mom!
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Subject: research participants needed


Author:
Barbara
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 20:43:10 11/30/10 Tue
Hi - I am currently working on my Master's Thesis and am comparing parenting stress in mothers of children in gr. k-5 with LD to a typical population and to a gifted population. I am in desperate need of some participants so I decided to post to this board.

If anyone would be willing to help my out I would be grateful. My research has been approved by the ethics board of the University of Alberta where I am studying and that information will be forwarded to you as well as access to my research when I have completed it.

Please message me at bdbishop@ualberta.ca for more information and to participate in a survey.

thanks so much

Barbara
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Subject: dyslexia and berard AIT


Author:
susan
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:51:41 12/23/10 Thu
I have a dylexic 12 year old boy. Has anyone ever tried the Berard AIT method, and did it work? I am trained in the Orton-Gillingham Method, but recently came across AIT Training...
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Subject: Happy Holidays


Author:
Keith
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:11:09 12/24/10 Fri
I just wanted to wish everyone a Very Merry and Safe Happy Holidays and New Year.
Subject: Assistive Technology


Author:
Eileen Nolan
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:38:42 12/21/10 Tue
I am wondering if anyone has experience using iPhones or iPads to support a dyslexic learner.
Subject: strategies for teaching


Author:
jan
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 05:32:28 11/19/10 Fri
ACTIVE learning and teaching is a holistic approach that goes beyond multi-sensory. The word summarises a wide range of strategies and resources to support the whole child.
A – Auditory/Aural
Use visual prompts to back up the spoken word.
Keep the amount of information to a minimum
Teach some sort of physical movement to go with the sound
Encourage repetition of what was said, rephrased in the pupils own words
Tape reading books
Put spellings on tapes
C – Congratulations/colour
Lots of positive feedback and praise.
Encourage pupils to highlight difficult parts of the words. This provides 2 ways into the memory – colour and shape
When copying from the board put a different coloured dot at the beginning of each line, focusing attention on relevant information
Use coloured paper instead of white
T – tool kit
Set of highlighters
Memory jogger cards – tailored for each pupil with key words that are often forgotten or key facts
Reinforce the words with pictures drawn by the pupil
Daily timetable in colour with pictures
Blu tack for fiddling with!
I – ICT/intervention programmes
Computer based exercises are appealing
Promotes independent learning
Incorporates a multi-sensory approach
Builds self-esteem and leads to success
V – voice/visual
Use the voice as another part of the tool kit. Saying a word aloud commits it to memory
Use visualisation strategies
Use card to blank out the surrounding text around a particular line that the pupil needs to concentrate on
E – Environment/exercise/esteem
Label resources using words, colour, or pictures
Provide a pencil block with holes for disorganised children
Establish routines for specific activities
Position furniture and paper etc so that the child won’t have to swivel round
Brain gym is beneficial to all children giving the brain a break and refresh learning, providing more focus
Recognise strengths
Give work that can be achieved but is challenging
Teach pupils to think to promote independence
Help pupils to recognise that they can achieve success
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Subject: The Kildonan School


Author:
Kildonan School (Hopeful)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:33:48 12/08/10 Wed
The mission of The Kildonan School is to empower students with dyslexia to reach their academic potential and to equip them for future success. Our threefold mission remains consistent. We strive to remediate skills in reading, writing, and spelling, to provide intellectually stimulating subject matter courses in mathematics, literature, science, and social studies, and to foster confidence.

Take a gander at our website and decide for yourself if Kildonan is right for your child.

http://www.kildonan.org/
Subject: Listening To Dyslexic Children Read/ Readers Theatre


Author:
Vicki Dammerel ((!))
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:01:50 12/02/10 Thu
I use reader’s theatre as a great starting point to engage my students in the reading process. Reader’s theatre also enables the instructor to legitimately ask for the text to be re-read without the child becoming discouraged. As a shared oral reading task, I will often ask the child to re-read their dialogue so that I can “get myself into character”. Dyslexic students are often very creative individuals. This form of reading allows them to explore the use of silly voices along with the general theatrics that are associated with reading plays.

Reading A-Z offers a multitude of plays at different levels of ability, however this is not a free. website.www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm
Subject: Reading aloud


Author:
Shelagh Deeney (Shelagh Deeney)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 03:47:40 12/02/10 Thu
Reading aloud is very difficult in a class with multiple dyslexics: some find it very distressing; others are only too willing to read but delivery is so stilted and fragmented that it can be incoherent, losing the interest/attention of the rest of the class. Reading aloud practice can be gained in pairs or small groups of students who feel safe and comfortable with each other. Another strategy is for the teacher to hold the text together by reading most of it but calling on individual students to read one or two sentences, then the teacher quickly picking up the text again to sustain momentum.
Subject: Dyslexia Certificate Course


Author:
Alison
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:10:40 11/17/10 Wed
Hello to everyone,
Just started the Dyslexia Certificate Course. As an English teacher in a Secondary School I'm really eager to learn more about dyslexia and literacy problems, with the aim of understanding and improving my pupils education. There are so many aspects to consider and I think it would be good for everyone to learn about dyslexia and know that dyslexic children can excell in life and become successful adults.
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Subject: Spelling Game - Jail


Author:
Clare Hartnett
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 03:24:39 11/24/10 Wed
Whilst working with my child one of his biggest hurdles of course is spelling. We invented a new game for spelling called Jail. Each time we find a word that is challenging we place it on a jail list and I select four words at a time and place them on postcards in clear text. On top of each word I place ten dots and each day I ask him to write this word that is in jail. In the event he gets it wrong I immediately show him the card and the correct spelling. Once he has completed ten correct spellings of the word I remove the card and introduce a new word from the jail list. I have noticed that after ten days he is able to write the word and feel this information has been firmly imbedded in his long term memory.
Subject: Getting a dyslexic child to read


Author:
Trevor
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:20:03 11/19/10 Fri
After struggling for months to get 9 year old, A.B., to read to me - (he used to refuse to read!), I finally succeeded following the advice in the Dyslexia Teaching Course. The main points are that firstly, we read together, taking it in turns to read a paragraph each and secondly, I read any words he doesn't know (The Golden Rule - works a treat!).

However, one difficulty has been finding suitable material, as stuff that he is capable of reading is not always age appropriate. So, I've adapted one or two fairy tale texts, such as 'Tom Thumb' and 'The Emperor's New Clothes' , so that he should know about 90% of the words.
I've also typed it out using a large font with extra spacing between words and lines - which has made it easier to read, as he has tracking difficulties.
The advantage of doing this with a child you know well is that you can adapt the text to suit his/her reading needs.
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Subject: Brain Functioning and Treatment


Author:
Tasha
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:38:57 11/12/10 Fri
I wrote an article that discusses the differences in dyslexia, brain functioning for the dyslexic, and treatment. You can read it at

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6001150/dyslexia_differences_and_treatment.html?cat=4
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Subject: Adult Dyslexia


Author:
Raych (Curious)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:18:41 11/18/10 Thu
I have never actually been diagnosed with Dyslexia, but I have always sturggled in spelling, and often switch letters, and numbers, and write letter and numbers backwards. I have difficulty with big words, and long stories. I do lack in having an attention span.
My Mom, when I was a kid, noticed the problems, and because we were home schooled, she was able to work with me, and make me write out the problem letters,and numbers over and over agian. Well, s, and z I still have problems with, and 5 and 2, and I still switch numbers and letters.... If you do not have much for finances, are there things that you can do to help you to write things out properly, so that I'm not so different? I know I may well not be dyslexic, but something is different in how I process things.
Thanks,
Raych
PS, I like that the security letters are actually able to be seen...I often mess up with them, because the letters are difficult to see.
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Subject: Dyslexia Testing by psychologist or certified dyslexia testing specialist


Author:
Jenn
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:54:56 11/17/10 Wed
My 9 year old son has been diagnosed with a learning disability as well as dyspraxia and dysgraphia. The school doesn't officially test for dyslexia but I would like to do get the official diagnosis so that his IEP can be structured accordingly; so my question is: do I get him tested by a psychologist or a certified dyslexia testing specialist? How do I know who is better at testing? it is expensive so I would like to only do it once.
Replies:
Subject: Mr Thorne does phonics


Author:
Russell 22227
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 02:54:39 11/18/10 Thu
Dear All,
I have found an excellent website for teaching/studying phonics: www.mrthornedoesphonics.com
The lessons are presented in a fun and entertaining way and are very short and concise. There is not a lot of print on display and I feel that they are particularly useful for the dyslexic learner because different colours are used for the various sounds. Please let me know if you find this website useful.
Subject: Mr Thorne does phonics


Author:
Russell (Happy)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 01:47:52 11/18/10 Thu
Good morning to everyone,

I would like to share with you a terrific website for teaching/learning phonics. A friend told me about it and I have now started using it all the time. The website is called www.mrthornedoesphonics.com
Mr Thorne presents phonics lessons in a fun and entertaining way. He keeps things very simple and the lessons are very visual, and I think, perfect for dyslexic learners as he uses differnt colours. Please let me know what you think
Subject: Games for self-esteem


Author:
Marisa Bonello
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:41:51 11/17/10 Wed
I have been looking at some very interesting books re: games to help self-esteem and these two games really caught my eye. Hope that you will find them useful.

Look what I can do
This game provides a positive focus on each child as they lead the group in performing an action.
Resources: none
1. Explore some actions that children can do, such as hopping, jumping, clapping or stretching up high.
2. Each child in turn chooses an action to perform and says to the group: "My name is .... I can ...."
3. The child demonstrates the action and then says: "Will you all join in with me?"
4. The other children then copy the action.
5. Another child chooses a different action and the game proceeds.


Living lengends
This game provides a positive focus for each child as part of a whole
Resources: None
1. Each child chooses an alliterative adjective to preface their name. Explain that the description should be positive, example, friendly Fiona, kind Karl, marvellous Mary, wonderful Wayne.
2. Ask for volunteers to begin the game so that the more confident children show the others what they have to do.
Comments: make sure that all the children are able to think of a suitable word. If they get stuck, ask the other children for suggestions.
Subject: Maths/Counting down


Author:
Trevor
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:23:46 10/27/10 Wed
When learning to count from 1-100, 8-year old B.A. did have difficulties remembering the number after the numbers ending in '9', so from 19 to 20 and 29 to 30etc. Although he mastered this, counting down presents the same difficulty. This has had to be practiced over and over again. I have found that any type of games to be extremely helpful, such as the 'tell me the number before' game, but I wonder if anyone has any suggestions for different games which could be played to practice counting down, especially when changing from '0' to '9' ending numbers (90 - 89, 80 - 79 etc.)
Replies:
Subject: HELP THESE KIDS


Author:
ISAAC
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 23:52:58 11/02/10 Tue
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Kindly help. I know of a certain young boy and his follower sister who keep on repeating lower school here in Kenya, as they can not read. However, they are good at mental maths and practical exercises. They seem to be suffering from Dyslexia but their poor parents have not been aware untill recently. Kindly share there problem in this news letter and also to well-wishers so that they may get a sponsor.

There are only about two schools here in Kenya that can help them but they are very expensive for the parents of these kids. The parents recently requested me to look for a sponsor for the kids, as this disability is not even known to most teachers or education officers here in Kenya. KINDLY HELP

Truly,
Isaac Otieno
Kenya
Replies:
Subject: dyslexia diagnosis


Author:
chanel (confused)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:09:52 11/03/10 Wed
we had our 9 year old son undergo an assessment for dyslexia yesterday, which show that he does have dyslexia, auditory short term memory and possibly an attention deficit as well.
so far although the school were the ones to arrange the assessment they have not been very helpfull.
the senco worker has been on my sons back since september and has even been overheard saying she is sure he has adhd.
really all we want is some information on how to help our son, and to try and understand what he is going through.
he gets very frustrated at school and tends to leave the classroom or trys to run away from the teachers, on 2 occasions the teachers have had to physically restrain my son, as in their eyes he had "kicked off".
this really did not help the situation as they left my son bruised and extremly upset.
any advice anyone can give us would be very helpfull
thanks
Replies:
Subject: strategies for supporting within the classroom


Author:
jan
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:31:54 11/16/10 Tue
Ask the child to look at the word and then close their eyes and visualise it in their heads( I point to forehead) Ask the child to see the word in colour,Ask them to imagine it big and then small, stretch it, change its colour.Make the tricky bit sparkle or flash. Ask the child to picture it on the bedroom wall. Then ask them to write it (eyes open ) with cursive writing This is particularly effective once it has been learnt.

Voice

Learning the times tables with a girl who knew all the words to the recent pop songs, recreate the times tables with a rap or tune and actions. This was only partially successful in terms of reciting times tables was excellent but the pupil was not able to find the answer to the questions 2x6, 2x8 out of context.
Replies:
Subject: school


Author:
misti
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:26:44 11/08/10 Mon
My 10 yr old son has Dyslexia. We found out when he was in 1st grade the second time. He now is in 4th and reading at a beginning of a 1st grade level. He is being pulled out for an hour and half a day for the past 3 yrs. I haven't seen any kind of improvement in his reading. Is the state required by law to hire a teacher that specializes in teaching kids with dyslexia?
Replies:
Subject: How to not get worn out as a parent?


Author:
Gretchen S
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 19:43:09 05/08/10 Sat
After suspecting it for 2+ years, we finally had my son (9 years old) tested, and it was confirmed that he is Dyslexic. Prior to this year he had very little homework. However, now that he is in 3rd grade, combined with having moved after last school year, the new school, which focuses a great deal more on academics than our former school, he has had more homework. I work full time and my husband not only works away from home for large periods of time, his first language is not english and therefore I am the homework helper. I find that I spend literally HOURS with my son on a couple of worksheets, that I think would take the "normal" student 30 - 45 minutes to complete. So between, dinner, trying to spend some quality time with my daughter, and helping my son with homework, I don't have any relaxing down time for me, because I'm exhausted by the time I send the kids to bed, I too just go to bed. I feel like I'm overwhelmed.
Does anyone have any suggestions or tricks as to what you do to not feel overwhelmed? If I don't sit with my son and walk through each homework question with him he doesn't stay on track and gets frustrated. So I feel like I don't have any other options than to continue doing what I'm doing. I'm just afraid that I'm going to get burnt out and not be able to be there at all to help him.
Replies:
Subject: 32 Masonic group


Author:
Morning
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:50:51 11/13/10 Sat
Could someone please tell me more about the 32Masonic group that helps children with dyslexia? It is odd that I have never heard of them until recently and no on seems to even mention them when I talk about dyslexia. It just seems strange to me that there is an organization dedicated to teaching the kids and no one knows much about them.
Subject: High School Students with Dyslexia


Author:
Tasha
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:40:13 11/11/10 Thu
When dyslexic people are in high school, dyslexia becomes hard to conceal . I wrote an article that examines high school students with dyslexia. You can read it at


http://www.suite101.com/content/students-with-disabilities--dyslexia-a307574
Subject: Unanswered Questions


Author:
Alyssa (Confused)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:35:48 10/12/10 Tue
I have a 7 year old son who is in 2nd grade and has been diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia. I do my best to research, research, research, but I still haven't found a definitive answer to these issues. Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated! Also, if you have a specific link or citing to support your answer, that would be awesome - as I have to PROVE every modification that is in my son's best interest to his school.

1. Will the way my son writes letter and numbers backwards or in the wrong position (i.e., 51 for 15, 3’s backwards) ever go away?

2. During homework, should I correct every mistake (which means stopping him every other answer) or allow him to continue on (i.e, so long as the answer is right – let the number and letter reversals go uncorrected, including spelling)? I am conflicted on this for the following reasons:

a. He needs to feel a sense of independence and pride that he is working on his own and mom hovering over every stroke is definitely not leading to him feeling independent or prideful.

b. On the other hand, I understand that for every reversal he makes, it would take 10 correct writings in order to erase that incorrect memory trace so I feel that every time I allow a reversal, I am contributing to the problem.

c. Same issue with reading – he confuses simple sight words that he has already mastered when reading in context. I usually use my finger to help him follow text, and if he misreads, I double tap it so he knows to try again. Should I just let his reading flow as he reads (even with mistakes) or is stopping him every 4 words the right approach?

3. At what point would it be beneficial to allow him to keyboard his work? Since he is only in the 2nd grade I thought it may be too early. I want him to have a basic foundation of how to print, but at this age and stage he is still non-automatic and labored. His letter formations are completely incorrect – he begins his letter formation from the bottom, rather than the top, and thereafter his strokes are backwards – going right instead of left and vice-versa. I felt that it would be important to allow him to reach a level of handwriting mastery, but I am not sure that is possible?

3. What teaching methods are best for math? (i.e., math facts, his recall seems to be automatic only about 20% of the time – the rest of the time he has to use a number grid). Do dyslexic children respond to memorization of the facts like a non-dyslexic child would? Is memorization practice beneficial or is there another method I should be using to help him master these basic facts?

Thanks again!
Replies:
Subject: My Dyslexic struggle


Author:
Susan
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:27:16 11/03/10 Wed
My dyslexia went unnoticed till 4th grade. I had never even known why my reading and writing skills were as bad as they were. I still remember getting up in class and reading in 1st grade and having everyone in my class laugh at me because i had to sound out every word. At that time my teacher let i happen because she called it "peer presure". My fourth grade teacher was the one who final figured out what my spelling problems where from dyslexia. All thanks to that one teacher i am now a all honors high schooler who has over come all of my dyslexic problems to be a part of an Honors Englsh class and LOVES to read. thank you to all who have helped me.:)!!
Subject: HELP THESE KIDS


Author:
ISAAC
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 23:42:25 11/02/10 Tue
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Kindly help. I know of a certain young boy and his follower sister who keep on repeating lower school here in Kenya, a they can not read. However, they are good at mental maths and practical exercises. they seem to be suffering from Dyslexia but their poor parents have not been aware till recently. Kindly share there problem in this news letter and also with other well- wishers so that they may get a sponsor.

There are only about two schools here in Kenya that can help them but they are very expensive for the parents of these kids. The parents recently requested me to look for a sponsor for the kids, as this disability is not even known to most teachers or education officers here in Kenya. KINDLY HELP

Truly,
Isaac Otieno
Kenya
Subject: dealing with dyslexia in canada (moncton)


Author:
christine (happy)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 17:38:28 11/02/10 Tue
My son is 11 and for the last past 3 years he has had problems with reading ,writing, spelling, ect. The school boards are suppose to help your child at the age of 5 here in canada. He is now 11 years of age and i tryed 2 years of private tutoring .I now have him in a wonderful program that has helped him out and to give him the proper tools that he will need later on in life.The program is to decode the english language ,so that he will learn how to read and write, and get the proper help that he needs to get through school. I have to pay for his assesment because i can not wait for the school to provide it.The waiting list is to long through the school. When the child is found out that he has dyslexia then the goverment then will be able to help out to get proper funding for tutoring ect.Also you will be able to write this off on your income there isbook called overcoming dyslexia writen by sally shaywiz,the book is very well writen and it gives a better understanding for dyslexia. I hope this helps out someone ,beauce i know the school has not helped out at all they just blame everything on behavor.
Subject: opportunity


Author:
gunetilleke (happy)
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 04:16:34 11/02/10 Tue

Dear Sir/madam

We are a firm engaged in aqua and ocean products and few other products lines in Sri Lanka and wish to know whether you can assist us to set up the following project in your area in uk as a gateway to Europe .
• Design center/pattern making
• Value addition and processing center for handlooms, tropical nuts and tea flavouring
• tropical café on wheel and stage performance for cultural shows by persons with learning disabilty
We need following support
• space for process ,warehouse and sample room, buyers meeting center from Europe
• introduction or coordinating with relevant organizations for approvals and implementation
• trainable staff for the project

The project will create job opportunities for unemployed person s with disabilities including with learning disability in the process of value addition, office and marketing division in uk . The project will benefit such disadvantaged persons in Sri lanka too.
We even prefer to set up and run as a social enterprise or as a community project
You may even refer our enquiry to a suitable party if it is not within your area of work

Thanking you
Gunetilleke

Sri Lanka
Tele 0094112896400
Mobile 0094712329449
enlightlanka@yahoo.com
Subject: 10year old girl has expressive language difficulties,learning difficulties


Author:
Fizzy
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:59:54 11/01/10 Mon
One of our twin girls, just turned 10yrs has had expressive language difficulties, since
she started to talk, we did speech therapy for 6years. When our daughter doesn't have to think about what she will say she can flow well,will leave out words at times though in her sentence's, We pay for a teacher’s aid /tutor at school for 6 hours per week, 2 mornings per week, plus

the school gives her extra help, we have done extra work at home with her since she was little, tutoring etc etc,so she can keep progressing, we live in Australia, our daughter continues to make progress, behind other children her age , our daughter wants to learn, doesn’t give up, helps having a twin sister that helps push her along also. Our daughter is a very visual, learns visually,brilliant on the computer. I believe our daughter has a form of Dyslexia, her reading is going well, however behind her age group,the school is happy with her reading progress, , our daughter finds it hard with expressing herself in speech, sounds younger than she is when she talks, , Maths
is hard for her also.
We have seen a Neuro psychologist and his report showed

her presentation is consistent with that of a child with a
maturational or developmental delay

leading to significant scholastic difficulties and a presentation of
immaturity. In Australia we don't have programs like the USA or UK have for children with

learning issues. Has anyone read or had children attend a school like the Arrowsmith schools

The Arrowsmith Schools are for children with learning difficulties, http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2002/04/brain.html You can view the schools website http://www.arrowsmithschool.org/learningdysfunctions.htm The Video is well worth watching



Any info would be great.

Fizzy
Subject: Building self -esteem


Author:
Claudia Goodman
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:28:53 10/30/10 Sat
Every Friday,the Headteacher reads from the Golden Book(large book covered in shiny gold paper!) which names all the children who have done something special that week as identified by their teacher It might be an academic achievement but is more likely to be about trying hard, being helpful or kind to others.Names are read out in addition to the special contribution made by that child and the child stands up. Everyone claps.The children love to be mentioned in the book and it is a real boost to their confidence, especially those with Dyslexia. I like the fact that it is not just about'work' but recognises all aspects of being in a community.
Subject: Where do I begin?


Author:
Alicia
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:20:24 09/24/10 Fri
I hope that someone can help me. My daughter is 7 and in the 2nd grade. She is really struggling in school, and from what I've read I believe she could be suffering from dyslexia. I have talked to her teacher and we decided not to involve the school at this point because they will not pay for testing anyway. The problem is, I have no idea where to find a testing site, or even what the tests entail. thank you for any help you can give!
Replies:
Subject: Thought this might be useful to others


Author:
Marie Cook
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:25:24 10/25/10 Mon
Some tips that I thought might be of use to others while helping a child in a classroom setting.
I would take down any writing that the teacher would put on the board and transfer it to a mini whiteboard that would sit in front of the pupil on the desk. This can also be done with a notepad. I find that this helps the child keep their place in the text and this way you can also shorten the text so that the children don’t have to write so much. Another method that I have only used once but worked really well for the particular pupil was when I was writing the work down from the board I would change each line colour that I wrote, the comment from the pupil was “That is so easy to follow as I know I’m on the red line.”
Subject: Keyboarding Class


Author:
Stacey N
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:38:35 10/08/10 Fri
My son is in 6th grade. He has been diagnosed with both ADD and Dyslexia. He has recevied specific intervention help since he was in 1st grade and has come a long way. He has accomodation and modifications in place on his IEP that have been helpful in him being successful. Thank goodness. In addition to the above he appears to bi-polar, although that has not been diagnosed yet. They are calling it a "mood disorder" at this time. My question involves his Keyboarding class. His teacher called today and said he types about 5 words per minute and the goal would be 16 words per minute. Would there be a reason with his above diagnosis of ADD and Dyslexia that would cause him to struggle with basic keyboarding? I want to set my expectations for what he is capable of at an appropriate level. Should he be able to do as the other kids in his class and be able to type 16 wpm or would there be a reason due to his disability as to why he is not currently able to do this? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Replies:
Subject: Dyslexia and Autism


Author:
Wamucii
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 22:39:59 10/18/10 Mon
The other day, I had a talk over a local radio station and many people appreciated the talk considering that Dyslexia is a not well known subject around here.

I of course received many questions mainly regarding delayed speech in children and dyslexia. Children of upto age 5 years and have not talked and whether dyslexia could be the cause.

One teacher who had undergone a sensitization on autism wanted to know how it relates with dyslexia.

Well, what do you think is the relationship between dyslexia and autism?
Replies:
Subject: Help needed please


Author:
Vicki
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 08:28:46 10/01/10 Fri
Hi
I'm writing a toolkit for parents who suspect that their child may have dyslexia. I really want to include advice from other parents who have been through the assessment process. Please would you consider helping? It would involve a chat via email and your contribution would remain anonymous if you so wish. It would really help other parents if you are able to contribute in any way.
Don't hesitate to contact me at victoria.a.dawson@gmail.com
Thanks
Vicki
Replies:
Subject: Dyslexia Research Participants Required!


Author:
Eleni
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:03:42 10/20/10 Wed
Hi everyone

I am a research and am looking for dyslexic participants to have interviews with (adults and year 7 & 8 children).

If you are interested please contact me and I can send you further information.

Thanks for reading this and I look forward to hearing from you!

Eleni
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Subject: 504 vs IEP vs Special Needs classification


Author:
Lisa (inadequate)
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Date Posted: 04:28:42 10/10/10 Sun
My 6 year old daughter has been diagnosis dyslexic via independent evaluation I had performed over the summer. The public school recommended classification under special needs, but I understood a 504 would carry with her into College. Which will protect my daughter and provide her with the tools she needs to learn. I am confused and feel inadequate in respresenting her. The doctor recommended special school as being the ideal setting for her to learn,but I have another child with a chronic illness with a 504. So financially I can't afford sending her.

Guidance is greatly appreciated.
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Subject: Masonic Learning Centers for Children


Author:
Malin
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Date Posted: 05:33:36 09/15/10 Wed
Has anyone on here taken their child to one of these learning centers??? I did discover there is one here where we live.
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Subject: Dyslexia. What are the public school responobilities?


Author:
Jane
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Date Posted: 14:05:26 10/14/10 Thu
My nefew is going thru a terrible time with her 8yr sons' Public School's Dean and teacher.

He is dyslexic and the teacher purposefull embaraces him by calling on him to read. My sister begged the Dean for another teacher, one more understanding and patient (which they apperently have), but the Dean is giving excuses that she cant do anything. We dont trust that but are helpless. What can we do? Is there anything we can do immediately? My boy is a very smart little guy and should not be treated this way, becasue he can't process reading like the rest of us. His self-esteem and confidence has plumeted in the last 2 months.

Is there anything we can do immidetely?
What are public school responsible for, anything? Must they offer anything specifically for us?
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Subject: Re my son who still got read or right at age 9


Author:
Rachel (frustrated)
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Date Posted: 01:27:53 10/13/10 Wed
Hello,
Ive got a 9 year old boy how had an assessment by a specialist teacher this year. The assessment seems pretty complex and found that william has dyslexia tendencys. Ive have just been in contact with a private educational Psychologist whos kindly read the report and Clearly my son needs urgent help...and stated that the report didnt have a iq test and that it wont help him obtaining a statement. Now there are so much info on the net,how do i find out what the process is for getting a statement and why my son wasnt tested my an educational psychologist?
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Subject: administrator


Author:
Monica
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Date Posted: 14:53:20 10/12/10 Tue
should the special ed chairperson be the 504 administrator?
Subject: newly diagnosed


Author:
Monica Dean
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Date Posted: 15:11:57 10/08/10 Fri
We have an 11 year old boy newly diagnosed with dyslexia and are having a terrible time with the public school. They appear to be dragging their feet. Despite the calling setting up meetings etc. they have been supplied with independent testing by a child psychologist and OT. As a result he gets further and further behind. We need advice. Please
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Subject: HELP ME PLEASE


Author:
Amber (Severly Dyslexic 11 year old)
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Date Posted: 16:59:03 10/07/10 Thu
Anyone that can help me would be more than awesome. I just had my daughter tested for dyslexia. Not only does she have it but in it's most severe form. Her IQ is great. She is in 5th grade and her reading level is less than 2.0. she is in Special Ed. and she has an IEP. along with the testing I am getting a professional IEP done. the thing is I live in a rural area. No one here has ever taught a child with dyslexia. I have searched on the net for some course to teach me. The thing is I never graduated or received my GED. I can't find anything that doesn't require me to not have those. I am about in tears. I am willing to do anything to help her. she cannot do her work in class. Not at all. she has learned some tricks but they only get her so far. Her spelling is really bad. they keep like ignoring the fact that she can't do the work. she has been in spec ed for 5 years now and nothing has changed. I am getting ready for battle and have read everything I can and continue to do so. So that I can make sure my district understands that I will not just go away. So far I am the only parent in town with a dyslexic child. That is how ignored it is. Anyone if they know of any courses for parents or anything to help me. that would be great. Also what should have her teacher so with all of her work till I get the IEP. thank You and this is my first message so If i have done something wrong please let me know. lol
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Subject: Readers Theatre: Great fun!!!


Author:
Vicki Dammerel
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Date Posted: 16:58:26 10/11/10 Mon
Readers Theatre or short plays are a terrific way to have fun while reading together.

Why? First of all it’s fun! Pretending to be different characters with different voices is a great way to read, building fluency and therefore meaning of the text. Readers Theatre also gives you a valid reason to ask the child to re-read the text. When reading dialogue, fluency is important or the play doesn’t make sense. Asking your child to re-read their lines under the guise of getting into character allows the child to revise their reading. Because they are reading the same words again, their reading seemingly improves within minutes. This builds their confidence and self esteem.

An extra tip! Grab a digital voice recorder or cassette recorder and tape your reading sessions. It has been my experience that children love listening to themselves read. In this way they will be able to critique their own reading style. Although we often tell children they are reading, ‘like robots’, they have no idea what this means until they actually hear themselves read. Again your child will be inspired by listening to the improvement of their reading skills over time.
Subject: Does education system produce products of Dyslexia


Author:
Aisha
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Date Posted: 07:53:54 10/07/10 Thu
can any on of you please explain to me does enviornment and education system make a child dyslexic
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Subject: dyslexia


Author:
brenda (help)
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Date Posted: 06:17:15 08/30/10 Mon
We lived in Texas and when my son was in kindergarten there they did a great job of evaluating and getting an IEP in place for his dyslexia. My son made a lot of improvement that year, but still needs a lot of help. We just moved to Colorado and I provided his new school with all of his IEPs and have not heard anything from them after a week of school. should they have immediatly set up an meeting with me and evaluated him from the first day of school? The school he went to in Texas made me feel comfortable from the first day that he was going to get the education he needs and at this school I just feel left in the cold. What can I do or should I be doing.
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Subject: Input/advice on teaching dyslexic adult to read


Author:
Serena (pondering)
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Date Posted: 17:48:19 10/06/10 Wed
I am tutoring a 21yo who passionately wants to pass the ASVAB to go into the military. In school, they handed him a calculator early and have been reading everything to him since he was young. I was a math teacher but had subbed a lot in various LD classes. I am spending probably 10 hours a week tutoring him in math and reading (and soon science and mechanics). A month ago he was convinced he couldn't read bu when I heard him try to read sample vocabulary questions i realized that there were too many words in each sentence he couldn't read so he had no chance to use context skills. So i suggested that he go back to a level that had some tough words but mostly works he could read. He is reading Vampirates (level 6.2 - young adult) now (at home)and underlines the words he doesn't know. He tells me what he has read and then I read it to him. Most of the time he recognizes the words he underlined and can tell me what it means. I am thrilled that he can understand the vast majority of what he is reading. He is amazed and ecstatic that he can read!!! He is able to read the math problems and instructions now. There is still a lot to learn and he'd like to take the test in 2 months. I am in no means a professional in the english/reading area, so I would love feedback on what we can do to get him up another couple of grades in a couple of months. So, is there anything I'm missing that I should be doing or any suggestions? I do plan on giving him a short list of parts of words to memorize so he doesn't have to sound out words so extensively. I am SOOOOOO proud of him and want to do the best for him. Are there good free resources? I have already spent money on ASVAB materials and since I'm not being paid for this I can't afford to order software and lots of resource material. So any help or feedback will be appreciated. Thanks.
Subject: Frustrated 12 year old son


Author:
Pauls
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Date Posted: 14:29:53 09/29/10 Wed
My son is 12 years old and he has never been tested for dyslexia. He has been to numerous Educational psycologists and developmental peadiatricians (he also took Concerta for a while) we were always told he has a learning disability and that he was ADD. In 1st grade he struggled to read and memorize the dolch words.

He is in 6th grade now and everyday is a struggle for him, his reading has improved but he still does not read fluently and struggles with certain words he does not always comprehend what he reads. He struggles to use his vocab words in context, he does not enjoy language arts or writing assigned stories, poems ect. HE comes home with language arts homework that he says he does not understand, although the teacher explained the work to the class. Both of us are getting frustrated and it feels as if we are drowning in a sea of language worksheets and vocab. What can I as a frustrated parent do to help my very frustrated son, without doing his work for him?
Replies:
Subject: Copying from the board


Author:
Anni
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Date Posted: 03:41:57 09/19/10 Sun
I am a Year 3 teacher and I find it very helpful to start each line in a different colour. This means the children find it easier to see where they are. I do prefer to give the dyslexic children a piece of paper to copy from, but this isn't always possible.
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Subject: Practical Activities


Author:
Vicki Dammerel (Happy)
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Date Posted: 21:34:44 09/30/10 Thu
We know dyslexic children learn best when we engage as many senses as possible when teaching a particular concept. Try using wooden blocks with letters stuck on all sides. I bought some inexpensive blank wooden blocks about 2cmx2cmx2cm in size. I printed out letters on a large self adhesive labels and then cut them out and stuck them on the blocks. It is important to include more vowels than consonants.50 blocks should be enough to start. I have had great success teaching middle vowel sounds to my dyslexic students using these blocks.I place three blocks at a time in front of my student. I then ask them to find a vowel. When they have found the vowel I then assist them to put a consonant either side of the vowel to construct a three letter, or CVC word.Middle vowels sounds are not easily distinguished by many children so this is an excellent strategy for both dyslexic and non-dyslexic students.It's important not to throw all the blocks down in front of the student. A dyslexic student will find it extremely difficult to distinguish between all the letters. Putting three letters down at a time prevents the student from making words they are already familiar with , such as 'mum' or 'dad' and allows you to reinforce the middle vowel sound each time a different word is made.
Subject: Dyslexia and Asperger's?


Author:
Karen
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Date Posted: 23:56:37 07/05/10 Mon
I am in Melbourne, Australia. I believe my 8 year old son is dyslexic, but to complicate things he also has Asperger's Syndrome. He was diagnosed with Asperger's about two years ago and following this we were able to get funding for an integration aid at school which has been wonderful and addresses his "Aspergian" traits of anxiety, resistance to routine change, school refusal and general hissy fits over the slightest things! Despite this extra one on one attention (and I have to say that our school has been brilliantly supportive) and participation in remedial reading programs, I have finally decided that I need to do something further to help him with what is now his below the expected standard of reading and writing for his age.

About two years ago we were advised to see a Behavioural Optometrist by the school. His diagnosis was that my son showed "mixed brain dominance". This was evident he said, by the way he constantly seems to try to read backwards, mixes his letters up and writes them and numbers back to front. Sounded like Dyslexia to me, but the Optometrist thought not. He prescribed glasses which still seem to make no difference whatsoever.

Earlier this year I took him to see an Occupational Therapist to assist specifically with his reading and writing. She performed some diagnostic testing and told me he was not dyslexic, but gave him "writing" practice to do and various coordination exercises over a period of about 10 visits. Unfortunately his Asperger's does not help him tolerate the intolerable, and trying to get an Aspergian child to perform an activity that they truly hate is nigh on impossible! Anyway, I have seen no positive results from this either.

My son is a chronic speller as well, and having seen the results of his Grade 3 NAPLAN writing test a couple of months back, I was quite shocked at how he still mispells the most basic words, and the "guesses" he makes are mostly nonsensical. Now I am beginning to wonder if he really does have dyslexia, and if I should have him formally tested.

Over the past couple of weeks I have been researching with great interest, the subject of dyslexia in general and the lack of funding support and recognition available in Australia. I think I will bite the bullet and get him tested, but I am wondering if ultimately that would be wasting my time, given the lack of support in schools and education of teachers to deal with the issue. Should I just hire a private tutor and be done with it? If a Behavioural Optometrist and Occupational Therapist don't think he has dyslexia, am I kidding myself and would I be wasting my money in getting him diagnosed? Where is the best place to have him diagnosed? Could it just be that his Asperger's is affecting his ability to read and write simply because he hates doing it? Not sure if anyone else with an Asperger's child has dyslexia or this problem, but all offers of advice gratefully accepted!
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Subject: A really nice film about being dyslexic in school


Author:
Lluani Rudel
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Date Posted: 05:47:20 09/28/10 Tue
Hi everyone,

I'd like to share a really nice short film about a dyslexic boy at schoool in France. I thought it was a good way to describe the difficulties faced by kids all over the world, who are striving to stay at school despite their struggles.
Anyway, here it is; it's in two parts..don't miss the happy ending in the second part!
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z16yTXvkL8
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LUXPC9Tnng
Enjoy!
Subject: IEP OR 504 FOR DYSLEXIC 5TH GRADER?


Author:
VELVET
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Date Posted: 18:35:58 09/24/10 Fri
MY DAUGHTER WAS JUST PUT IN A DYSLEXIC PROGRAM IN PULBLIC SCHOOL. SHE WAS GIVEN 504 ACCOMADATIONS BUT NOT AN IEP. SHOULD SHE HAVE AN IEP OR ARE THE ACCOMADATIONS IN THE 504 ENOUGH? ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREAT.
VELVET
Replies:
Subject: FILM ABOUT DYSLEXIA


Author:
Dan (inspired)
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Date Posted: 02:40:47 09/24/10 Fri
Hi everyone,

I was forwarded a link to a film called "Musik" - http://www.musikthefilm.com - i found this quite inspiring as it shows the complication dyslexics have and also the progression the character makes within the film, especially through music.

Hope that helps,

Dan
Subject: So frustrated


Author:
Malin
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Date Posted: 09:10:16 09/13/10 Mon
My son was diagnosed about a year and a half ago. Last year, he had a great teacher and an aide who encouraged him and helped him in anyway they could. This year, he has two teachers who I don't think understand what dyslexia is. He has an IEP and he still sees his aide, but his time with his aide was cut drastically. On Friday he came home with two double sided pages of science, five math pages, and a packet of spelling and reading homework!!! I about had a heart attack!!! It took all weekend to get the work done, and the weekend wasn't very relaxing for anyone in the house. One of his teachers suggested that we do homework in 15 min. sections. We are constantly being told that he is very intelligent, however he needs to work on his reading, writing, and spelling. I have talked to the teachers several times already since school started and they just keep telling me that in 4th grade, they students have to be responsible for their own work. If they don't find the time to write down their homework assignments, that is not the teachers problem, or if they don't ask for help, the teachers are not responsible for that either. I have explained to them that my son has expressed that he feels like he's stupid because the teachers keep wanting him to read out loud or read with another student.
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