tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84334739120733844782024-03-19T03:32:28.656-05:00Help for Struggling ReadersDo you know a challenged reader? This blog will offer some tips, strategies & resources to help.Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-39059941112751921882019-06-11T09:52:00.002-05:002020-03-08T17:10:28.753-05:007 Best-Kept Secrets to Improve Your Focus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EmP3T9EwQ/XPqeVJjbFgI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/ZDq3Fs-3Hr4mqoSsfbkZJOHuUP7rEmHkwCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-7%2BBest-Kept%2BSecrets%2Bto%2BImprove%2BFOCUS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EmP3T9EwQ/XPqeVJjbFgI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/ZDq3Fs-3Hr4mqoSsfbkZJOHuUP7rEmHkwCLcBGAs/s400/Poster-7%2BBest-Kept%2BSecrets%2Bto%2BImprove%2BFOCUS.png" width="500" height="340" data-original-width="697" data-original-height="477" /></a></div><br />
It may be summertime and the "livin' is easy" right now, but this could also be the BEST time to learn how to re-focus and concentrate on your priorities and the tasks that matter. However, HOW does one DO that when focus is a real challenge? There are actually some very practical steps you can take NOW during this summer season in order to experience better focus and concentration throughout the entire year. We're here to help you do just that with a set of seven steps to improve your focus and concentration on the things that truly matter.<br />
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<b>7 Best-Kept Secrets to Improve Your Focus</b><br />
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<b>1. Plan and Structure Your Day</b><br />
Think about your day BEFORE it begins instead of REACTING to it throughout the day. Consider the day of the week and the tasks that may be associated with that particular weekday. Then take into account the new or specific tasks for just that day. While you are doing this, you are beginning to formulate a mental list of priorities to address throughout that day. This is the first step to improving your focus.<br />
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<b>2. Create Lists</b><br />
Next, write down (yes, write---not enter on your phone!) the important tasks you must address on that day. Use actual paper or Post-It Notes to do this. If needed, break down each task into steps on a separate sheet or sticky note. If yo.u find it even more helpful, place these lists at eye level in your workspace. Tackle each tacks separately. Then cross each one off as you accomplish the tasks. The results may surprise you. Not only will you improve your focus, but you will discover that your productivity will increase proportionately. <br />
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<b>3. Detach from Tech</b><br />
The phone is so often the primary culprit of focus issues. It demands your attention almost constantly, if you let it. Take control of that phone and the other devices that steal away your attention and take your focus to other things that may very well have nothing to do with your goals. Set aside the phone or at least turn off the sound or notification settings. This may be the ultimate challenge for many of us---to disconnect from our tech. In doing so, however, not only will you turn off the distractions caused by tech, you will also be decreasing the stress caused by others' priorities served up via those tech devices.<br />
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<b>4. Be Mindful</b><br />
<i>Mindfulness</i> is a buzz word in our world today. True mindfulness is "the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something." It is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Mindfulness is often used as a therapeutic technique, but we all could benefit from the use of it on a daily basis. Begin to practice genuine mindfulness by first becoming aware of the moments of multi-tasking you do. These multi-tasking moments can drain your energy and your brain's ability to pay attention to what is currently most important to you. <br />
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<b>5. Decrease Multi-tasking</b><br />
"This ONE thing I do." Make this your mantra. Address ONE task at a time AND do it WELL. Then look at the next task on your list and address it---without looking at the rest of your list in that same moment. Doing this will not only de-stress and improve your mindfulness, it will also improve the QUALITY of the work achieved. What a win-win for you and your colleagues!<br />
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<b>6. Take Restful Breaks</b><br />
Do not underestimate the POWER of a brain break or pause for rest. Ten minutes spent in stepping away from a task can save you much-needed time later because your improved attention and focus as well as the quality of work produced AFTER the break will also improve.<br />
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<b>7. Remember to <i>Feed</i> Your Brain</b> <br />
Did you know that the RIGHT foods can improve your focus, too? Yes, indeed---and in a big way, too! There are surprising benefits apart from helping to survive and provide energy. Food can affect our mood, increase energy, mental clarity and remove brain fog. Most of the time we overlook the wonderful benefits that food can provide and don’t realize our lack of focus could be due to not eating proper food items. Try to avoid sugar and trans fats as they can make you feel depressed and mentally foggy. <br />
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Try some of the following <b>"brain" foods</b> and you will soon discover the positive difference in your level of focus throughout the day:<br />
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-Berries <br />
-Eggs<br />
-Fish rich in omega-3's (salmon, sardines, herring, etc.)<br />
-Avocados, celery, kale and sea vegetables<br />
-Walnuts<br />
-Turmeric <br />
-Dark chocolate (yum!)<br />
-Olive and coconut oils<br />
-Other foods, too. <br />
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<b>Sources:</b><br />
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<b>5 Ways to Improve Your Focus</b>---by Jes Dickerson<br />
<a href="http://jesdickerson.com/2018/07/09/5-ways-to-improve-your-focus/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=393689100_12945422_431974">http://jesdickerson.com/2018/07/09/5-ways-to-improve-your-focus/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=393689100_12945422_431974</a><br />
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<b>12 Brain Foods That Supercharge Your Memory, Focus & Mood</b>---by Deane Alban<br />
<a href="https://bebrainfit.com/brain-foods/">https://bebrainfit.com/brain-foods/</a><br />
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For information about customizable focusing tools for readers and learners of all ages, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
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Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a> and <a href="https://pixabay.com/">Pixabay</a><br />
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Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-21609201924027558972019-05-25T12:52:00.000-05:002019-06-07T11:58:12.757-05:00Patriotic Activities and Resources to Help Avoid the Summer Slide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0FE6pUEssqoWLIKmyZxGUPwHkg_dG3mFXKMfDVy79FoHDijo1VZlXOOQnc4TsbFcySpHD4uOhOWQWnqhy-rlW-krGFeOmpTAP63Tnh1ZQa-02AdhNWkVEFEOYx-pBbB5CEpMI4Zxhq8/s1600/Poster-Patriotic+Resources+for+Kids-Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0FE6pUEssqoWLIKmyZxGUPwHkg_dG3mFXKMfDVy79FoHDijo1VZlXOOQnc4TsbFcySpHD4uOhOWQWnqhy-rlW-krGFeOmpTAP63Tnh1ZQa-02AdhNWkVEFEOYx-pBbB5CEpMI4Zxhq8/s640/Poster-Patriotic+Resources+for+Kids-Large.jpg" width="510" height="250" data-original-width="953" data-original-height="442" /></a></div><br />
Can it really be the start of summer? Wasn't it just yesterday that we were knee-deep in snow and longing for the wonderful warmth of a summer day? Time marches on, as they say! Before we know it, Labor Day will be looming, and children will be returning to school. For now, though, let's enjoy this great start to a new summer season and not waste a minute of it!<br />
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While we are appreciating this special time with our families, it is also a very good idea to keep in mind and help prevent what is often called <i><b>the summer slide</b></i> or <i><b>summer slowdown</b></i>, terms used to describe the <b>loss of reading and math skills that children have learned</b>. This loss can occur when there is a decrease or lack in stimulation of young brains during extended school vacations or other academic break times.<br />
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Though it may seem challenging to do so, it is very possible to avoid this loss of skills by working with children, using stimulating activities during those long vacation times. This holiday weekend is a perfect time to introduce these kinds of activities to help your child or grandchild avoid this learning loss with a variety of resources.<br />
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Should you choose to utilize some or all of the many resources in the link provided below here, your child or grandchild will be ahead when the new school year begins. So, keep the link handy for your use during the coming holiday weekend. You might also want to refer to it again over the the 4th of July or the Labor Day break, too. At any rate, you will be helping your child enjoy the patriotic holidays as well as enabling him to keep his mind sharp over the summer vacation period.<br />
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Yes, we can still have fun in the sun this holiday weekend and throughout the season, while at the same time, avoid the summer slide with an array of enjoyable reading activities, games and other related resources having a patriotic flare. That way, long after the holiday weekend is history, your children (or grandchildren) will be skipping around the summer slide and well on their way to gearing up for the coming school year while still having fun this Memorial Day Weekend---and beyond!<br />
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Remember to KEEP them reading and learning ALL summer long! Please let us <b>ALSO remember our great men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might have the freedoms we hold dear.</b><br />
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Have a <i>good</i> and <i>safe</i> Memorial Day Weekend with your family! <br />
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<b>140+ Patriotic Reading Activities & Resources</b> (Most are FREE!)<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/patriotic-games-activities-resources-for-kids/?etslf=5719&eq=Patriotic">https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/patriotic-games-activities-resources-for-kids/?etslf=5719&eq=Patriotic</a><br />
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For information about customizable tools for readers and learners of all ages, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
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Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a> and <a href="https://pixabay.com/">Pixabay</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-50293850944311699482019-03-26T09:28:00.000-05:002019-06-07T11:59:53.903-05:00BEST Tips and Resources for Dysgraphia <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qj-i4xvrihQ/XJkMT_MkCHI/AAAAAAAAGMg/lHA6-cdmZX4uOTBWHkOBvNENobIQCGQ-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-BEST%2BDysgraphia%2BTips%2Band%2B%2BResources.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qj-i4xvrihQ/XJkMT_MkCHI/AAAAAAAAGMg/lHA6-cdmZX4uOTBWHkOBvNENobIQCGQ-gCLcBGAs/s400/Poster-BEST%2BDysgraphia%2BTips%2Band%2B%2BResources.png" width="500" height="350" data-original-width="850" data-original-height="575" /></a></div>When a child or teen consistently struggles with the physical act of handwriting or conveying thoughts in written form, it may be a strong indication of what is called dysgraphia. This challenge can effect individuals of all ages, not just children or teens, and can not only impact a student's academic achievement but also his self-esteem---and not in a positive way. <br />
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<b>How Will I Know If a Child Has Dysgraphia?</b><br />
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For years, dysgraphia was the diagnosis used for issues with writing. Now, dysgraphia is no longer a diagnosis. However, there is currently a diagnosis called <i>specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression</i>. This diagnosis refers to trouble conveying thoughts in writing, rather than transcription issues.<br />
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Evaluators still have ways to identify the transcription challenges, however. Some of the tests for broader writing issues include sub-tests for spelling. There are also tests for fine motor skills (the ability to make movements using the small muscles in our hands, wrists and fingers). And there are tests for motor planning skills (the ability to remember and perform steps to make a movement happen).<br />
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Several types of professionals can evaluate kids with writing issues. Psychologists test for learning issues. Occupational therapists and physical therapists test fine and gross motor skills. There are also other specialists who help kids with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) able to do this.<br />
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Trouble with writing can be caused by other learning challenges. For example, poor spelling can be the result of reading issues like dyslexia. Poor handwriting might be caused by DCD (sometimes referred to as dyspraxia).<br />
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To get the appropriate help and support for your child, it’s important to know the cause of the child’s difficulties. A full evaluation would be a good first step and can help you understand these challenges, along with your child’s strengths.<br />
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<b>What Can Help Manage the Symptoms of Dysgraphia?</b><br />
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There are a number of things that can help your child with dysgraphia challenges. These include supports and services at school, therapies outside of school, and strategies you can try at home.<br />
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<b>Types of Support and Accommodations for Dysgraphia</b><br />
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<b>Appropriate Therapies:</b> The main treatment for handwriting issues is occupational therapy (OT). Therapists can work with kids to improve fine motor skills and motor planning. Physical therapy can help with arm position and posture.<br />
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These therapies may be available free at a public school via an IEP. Some parents may also pay privately for therapy outside of school, depending on resources available.<br />
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<b>School Supports:</b> Kids with dysgraphia may get supports at school through an IEP or a 504 plan. There are a number of accommodations for writing issues. Kids may also get assistive technology and other tools. These can range from simple pencil grips to dictation software. As much as possible, create a classroom that is dysgraphia-friendly with accommodations like the following:<br />
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<b>1.</b> <b>Yes, DO Teach Cursive Writing:</b> Cursive writing has fewer starting points than disconnected print letters, which translates to improved writing speed, more consistent letter sizing, and neater overall appearance of writing. Watch a free webinar on the importance of cursive writing instruction for students and use cursive writing books from <i>Handwriting Without Tears</i> to teach cursive writing as early as first grade. <b>Remember that cursive writing helps promote more connectivity between the two hemispheres of the human brain.</b><br />
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<b>2.</b> <b>DO Teach Typing:</b> Typing can be easier than writing once students are fluent with keyboards. Teach typing skills starting as early as kindergarten and allow for ample typing practice in the classroom. Many schools and districts have typing programs to support their students’ budding typing skills. Great online typing programs include <i>Nessy Fingers Touch Typing</i> (which costs money), <i>TypingClub</i> and the games at Typing.com.<br />
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<b>3.</b> <b>DO Provide Access to Speech-to-Text Tools:</b> Assistive technology accommodations can support students with dysgraphia in their classroom writing tasks in all grades. There are several free, easy-to-use speech-to-text dictation tools. Students can use Google’s <i>Voice Typing</i> tool, <i>Dragon Dictation</i>, or Apple’s <i>Speak Screen</i> functions.<br />
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<b>4.</b> <b>DO Use Graph Paper for Math Assignments and Tests:</b> Graph paper helps students with dysgraphia stay in the lines, which becomes increasingly important in the later grades when they’re faced with more complex math tasks. Reduce unintended errors by providing graph paper for student tests or as a background for homework assignments. Consider using the free printable math grids like those available at Do2Learn (please see Dysgraphia Resources below here).<br />
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<b>5.</b> <b>DO Allow for Note-Taking Accommodations:</b> Copying notes from a whiteboard can be a particular challenge for students with dysgraphia. Allow students to take pictures of lecture notes to review later. Students can use a free optical character reader (OCR) like <i>Prizmo Go</i> (for iOS) or <i>Google Keep</i> (for Android) to automatically read text from the photos to review those notes.<br />
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<b>6.</b> <b>DO Be Deliberate about Hanging Students’ Written Work: </b>Classroom writing is difficult for students with dysgraphia. Written assignments may take two or three times as long to complete, and often they will look sloppy even if the student has tried to produce their best work. When displaying student work, consider waiting to hang assignments until everyone has finished so students with dysgraphia don’t feel shame at having everyone else’s work on display while theirs is still in progress. Another option is to hang typed work so students with dysgraphia can be proud of the finished product that hangs alongside the work of their peers.<br />
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These are just a few things that may help a student with dysgraphia in the classroom. But mainly it’s important to be creative about accommodations and to communicate with students about their individual needs.<br />
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<b>Help at Home:</b> There are many ways you can help your child with writing issues. Here are just a handful:<br />
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<b>1.</b> <b>Locate a good drawing exercise</b> for improving handwriting.<br />
<b>2.</b> <b>View an expert explaining how to use dictation software</b> on a mobile device.<br />
<b>3.</b> <b>Discover tools that can help with writing<b></b></b> difficulties.<br />
<b>4.</b> <b>Watch a video on how different pencil grips</b> might help your child.<br />
<b>5.</b> <b>Try a variety of multi-sensory techniques</b> for teaching handwriting.<br />
<b>6.</b> <b>Download tools, apps and other resources</b> to help with handwriting. (See <i>Dysgraphia Resources</i> below here.)<br />
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<b>Dysgraphia Resources</b><br />
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<b>Dysgraphia: What You Need to Know</b> - by Understood<br />
<a href="https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/understanding-dysgraphia">https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/understanding-dysgraphia</a><br />
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<b>10 Tips to Help Children with Dysgraphia</b><br />
<a href="https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3828864">https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3828864</a><br />
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<b>BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia</b><br />
<a href="https://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html">https://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html</a><br />
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<b>Creating a Dysgraphia-Friendly Classroom</b> - by Jessica Hamman, <i>edutopia</i><br />
Here are 6 ways to support students with dysgraphia—a learning difference that affects a person’s ability to produce written work.<br />
<a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/creating-dysgraphia-friendly-classroom">https://www.edutopia.org/article/creating-dysgraphia-friendly-classroom</a><br />
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<b>8 Tools for Kids with Dysgraphia</b> - by Understood<br />
These tools and apps can make writing easier. She may already use some of them at school, but it can help to have them at home, too. Most tools are sold in online catalogs for occupational therapists.<br />
<a href="https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/8-tools-for-kids-with-dysgraphia">https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/8-tools-for-kids-with-dysgraphia</a><br />
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<b>Dysgraphia-I Created an App for That</b> - by Amberlynn Gifford Slavin, <i>ADDitude</i><br />
It’s called SnapType, and it helps kids keep up with their peers in class when their penmanship holds them back.<br />
<a href="https://www.additudemag.com/dysgraphia-i-created-an-app-for-that/">https://www.additudemag.com/dysgraphia-i-created-an-app-for-that/</a><br />
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FREE Printable Math Grids - from Do2Learn<br />
<a href="http://www.do2learn.com/academics/Mathematics/index.htm">http://www.do2learn.com/academics/Mathematics/index.htm</a><br />
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For information about customizable tools for readers and learners of all ages, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
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Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a> and <a href="https://pixabay.com/">Pixabay</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-26438446842117270062019-02-26T06:51:00.000-06:002019-02-26T06:53:10.176-06:00Struggling to Write Those Ideas on Paper?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1S57Nq8P2Y/XHGL7u2JoaI/AAAAAAAAGJY/Mt2wWE_KErgdWHsAy18IEzto4RAD1HOiwCLcBGAs/s1600/A%2BBoy%2Bwriting%2Bwith%2Bcomputer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1S57Nq8P2Y/XHGL7u2JoaI/AAAAAAAAGJY/Mt2wWE_KErgdWHsAy18IEzto4RAD1HOiwCLcBGAs/s320/A%2BBoy%2Bwriting%2Bwith%2Bcomputer.png" width="500" height="350" data-original-width="696" data-original-height="522" /></a></div>In today's world, it is more important than ever to be able to organize thoughts and get them down on paper or screen. Offline and online media is everywhere, and if we want to be "heard" by others, we need to be able to express and convey those thoughts WELL.<br />
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Being able to express oneself is a unique skill and even a gift for some individuals. When you encourage and cultivate this capability in your child or student, you give her the invaluable power to meaningfully share her thoughts and ideas with the world. To help her get started, you might find the following 5 steps (adapted from teacher-writer Karen Dikson) beneficial in organizing thoughts and beginning to get those ideas down on paper or screen:<br />
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<b>5 Basic Steps to Writing Success</b><br />
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<b>1.</b> Practice, practice, practice!<br />
<b>2.</b> Find examples of good writing!<br />
<b>3.</b> Use Pinterest or graphic organizers to organize ideas & resources!<br />
<b>4.</b> Brainstorm and plan what to write.<br />
<b>5.</b> Use a tablet to get ideas down faster and more efficiently.<br />
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<b>When Dysgraphia Adds to the Writing Challenge</b><br />
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There can often be an additional component for some children or teens when it is time to express their ideas and get them down on paper or screen. This component makes writing nearly impossible for a significant number of individuals. It is called <b>dysgraphia</b>, a handwriting challenge characterized chiefly by very poor or often illegible writing or writing that takes an unusually long time and great effort to complete. When present in children, dysgraphia is classified as a learning disability. When it occurs as an acquired condition in adults, it can sometimes be the result of damage to the brain (as from stroke or trauma).<br />
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When a person of any age or ability struggles with dysgraphia, writing takes far longer (if it can be produced at all) to complete. As a result, dysgraphia all too often negatively impacts learning success and self-esteem. To provide support for an individual with dysgraphia, keep in mind that technology can go a long way to help. A laptop or tablet device will take pressure off the proper formation of hand-written phrases and sentences, allowing the individual to focus on his ideas instead. A <a href="https://zapier.com/blog/best-text-dictation-software/">digital app</a>, mp3 player or other recording device can be just the thing to free a "great thinker" and finally enable the expression of wonderful, innovative ideas. In addition, consider the following strategies from the <a href="https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/">Learning Disabilities Association of America</a> to help someone you know challenged with dysgraphia:<br />
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<b>Helpful Strategies for Dysgraphia</b><br />
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<b>1.</b> Suggest use of word processor<br />
<b>2.</b> Avoid chastising student for sloppy, careless work<br />
<b>3.</b> Use oral exams<br />
<b>4.</b> Allow use of tape recorder for lectures<br />
<b>5.</b> Allow the use of a note taker<br />
<b>6.</b> Provide notes or outlines to reduce the amount of writing required<br />
<b>7.</b> Reduce copying aspects of work (pre-printed math problems)<br />
<b>8.</b> Allow use of wide rule paper and graph paper<br />
<b>9.</b> Suggest use of pencil grips and /or specially designed writing aids<br />
<b>10.</b> Provide alternatives to written assignments (i.e., video reports, audio reports, etc.)<br />
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Implementing one or more of the above strategies and combining them with the 5 steps for writing success will enable your child or students to be well on the road to improved writing---AND without the usual struggles and "pain" so often experienced by reluctant, organization-challenged or dysgraphic individuals. We hope you will see the transformation in the very near future! <br />
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<b>Writing Resources to Help Your Child or Students</b><br />
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<b>How To Inspire Your Kids to Write and Why It’s So Important</b><br />
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.<br />
<a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-inspire-your-kids-to-write-and-why-its-so-important/">https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-inspire-your-kids-to-write-and-why-its-so-important/</a><br />
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<b>Books that Teach About the Writing Process</b> (for Gr. K-5)<br />
from <i>This Reading Mama</i> blog<br />
If you teach writing to young learners, this book list has over 15 books to help you teach young writers all about the writing process.<br />
<a href="https://thisreadingmama.com/books-teach-writing-process/">https://thisreadingmama.com/books-teach-writing-process/</a><br />
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<b>5 Steps to Help Your Kid Write a Better Essay</b><br />
by Karen Dikson and <i>Parent Toolkit</i><br />
<a href="https://www.parenttoolkit.com/academics/news/general-parenting/5-steps-to-help-your-kid-write-a-better-essay">https://www.parenttoolkit.com/academics/news/general-parenting/5-steps-to-help-your-kid-write-a-better-essay</a><br />
<br />
<b>Dysgraphia Resources to Help Your Child or Students</b><br />
<br />
<b>The BEST Dictation Software for 2019</b><br />
Here's the short list of the best dictation apps, with more information following, such as how we chose them, tips for using dictation software and detailed descriptions of the apps.<br />
<a href="https://zapier.com/blog/best-text-dictation-software/">https://zapier.com/blog/best-text-dictation-software/</a><br />
<br />
<b>10 Tips to Help Children with Dysgraphia</b><br />
Does your child struggle to write on the appropriate lines provided? Do you know or teach a child who is challenged and/or frustrated with simply forming basic letters and words? This article will provide strategies and tips to help children challenged with dysgraphia.<br />
<a href="https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3828864">https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3828864</a><br />
<br />
For information about customizable tools for readers of all ages, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
<br />
Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a> and <a href="https://pixabay.com/">Pixabay</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-55249575560355370382019-01-22T12:25:00.000-06:002019-01-22T12:28:28.003-06:00The Ultimate Guide to Games for Kids with ADHD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLKRKezYpSo/XEdeXTRZDeI/AAAAAAAAGDs/9y59PXtUEM0jcjb6aQkPe_f5KSji1MLxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-Ultimate%2BGame%2BGuide%2Bfor%2BADHD.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLKRKezYpSo/XEdeXTRZDeI/AAAAAAAAGDs/9y59PXtUEM0jcjb6aQkPe_f5KSji1MLxgCLcBGAs/s400/Poster-Ultimate%2BGame%2BGuide%2Bfor%2BADHD.png" width="500" height="350" data-original-width="798" data-original-height="517" /></a></div>Finding the best games for children and teens with ADHD can help reduce hyperactivity and unfocused behavior. On the other hand, the wrong games can create chaos and conflict in the family and in the child's peer group.<br />
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Children of all ages and backgrounds love to play. There is no end to the many games that they want to experience! However, when it comes to a child with ADHD, it is the choice of games that will make the difference.<br />
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Because the child with ADHD is very often hyperactive (those with ADD will not have this hyperactivity component), many board games like <i>Scrabble</i> and <i>Monopoly</i> will not interest him. Instead, these children need to run, to jump and to shout. Actually, they need to burn that excessive energy somehow and in productive (not destructive) ways.<br />
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<b>Recommended Outdoor Games for Kids with ADHD</b><br />
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- <b>Soccer</b><br />
- <b>Hockey</b> (ice or roller)<br />
- <b>Tag</b><br />
- <b>Scavenger Hunt</b><br />
- <b>Follow the Leader</b><br />
- <b>Red Rover</b><br />
- <b>Hopscotch</b><br />
- <b><a href="https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/lawn-twister-creative-family-reunion-ideas/">Lawn Twister</a></b> (<i>Click</i> for directions here & below.)<br />
- <b><a href="https://abeautifulmess.com/2013/08/make-this-giant-jenga.html">Giant Jenga</a></b> <br />
- <b><a href="https://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/summer-activity-idea-cousin-carnival/">Bean Bag Ladder Toss</a></b> <br />
- <b><a href="https://thejoysofboys.com/5-summer-activities-with-pool-noodles/">Giant Ring Toss and Pool Noodle Target Throwing</a></b> <br />
- <b><a href="https://lets-get-together.com/2014/10/06/glow-in-the-dark-capture-the-flag/">Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag</a></b><br />
- <b><a href="https://craftsbyamanda.com/glow-in-the-dark-bowling-kix-cereal-collaboration/">Glow in the Dark Bowling</a></b><br />
- <b><a href="https://studiodiy.com/2013/07/30/diy-giant-lawn-matching-game/">Giant Lawn Matching Game</a></b><br />
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<b>Important Facts & Strategies When Seeking Games for Kids with ADHD</b><br />
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• The best games for ADHD children are those that are more outdoor-based, especially those requiring a higher energy level. However, certain outdoor activities might not work well for the ADHD child that seem to be excellent for other children.<br />
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• The ADHD child requires outdoor games that keep him active. Many children with ADHD don't enjoy games like baseball because there is too much standing around and waiting involved. They prefer climbing trees, running, jumping, hide and seek, etc.<br />
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• Avoid letting your child sit in front of TV or play video games for extended periods. Brain scans have shown that screen time makes ADHD worse. Put a limit of 1 hour on these types of activities.<br />
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• Playing games outdoors has a huge positive effect on hyperactive kids. One Illinois study found that ADHD children benefit by having a view of nature outside their windows.<br />
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• In another study, children who were able to view a tree or park outside their windows at home actually earned better grades than children whose windows looked out on a parking lot or other similar view. Greenery has a positive effect on all of us, especially children with attention issues.<br />
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• Activities and Games for ADHD children that take place in fresh air and healthier environments are good for these children. Plan to have weekends and vacations in wilderness area rather than in amusement parks or in city.<br />
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• Games with physical training are often enjoyable to ADHD children. A good workout is an alternative choice. It increases the flow of blood to the brain and decreases nervousness and anxiety. Such a workout with increased blood flow also releases endorphins into the brain, providing a feeling of calmness and a greater sense of well being.<br />
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• Many children with ADHD have problems with memory. To determine if your child has memory problems, play memory games with them and compare them to their peers.to check for deficits in this skill area.<br />
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• Command-type games make great ADHD games. Give him one command, after completing the job give him two commands simultaneously. Keep on increasing the number of commands until he fails to follow the command. This will actually improve his listening skills.<br />
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• Activities with model building, carving, woodworking, mosaics, jigsaw puzzles or that involve mechanical skills and hands-on activity are very beneficial. Children with ADHD often love to figure things out and solve puzzles. These types of games also help promote the following of directions, another very important life skill.<br />
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<b>How to Choose the BEST Indoor Games for Children with ADHD---When Needed</b><br />
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As stated above, physically-active games are essential for ADHD children. However, it is critically important to build healthy relationships in the family. As children get older, playing indoor games with parents, siblings and grandparents is a great way to accomplish this. Also, weather will all too often play a significant part in the need for indoor games.<br />
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The choice of games is extremely important for these children. Children with ADHD often experience meltdowns while playing board games that move too slowly. Choose games that do not lag but move along and engage the child from the very beginning. <br />
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Parents and teachers will want to look for games that move quickly, providing interest and interaction on an ongoing basis. Or better yet, play games where <i>everyone</i> plays <i>at the same time</i>. The card game called <i>Pit</i> is a great example of this.<br />
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Another type of game to consider is a strategy game, especially the kind that requires a good deal of critical thinking. Children with ADHD are typically very smart and will thrive when needing to "figure things out."<br />
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<b>Recommended Board Games for Kids with ADHD</b><br />
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- <i><b>Pit</b></i> by Winning Moves Games<br />
- <i><b>The Memory Game</b></i> by Hasbro<br />
- <i><b>Chutes and Ladders</b></i> by Hasbro <br />
- <i><b>Hoot Owl Hoot</b></i> by Peaceable Kingdom<br />
- <i><b>Battleship</b></i> by Hasbro<br />
- <i><b>Hedbanz</b></i> by Spin Master<br />
- <i><b>Jenga</b></i> by Hasbro<br />
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<b>Other Recommended Indoor Games</b><br />
<br />
- <b>Charades</b><br />
- <b>Balloon games</b><br />
- <i><i><b>Nerf</b></i></i> <b>games</b><br />
- <b>Hide-and-seek</b><br />
- <b>Foosball</b> <br />
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<b>Sources</b><br />
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<b>Games for ADHD Children: Activities to Reduce Hyperactivity</b> <br />
from <i>ADHDchildparenting.com</i><br />
General information for parents and teachers about locating the best types of games for children with ADHD.<br />
<a href="http://www.adhdchildparenting.com/adhd-game-activities.php">http://www.adhdchildparenting.com/adhd-game-activities.php</a><br />
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<b>5 Best Games for ADHD Kids</b> from <i>PRIDE Reading Program</i><br />
These non-digital games are the best in their category for help with improving memory, focus, strategizing, communicating, executive functioning, social skills & more!<br />
<a href="https://pridereadingprogram.com/5-best-games-for-adhd-kids/">https://pridereadingprogram.com/5-best-games-for-adhd-kids/</a><br />
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<b>2 FREE Online Games for Kids with ADHD</b> from <i>Fupa</i><br />
These 2 games were created to help promote better focus, more patience and decreased impulsivity for children with ADHD.<br />
<a href="http://www.fupa.com/games/1/adhd.html">http://www.fupa.com/games/1/adhd.html</a><br />
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<b>What Are the Best Activities for Kids With ADHD?</b> from <i>NewLifeOutlook</i><br />
There is no one activity that every ADHD child will love. Everyone has his own tastes, but activities such as some organized sports, teams and organizations, indoor and outdoor play, and art therapy can be a good place to start.<br />
<a href="https://adhd.newlifeoutlook.com/activities-for-kids-with-adhd/">https://adhd.newlifeoutlook.com/activities-for-kids-with-adhd/</a><br />
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<b>5 Great Outdoor Activities for Children with ADHD</b> from <i>Brain Balance Centers</i><br />
Activity for youngsters with ADHD requires a lot of thought and preparation. To help you plan some great quality family time, here are five "fun" outdoor activities to engage children with ADHD.<br />
<a href="https://blog.brainbalancecenters.com/5-great-outdoor-activities-for-children-with-adhd">https://blog.brainbalancecenters.com/5-great-outdoor-activities-for-children-with-adhd</a><br />
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For information about customizable focusing tools for readers of all ages with ADHD, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
<br />
Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a> and <a href="https://pixabay.com/">Pixabay</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-72252580180653991232019-01-15T09:58:00.003-06:002019-01-15T10:04:34.107-06:006 Great Resources for Sensory Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLZ3OGJzYPM/XD1egHtVWgI/AAAAAAAAGC0/62el_9VAJro85HFnZYsANTC38WTUEGdqQCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-Sensory%2BResources%2Bwith%2BBrain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLZ3OGJzYPM/XD1egHtVWgI/AAAAAAAAGC0/62el_9VAJro85HFnZYsANTC38WTUEGdqQCLcBGAs/s400/Poster-Sensory%2BResources%2Bwith%2BBrain.png" width="500" height="350" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="600" /></a></div>It can be surprising to some parents and teachers that kids need to move in order to focus. Also, <b>when the five senses are incorporated into a lesson plan or learning session, more learning results and retention is greater</b>. If this is new to you, then take heart. We are about to provide you with some great resources to help the kids you know improve focus, reading and learning. <br />
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Often, in mid-year, teachers need to brush off their usual go-to learning strategies and create new ones to once again grab student attention and increase their engagement. One of the ways to do this is to appeal to at least one of the five senses while teaching a particular lesson. <b>The more senses involved in the learning session, the more successful the lesson will be</b> for the children. Retention of content learned will also be significantly increased.<br />
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Finally, there are a significant number of children and teens who are challenged with sensory issues or what is called <i>sensory processing disorder</i> (SPD). Loud sounds, rough or itchy clothing and/or other <b>negative sensory experiences can cause real roadblocks to learning</b> for these children. Sometimes, these students respond much more positively when <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/product/RFC-001-002">soft, tactile manipulatives and tools</a>, kinesthetic movement or soothing music are used when teaching. Shortening a learning session or providing breaks at appropriate times during a lesson can also be of benefit to many. There are a variety of strategies teachers and parents can use to help children with these sensory needs.<br />
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So with the above points established, we have a list for you that should help you enrich your teaching methods in the classroom AND provide help to parents at home when homework needs to be completed. We hope you will find that teaching, learning and parenting with these sensory resources will be more productive and enjoyable for ALL!<br />
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<b>6 GREAT Resources for Sensory Kids</b><br />
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<b>Resources for Parents & Professionals</b> - STAR Institute for SPD<br />
<a href="https://www.spdstar.org/basic/resources-for-parents-and-professionals">https://www.spdstar.org/basic/resources-for-parents-and-professionals</a><br />
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<b>Helpful Websites for Sensory Kids</b> from SensorySmarts.com<br />
<a href="https://www.sensorysmarts.com/helpful_websites.html">https://www.sensorysmarts.com/helpful_websites.html</a><br />
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<b>Classroom Accommodations for Sensory Processing Issues</b> from Understood.org<br />
<a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/at-a-glance-classroom-accommodations-for-sensory-processing-issues">https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/at-a-glance-classroom-accommodations-for-sensory-processing-issues</a><br />
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<b>GREAT Collection of Resources for SPD</b>---via Pinterest<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/278026976968934770/?lp=true">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/278026976968934770/?lp=true</a><br />
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<b>The OT Toolbox Resource Center</b> from The OT Toolbox<br />
(Enter "Sensory" in "All Categories" drop-down menu.)<br />
<a href="http://community.theottoolbox.com/customresources">http://community.theottoolbox.com/customresources</a><br />
<b>Website:</b> <a href="https://www.theottoolbox.com/">https://www.theottoolbox.com/</a><br />
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<b>SENSORY ACTIVITY IDEAS</b> from Cara Koscinski, MOT, OTR/L of The Pocket OT<br />
Printable PDF document: <a href="https://bit.ly/2QOI2im">https://bit.ly/2QOI2im</a> <br />
<b>Website:</b> <a href="https://www.pocketot.com/">https://www.pocketot.com/</a><br />
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For information about customizable sensory tools for readers of all ages, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
<br />
Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-19904394311917613452019-01-09T11:31:00.000-06:002019-01-09T11:32:01.139-06:00How to Read with More Focus and Retention in the Year Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzUga0QRM4SOZ0zsnfKzzC0MjOmvApZgHg7TMVnMMQZQ3mW7XcV3OBskuSALrtTAl39GLk7jzv91pl3TaBvJVwdzCXVrjMlsAz9sefkztyIYtJP7i_NWLpfOls-C3_VEKFxbj0_zVE-Y/s1600/Poster-Focus+with+Magnifying+Glass.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzUga0QRM4SOZ0zsnfKzzC0MjOmvApZgHg7TMVnMMQZQ3mW7XcV3OBskuSALrtTAl39GLk7jzv91pl3TaBvJVwdzCXVrjMlsAz9sefkztyIYtJP7i_NWLpfOls-C3_VEKFxbj0_zVE-Y/s400/Poster-Focus+with+Magnifying+Glass.png" width="500" height="325" data-original-width="780" data-original-height="520" /></a></div>Let’s face it, today’s world of handheld devices, infinite social media posts and other similar types of distractions, make it more than a little challenging to maintain needed focus while reading.<br />
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For the New Year, make a “reading resolution” to take important steps to increase your focus, not only when reading but also in other areas of your life. Keep in mind 3 "focusing" goals for 2019---More focus, better focus and sustained focus.<br />
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Set aside the time to implement the following tips. You’ll be so glad you did!<br />
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<b>1. Turn off</b> the instant messengers, cell phone and email notifiers.<br />
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<b>2. Practice proper posture</b> in a chair with good support.<br />
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<b>3. Organize your reading/study environment</b> PRIOR to your reading session.<br />
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<b>4. Clear your mind</b> for 1 minute.<br />
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<b>5. Read in 30-minute intervals.</b><br />
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<b>6. Read with one specific goal in mind</b>.<br />
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Read with mindfulness. Have a specific goal in mind before you read the content. This will not only improve your focus, but will also help you get through the material more efficiently. The more specific your goal is, the better your concentration will be. <br />
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Although these are simple strategies, they can make such a difference in positively impacting your ability to focus when reading. Practice these tips to not only improve your reading but to also help you increase focus, even in other areas of your life. Implement these tips on a daily basis to begin forming the habit of improved focus. As a result, you will then be able to comprehend and retain the information you are reading much better---both in the New Year ahead AND well beyond 2019.<br />
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<b>Sources:</b><br />
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<b><i>5 Tips for Maintaining A Strong Focus While Reading</i></b> by Joseph Rodrigues, <i>Iris Reading, LLC</i><br />
<a href="https://www.irisreading.com/5-tips-to-maintaining-excellent-focus-while-you-are-reading/">https://www.irisreading.com/5-tips-to-maintaining-excellent-focus-while-you-are-reading/</a><br />
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<b><i>7 Tips To Improve Your Attention Span And Focus Instantly</i></b> by CJ Goulding, <i>Lifehack</i><br />
<a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/7-tips-improve-your-attention-span-and-focus-instantly.html">https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/7-tips-improve-your-attention-span-and-focus-instantly.html</a><br />
<br />
For information about customizable focusing tools for readers of all ages, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
<br />
Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-63077936938261812612018-12-28T13:52:00.000-06:002018-12-30T11:54:29.373-06:00Have You Made Your "Reading Resolutions" for the New Year?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfK2_5qKAml195GrMX6s3Jjv2ChWoMOwjRVAZ_ipaE-gR21Yfn-cpm5wPVorEE3PdpqWlvMqVE-jM1o-zNPwFu2bzBm-pmlXHX2B1OpSzOTOHIdQuxCSuwj30HmaskAtVaXBU4jRLsRM/s1600/Poster-Dr.+Seuss-Places+You%2527ll+Go.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfK2_5qKAml195GrMX6s3Jjv2ChWoMOwjRVAZ_ipaE-gR21Yfn-cpm5wPVorEE3PdpqWlvMqVE-jM1o-zNPwFu2bzBm-pmlXHX2B1OpSzOTOHIdQuxCSuwj30HmaskAtVaXBU4jRLsRM/s400/Poster-Dr.+Seuss-Places+You%2527ll+Go.png" width="500" height="300" data-original-width="912" data-original-height="472" /></a></div>It's no secret that on a few days remain of the old year and a new year is fast approaching. With that new year, many will be making their annual resolutions to improve themselves, whether it be improvements in mind, body or soul. We hope you are considering and beginning to formulate your own New Year's resolutions in the coming days, especially those that will help improve your educational or learning progress in the year ahead. One of the best ways to do this might just be increasing your daily reading time, whether it is for learning content or for leisure. Spending time with a book is always a good thing---for adults as well as children and teens. Trade some of those screen-time minutes (or even hours!) for time with a favorite book or magazine related to your field of expertise or profession. Promise yourself to crack open a book of poetry from one of the masters of the 19th Century. <br />
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There are a variety of ways to increase your "book time" in the months ahead. Some ways might even positively impact not only your literacy life but also those of your family or your circle of friends. We want to be a <i>literacy catalyst</i> for our readers and help motivate and inspire many to pick up a book or turn on an e-reader rather than the TV. We hope this list of ideas will get you on the road to becoming a bonafide literacy catalyst in your family, school, workplace and community. That way, we will ALL have a great New Year with these new reading resolutions! <br />
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<b>Tips to Help Promote Literacy in Your Home</b><br />
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<b>1. Read to Them Daily!</b> It’s never too early to read aloud to your child. In fact, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading to children in infancy! This special time actually promotes healthy brain development and serves to bond parent and child closer together.<br />
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<b>2. Read in Front of Them, too!</b> If parents “practice what they preach” about the importance of reading, it sends a loud and clear message to their kids that reading is, in fact, valuable.<br />
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<b>3. Create Space for Reading and Writing.</b> One way parents can make literacy appealing to children is by providing an inviting place to read and write. A desk with pens, pencils, markers and paper nearby will encourage your little one to hone his writing skills. A small bookshelf filled with books, with a comfy beanbag close by, will promote reading.<br />
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<b>4. Take Advantage of Windows of Opportunity.</b> Parents should look for natural opportunities throughout the day to support literacy development. Have your kiddo write the shopping list for you, read the traffic signs as you drive, and name all the things in the kitchen that start with the letter <i>R</i>.<br />
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<b>5. Be Involved with Your Child's Homework.</b> If your little one is school-age, then be available to help with homework. Children often feel overwhelmed and unsure about their assignments. Your presence can help to alleviate their anxiety as well as remind them that you place a high value on their education.<br />
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<b>6. Visit the Library Often!</b> Frequent visits to your public library go a long way in nurturing literacy growth in your child. Take advantage of story hours, book borrowing, and other activities offered by your local library branch.<br />
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<b>7. Celebrate Successes with Your Child.</b> Everyone likes a pat on the back every now and then. Be sure to celebrate when your kiddo spells a hard word correctly, finishes her book, or writes her name for the first time!<br />
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<b>8. Turn Off the Television.</b> Kids often need a little extra encouragement to pick up a book or pencil and paper. Parents can help this process by turning off the television at certain hours of the day. You may be surprised at what your kid finds to do once the TV is off!<br />
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<b>9. Play Around with Words</b> Young children learn best when playing. Provide toys that encourage literacy development. These don’t need to be the latest tech toys with all the bells and whistles. Simple toys like ABC blocks and Lincoln Logs will offer plenty of learning stimulation!<br />
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<b>Tips to Help Promote Literacy in Your School</b><br />
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<b>1. Set aside time for independent reading.</b> Time for reading independently doesn’t just happen. Plan for it by making it a priority in schedules across K-12 classrooms. You may need to get creative by stealing minutes here and there, but find at least 15 minutes a day (20 recommended) for self-selecting, independent reading.<br />
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<b>2. Create Literacy-Rich Environments in every K-12 Classroom.</b> A literacy-rich environment – full of print, word walls, books, and reading materials – not only supports the Common Core standards, but also provides a setting that encourages and supports speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a variety of authentic ways – through print & digital media. Make it a priority for every K-12 classroom to be an inviting, print-rich environment that supports independent reading and student learning.<br />
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<b>3. Support High-Quality Classroom Libraries.</b> Students need access to interesting books and materials – both in print and online. When students are provided with well-designed classroom libraries, they interact more with books, spend more time reading, exhibit more positive attitudes toward reading, and exhibit higher levels of reading achievement (NAEP, 2002). Additionally, research-based classroom libraries support balanced literacy instruction. Support teachers in building classroom libraries through budget dollars, grants, and book drives.<br />
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<b>4. Encourage Read Alouds.</b> In the <i>Becoming a Nation of Readers</i> report (1985), experts reported that “the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.” Not only did the experts suggest reading aloud in the home, but they also suggested reading aloud in schools. Read alouds not only allow teachers to model that reading is a great way to spend time, but also exposes students to more complex vocabulary than they typically hear or read. Remember to read to older students, too. Occasionally reading more difficult text aloud provides opportunity for rich discussion and vocabulary development. <br />
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<b>5. Create a “Caught Reading” Campaign that features Teachers as Readers.</b> Creating a school-wide reading culture is important to promote reading as a lifestyle. Students need to see their teachers as readers. Create posters of teachers and staff reading their favorite books and display them in hallways throughout the schools. You can also produce bookmarks that feature teacher’s favorite book picks to help guide students as they select books for independent reading.<br />
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<b>6. Invite Guest Readers into Classrooms.</b> What better way to promote reading than by having guest readers read aloud to students. Invite parents and community members to select a book or article to read aloud and discuss with students. You can even make it fun by announcing them as “mystery readers” and providing clues during the week to create anticipation for the guest reader.<br />
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<b>7. Encourage Students to Read Widely.</b> Sometimes students get in a rut and don’t read beyond their favorite genre or author. Encourage students to read outside of their preferred genres. To build a wide vocabulary and broad background knowledge, students need to read in a wide variety of genres and text types. Through book talks, read alouds, and book displays, open students’ eyes to new authors, genres, and text types.<br />
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<b>8. Create a Twitter Hashtag for Sharing Books.</b> Move beyond traditional books reviews by creating a schoolwide Twitter #hashtag such as #GESTitleTalk or #PS41FavBookswhere students and teachers write super short reviews and highlights of recently read books. In addition, the librarian can create interest in books by posting new titles on the school hashtag. Teachers can create a classroom hashtag, too, such as #4thReads.<br />
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<b>9. Host Book Clubs for Students and Parents.</b> A community of readers sometimes happens naturally; however, book clubs are a perfect way to foster connectivity around books and reading. Students can even host their own book clubs within a classroom, grade level, or school. Reading is important for parents, too. Host a book club at school or online to help create an adult community of readers and build strong parental support for reading. “Books and Bagels” can be a perfect duo for an early morning book club.<br />
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<b>10. Financially Support School Libraries.</b> In an era of tightening budgets, the school library/media center needs to continue receiving financial support. While classroom libraries are vitally important to a balanced literacy program, media centers are as well. Each serves a distinctly different purpose in supporting readers. And, media centers should be staffed by licensed librarians who are experts in both children’s literature and how to build and maintain a high-quality collection that supports independent reading, research, and instruction.<br />
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For <b>MORE Literacy Tips for School</b>, click <b><a href="https://www.teachthought.com/literacy/25-ways-schools-can-promote-literacy-independent-reading/">here</a></b>.<br />
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<b>Tips to Help Promote Literacy in Your Workplace</b><br />
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<b>1. Start a Book Basket in Your Office.</b> If you do not have a basket you can use a box or bin instead. Make sure you place it in a high traffic area, such as the mail room, the lunch area, or where everyone signs in and out. The idea is that these books are easily accessible by any colleague in order to promote leisurely reading. Bring a few books that are laying around your house that you have already read and donate them to your workplace. Everyone can take a book as long as they promise to bring at least one back to share. When the book has been read, it should be brought back so someone else can enjoy. This will also hopefully inspire some collaboration and discussion about the books. <br />
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<b>2. Write a Weekly Reflection or Newsletter.</b> Writing is a great way to reflect on what has happened and can help you plan out for the days or weeks to come. It also provides a sense of accomplishment once you realize all the things have been completed. This is also a great vehicle for mention of a favorite book or article read by you or a co-worker. It can keep everyone at work in the <i>literacy loop</i>!<br />
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<b>3. Practice <i>Reading</i> or <i>Writing Yoga</i>.</b> Read or write silently for at least ten minutes per day. You can easily turn your workplace into a relaxing yoga studio by dimming the lights or adding party or holiday lights. Turn on a wax burner or oil diffuser to stimulate your nostrils (as per office or workplace policies, of course). Play some instrumental music to set the tone and perhaps bring a rug, beanbag, or pillows to allow you to get more comfortable. You can even brew some hot tea or make some hot chocolate to stimulate your taste buds, too! This environment will really help relax all your senses and provide somewhat of a mental break from the stress and workload that you may be faced with each day. Try it out! You and your colleagues will be amazed on how energized and relaxed you will feel afterwards. <br />
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<b>4. Write a <i>Thank You</i> Note.</b> Many times we get caught up with work that we forgot to thank those around us. We take for granted those people that mean the most to us and those whose work goes unnoticed. Take a few minuets to write a small thank you note to someone that you work with that has done something for you or that rarely gets noticed for their hard work (the janitors, cafeteria ladies, security guards, and secretaries are a great place to start). I guarantee this small act of kindness will mean the world to whomever you deliver it to. Let them know that you care and you are grateful to work alongside them. <br />
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<b>5. Create a Book Club in Your Office.</b> Get a group of colleagues to commit to read a book that everyone agrees upon and set weekly or monthly expectations for what should be read. Try to meet over breakfast, lunch, or happy hour to discuss. If everyone is crunched for time, you can start a slow twitter chat and pose questions to each other regarding the book. <br />
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<b>6. Start a Gratitude Jar.</b> Take some time to write down what you are thankful for on some Post-It Notes. Keep them in a plastic or glass jar and place it near your computer or someplace in your office were it is easily noticeable as a daily reminder to constantly write and add to our growing gratitude jar.<br />
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<b>Tips to Help Promote Literacy in Your Community</b><br />
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<b>1. Educate Yourself and Others by Researching Literacy Websites.</b> Start by researching some of the online resources available to you and then share them on social media or anywhere else you think they will help. Some are comprehensive directories that can help you identify help in your own community. <br />
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<b>2. Volunteer at Your Local Literacy Council.</b> Your local literacy council is there to help adults learn to read, do math, learn a new language, anything literacy and numeracy related. They can also help children keep up with reading in school. Staff members are trained and reliable. Participate by becoming a volunteer or by explaining the services to someone you know who might benefit from them.<br />
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<b>3. Find Your Local Adult Education Classes for Someone Who Needs Them.</b> Your literacy council and/or your local community college will have information about adult education classes in your area. If not, simply search online or ask at your local library. If your own county doesn't offer adult education classes, which would be surprising, check the next closest county, or contact your state education department. Every state has one.<br />
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<b>4. Ask for Reading Primers at Your Local Library.</b> Your local county library has resources available and can recommend special books to assist you in helping a friend learn to read. Books on beginning readers are sometimes called <i>primers</i> (pronounced <i>primmer</i>). Some are designed especially for adults to avoid the embarrassment of having to learn by reading children's<a href="https://seussblog.wordpress.com/2014/03/02/happy-birthday-dr-seuss/"></a> books. Learn about all of the resources available to you. The library is always an excellent place to start.<br />
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<b>5. Hire a Private Tutor for a Challenged Reader.</b> Give the gift of reading to someone who needs it. It can be very embarrassing for an adult to admit that he or she cannot read or work simple calculations. If the thought of attending adult education classes freaks someone out, private tutors are always available. Your literacy council or library are probably your best places to find a trained tutor who will respect the student's privacy and anonymity. What a wonderful gift to give someone who won't otherwise seek help. <br />
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<b>Sources:</b><br />
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<i><b>10 Tips to Promote Literacy at Home</b></i> by Jennifer Campbell, <i>Red Apple Reading Blog</i><br />
<a href="https://www.redapplereading.com/blog/2015/10/10-tips-to-promote-literacy-at-home/">https://www.redapplereading.com/blog/2015/10/10-tips-to-promote-literacy-at-home/</a><br />
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<i><b>25 Ways Schools Can Promote Literacy And Independent Reading</b></i> by <i>TeachThought</i><br />
<a href="https://www.teachthought.com/literacy/25-ways-schools-can-promote-literacy-independent-reading/">https://www.teachthought.com/literacy/25-ways-schools-can-promote-literacy-independent-reading/</a><br />
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<b><i>Promoting Literacy in the Workplace</i></b> posted by Alejandra Guzman, <i>High Five Science</i> <a href="http://highfivescience.blogspot.com/2016/12/promoting-literacy-in-workplace.html"><br />
http://highfivescience.blogspot.com/2016/12/promoting-literacy-in-workplace.html</a><br />
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<b><i>5 Ways to Improve Adult Literacy</i></b> by <i>ThoughtCo.</i><br />
<a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/ways-to-improve-adult-literacy-31729">https://www.thoughtco.com/ways-to-improve-adult-literacy-31729</a><br />
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For more information on literacy tips, strategies and customizable tools for all kinds of readers, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
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Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a> and <a href="https://seussblog.wordpress.com/2014/03/02/happy-birthday-dr-seuss/">Seussblog</a> Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-73160789889460442042018-11-27T09:58:00.000-06:002018-12-28T12:11:57.156-06:00Encourage Challenged Readers with These Helpful Combos!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w--wdQxKdTE/W_hcugFYN1I/AAAAAAAAF7Y/YhPQoqmxND8kuyj3STlsPEYHQDxVcyjvQCLcBGAs/s1600/A%2BCollection%2Bof%2BWebsite%2BBooks%2B%2528with%2BLD%2Btext%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w--wdQxKdTE/W_hcugFYN1I/AAAAAAAAF7Y/YhPQoqmxND8kuyj3STlsPEYHQDxVcyjvQCLcBGAs/s400/A%2BCollection%2Bof%2BWebsite%2BBooks%2B%2528with%2BLD%2Btext%2529.png" width="525" height="400" data-original-width="604" data-original-height="447" /></a></div>"If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk," writes author Laura Joffe Numeroff in her best-selling children's book (<i>If You Give a Mouse a Cookie</i>). In the same vein, if you give a child a book, there is a very good chance she will ask for another. <br />
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Books are priceless gifts that open doors to children that they might not otherwise have opened to them. Stories teach important lessons, provide escape to faraway lands and introduce children to characters that inspire and remain in their hearts for years to come. So, when it is time to think of a great gift for a child you love, think no further than a favorite book to help him remember your special thoughtfulness. Whether it is to commemorate a birthday, the Holiday Season or other important event, give a book, and chances are, you will hear about your gift often and for a long time to come.<br />
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You may wonder, "But what about a child who struggles to read or has challenges that make reading more difficult for him?" Please don't stop thinking about books as worthy gifts if this is the case. In fact, giving a book to a child with a reading challenge like dyslexia or other LD such as ADHD, autism, etc., can actually provide you with an opportunity to present an audio-book or a traditional selection accompanied by helpful reading tools. So, don't hesitate to consider the gift of one of these options that will make a child of any age smile. <br />
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Consider choosing a title with a main character that struggles with the very same reading challenge the child experiences. There are more children's books than ever before that demonstrate just how to manage and even overcome many reading and learning issues. Some attack dyslexia or ADHD head on while others infer an academic or other struggle. Whatever the case, when a child reads about a character who experiences the same issues and feelings he has, it can be the first step to helping to deal with that issue. Combine the title with helpful tools or reading aids, and you have an ideal gift option for a child who wants to read and learn with more success.<br />
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During this Holiday Season, we have gathered together <b>a very special grouping of favorite children's selections</b> for a variety of age groups to help you with gift giving. With books like these that are paired with <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/products">innovative reading tools</a>, not only will you be encouraging a child to read, but you will also help provide support, enjoyment, inspiration and improved self-esteem for that child. Of course, being a genuine supporter of literacy and life-long learning will be a wonderful benefit, as well. And there is always the very good chance that the child will ask for another book to read just like the mouse with the cookie and the glass of milk. Happy "Reading" Holidays, everyone!<br />
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<b>Book & Tool Gift Sets for Challenged Readers/Learners</b><br />
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- <b><i><a href="https://www.focusandread.com/product/CLCS-RFC-001-002">Clementine</a></i></b> (ages 6-8) by Sara Pennypacker<br />
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- <b><i><a href="https://www.focusandread.com/product/BBCS-RFC-001-002">My Name is Brain Brian</a></i></b> (ages 8-12) by Jeanne Betancourt<br />
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- <b><i><a href="https://www.focusandread.com/product/MMCS-RFC-001-002">My Mouth Is a Volcano!</a></i></b> (ages 5-8) by Julia Cook<br />
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- <b><i><a href="https://www.focusandread.com/product/TSTCS-RFC-001-002">Tom's Special Talent - Dyslexia</a></i></b> (ages 5-7) by Kate Gaynor<br />
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- <b><i><a href="https://www.focusandread.com/product/FTCS-RFC-001-002">Fish in a Tree</a></i></b> (ages 10+) by Lynda Mullaly Hunt<br />
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- <b><i><a href="https://www.focusandread.com/product/AWCS-RFC-001-002">The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia</a></i></b> (ages 5-7) by Diane Burton Robb<br />
<a href="https://www.focusandread.com/product/LTCS-RFC-001-002"><br />
- <b><i>The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 1)</a></i></b> (ages 9+) R. Riordan<br />
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- <b><i><a href="https://www.focusandread.com/product/ICDCS-RFC-001-002">It's Called Dyslexia (Live and Series)</a></i></b> (ages 6-9) by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos<br />
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For more information on customizable reading tools for ADHD and/or dyslexia, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
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Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-30953469333849269112018-10-23T08:54:00.000-05:002018-10-23T12:21:18.822-05:00The Latest Stats and Resources for ADHD and Dyslexia <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7dHYuI5Y9Xk/W88jXdRW9GI/AAAAAAAAF1w/LdpFnH_6Ka4mB-tHBqVUOrlxkE1Aye4AgCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-New%2BStats%2B%2526%2BResources%2Bfor%2BADHD%2B%2526%2BDyslexia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7dHYuI5Y9Xk/W88jXdRW9GI/AAAAAAAAF1w/LdpFnH_6Ka4mB-tHBqVUOrlxkE1Aye4AgCLcBGAs/s640/Poster-New%2BStats%2B%2526%2BResources%2Bfor%2BADHD%2B%2526%2BDyslexia.png" width="500" height="400" data-original-width="650" data-original-height="507" /></a></div>It is October and the autumn air is a bit chilly here in the Midwest. <b>October is also ADHD Awareness Month</b> and <b>Dyslexia Awareness Month</b>. Because of this, we thought it would be helpful to our readers to provide some important and recently published statistics (from 2016) regarding these two learning disabilities. At the same time, we thought it even more important to offer a collection at the same time of updated resources to assist parents and teachers who help children with these specific challenges.<br />
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You may be surprised to learn that ADHD and dyslexia are distinct conditions that frequently overlap, thereby causing some confusion about the nature of these two conditions. <b>ADHD is one of the most common developmental problems, affecting 9-10% of the school-age population</b> in the U.S. It is characterized by inattention, distractability, hyperactivity (sometimes) and impulsivity. <br />
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At the same time, <b>it is estimated that 30% of those with dyslexia have co-existing ADHD.</b> Some experts in the fields of ADHD and dyslexia claim that this the number is closer to 40%. Co-existing means the two conditions, ADHD and dyslexia, can occur together, but they do not cause each other. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, spelling and decoding of words. Persons with dyslexia have problems discriminating sounds within a word or phonemes, a key factor in their reading and spelling difficulties. (See IDA fact sheets <b>Definition of Dyslexia</b> and <b>Dyslexia Basics</b> in <b>Dyslexia Resources to Help</b> below here.)<br />
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<b>Current Dyslexia Statistics & Information</b><br />
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<b>1.</b> Current research suggests that <b>about 17% of the population has dyslexia</b> (nearly 1 in 5 children).<br />
<b>2.</b> An <b>equal number of girls and boys are dyslexic</b>. It is thought that boys are more likely to act out as a result of having a reading difficulty and are therefore more likely to be identified early. Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to try to "hide" their difficulty, becoming quiet and reserved.<br />
<b>3.</b> Because the source of dyslexia lies in the brain, <b>children do not outgrow dyslexia</b>. With the proper intervention, children with dyslexia can learn to read well. As adults, people with dyslexia can be successful in many different careers, although many adults with dyslexia continue to have difficulty with spelling and tend to read relatively slowly.<br />
<b>4.</b> The <b>first description of dyslexia appeared in 1896 </b>by <b>Dr. W. Pringle Morgan</b> in Sussex, England<br />
<b>5.</b> The word <i>dyslexia</i> is derived from the Greek word <i>dys</i> (meaning poor or inadequate) plus <i>lexis</i> (words or language), <b>implying only an inadequacy in language tasks</b>.<br />
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<b>Current ADHD Data & Statistics (2016)</b><br />
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<b>1.</b> <b>Approximately 9.4% of children 2-17 years of age</b> (6.1 million)<b> had ever been diagnosed with ADHD</b>, according to parent report in 2016. <br />
-Ages 2-5: Approximately 388,000 children<br />
-Ages 6-11: Approximately 2.4 million children<br />
-Ages 12-17: Approximately 3.3 million children<br />
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<b>2.</b> Parent report on ADHD diagnosis <i>in previous years</i>:<br />
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-The percent of children 4-17 years of age ever diagnosed with ADHD had previously increased, from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007 and to 11.0% in 2011-12. <br />
-The number of young children (ages 2-5) who had ADHD at the time of the survey increased by more than 50% from the 2007-2008 survey to the 2011-12 survey. <br />
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<b>3.</b> Parent report <i>in 2016</i>, among U.S. children ages 2-17 years:<br />
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-Nearly 2 of 3 children with current ADHD had at least one other mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. [Read article]<br />
-About 1 out of 2 children with ADHD had a behavior or conduct problem.<br />
-About 1 out of 3 children with ADHD had anxiety.<br />
-Other conditions affecting children with ADHD: depression, autism spectrum disorder, and Tourette Syndrome.<br />
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<b>Dyslexia Resources to Help</b><br />
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<b>Definition of Dyslexia</b>-from International Dyslexia Association (IDA)<br />
<a href="https://dyslexiaida.org/definition-of-dyslexia/">https://dyslexiaida.org/definition-of-dyslexia/</a><br />
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<b>FREE Dyslexia Fact Sheet</b>-from Understood.org<br />
What is dyslexia? This FREE one-page fact sheet (view full size) provides essential information for beginners. You can read the fact sheet online, or print it out and give it to friends, family and teachers. <br />
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<b>Dyslexia Basics</b>-from International Dyslexia Association (IDA)<br />
<a href="https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/">https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/</a><br />
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<b>Online Dyslexia Test</b>-from Dyslexia Advantage (Dr. Fernette Eide)<br />
<a href="https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/dyslexia-test/">https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/dyslexia-test/</a><br />
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<b>SELF-ADVOCACY: Common Accommodations and Modifications</b>-from Dyslexia Advantage (Dr. Fernette Eide)<br />
One of the first steps in advocacy is knowing which accommodations and/or modifications are necessary. Here’s a nice list from the state of CT.<br />
<a href="https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/self-advocacy-common-accommodations-and-modifications/">https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/self-advocacy-common-accommodations-and-modifications/</a><br />
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<b>Accommodations for Students with Dyslexia</b>-from International Dyslexia Association (IDA)<br />
<a href="https://dyslexiaida.org/accommodations-for-students-with-dyslexia/">https://dyslexiaida.org/accommodations-for-students-with-dyslexia/</a><br />
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<b>Dyslexia Awareness, Tools, Resources & Support</b><br />
<a href="https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3699032">https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3699032</a><br />
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<b>ADHD Resources to Help</b><br />
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<b>ADHD Symptom Tests</b><br />
Separate tests provided here for children and adults. Is it ADHD? Or learning disabilities, OCD, or something else? Take these self-tests to learn whether you or your child have symptoms that resemble attention deficit or one of the related conditions commonly diagnosed alongside ADHD. Print the results and take them to a medical professional for an appropriate diagnosis.<br />
<a href="https://www.additudemag.com/category/understand-conditions/symptom-tests/">https://www.additudemag.com/category/understand-conditions/symptom-tests/</a><br />
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<b>FREE ADHD Downloads</b>-from <i>ADDitude</i> Magazine<br />
A sizable collection of FREE printables on a variety of ADHD topics is available here. The resources provided for children and adults include information on treatment options for ADHD, neurofeedback, ADHD's impact on personal relationships and much MORE! <br />
<a href="https://www.additudemag.com/download/">https://www.additudemag.com/download/</a><br />
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<b>Strategies & Accommodations for Challenged Readers</b><br />
FREE downloadable list of strategies to help readers of all ages to FOCUS and READ with more success.<br />
<a href="https://www.focusandread.com/learning-strategies">https://www.focusandread.com/learning-strategies</a><br />
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<b>FREE ADHD Podcasts</b>-from <i>ADDitude</i> Magazine<br />
Listen to <i>ADDitude</i>’s FREE podcast series about all things ADHD — recognizing symptoms, researching treatment, raising children, living better with attention deficit, and much more — with leading experts in ADD / ADHD. Click here for the full library of ADDitude podcast episodes.<br />
<a href="https://www.additudemag.com/category/adhd-podcast/">https://www.additudemag.com/category/adhd-podcast/</a><br />
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<b>Other Resources</b><br />
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<b>VIDEO: Michelle Carter Wins Olympic Gold With Dyslexia and ADHD</b>-from Understood.org<br />
Michelle Carter grew up with BOTH dyslexia and ADHD. Reading and spelling were a challenge for her (they still are), and she struggled to pay attention in school. Then she found her passion and talent: track and field. It motivated her to do well enough in school to be able to continue competing. And it took her all the way to Rio in 2016, where she won an Olympic gold medal in the shot put. View this inspiring video to learn how she did it!<br />
<a href="https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/personal-stories/famous-people/video-michelle-carter-wins-olympic-gold-with-dyslexia-and-adhd">https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/personal-stories/famous-people/video-michelle-carter-wins-olympic-gold-with-dyslexia-and-adhd</a><br />
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<b>Tools & Apps for ADHD, Dyslexia & Other Challenges</b><br />
<a href="https://www.focusandread.com/products">https://www.focusandread.com/products</a><br />
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<b>Sources for This Article</b><br />
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<b>Data & Statistics for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)</b>-from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)<br />
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html">https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html</a><br />
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<b>Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and Dyslexia</b>-from International Dyslexia Association (IDA)<br />
<a href="https://dyslexiaida.org/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd-and-dyslexia/">https://dyslexiaida.org/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd-and-dyslexia/</a><br />
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<b>The Facts About Dyslexia</b>-from PBS.org<br />
<a href="http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/dyslexia/the_facts.html">http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/dyslexia/the_facts.html</a><br />
<br />
<b>50 Interesting Facts About Dyslexia</b>-from Reading Horizons <br />
<a href="https://athome.readinghorizons.com/blog/50-interesting-facts-about-dyslexia">https://athome.readinghorizons.com/blog/50-interesting-facts-about-dyslexia</a><br />
<br />
For more information on customizable reading tools for ADHD and/or dyslexia, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!<br />
<br />
Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a> and <a href="https://pixabay.com/">Pixabay</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-75488795599773616442018-09-12T07:37:00.000-05:002018-09-12T07:39:10.083-05:00BEST Executive Function Games, Apps and Activities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJFyFufrSoU/W5fl-HjepnI/AAAAAAAAFpA/FQIMbOvsjjcmiyrIVEg725qp8mahdHCSACLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-BEST%2BExecutive%2BFunction%2BGames%252C%2BApps%252C%2Betc..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJFyFufrSoU/W5fl-HjepnI/AAAAAAAAFpA/FQIMbOvsjjcmiyrIVEg725qp8mahdHCSACLcBGAs/s400/Poster-BEST%2BExecutive%2BFunction%2BGames%252C%2BApps%252C%2Betc..png" width="450" height="278" data-original-width="770" data-original-height="535" /></a></div>Before we can learn more about the best executive function resources, it is important to understand what executive function actually is.<br />
<b><br />
Executive function</b> is the term used to describe <b>a set of mental processes that helps us connect past experience with present action</b>. We use executive function when we perform such activities as:<br />
<br />
<b>1.</b> Managing time<br />
<b>2.</b> Paying attention<br />
<b>3.</b> Switching/changing focus<br />
<b>4.</b> Planning and organizing<br />
<b>5.</b> Remembering details<br />
<b>6.</b> Speaking/acting appropriately to avoid saying/doing the wrong thing<br />
<b>7.</b> Doing things based on one's experience<br />
<b>8.</b> Multi-tasking<br />
<br />
Executive function skills <b>allow us to focus our attention, filter distractions, and switch mental gears</b>. The <b>ability to manage time effectively</b> is also part of executive function.<br />
<br />
These skills enable us <b>to follow through and finish our work on time</b>, <b>ask for help when needed</b>, <b>wait to speak</b> until we are asked or called on and seek more information when appropriate.<br />
<br />
These planning, organizing, strategizing skills, along with the ability to pay attention and remember details impact us each and every day. <b>Typically, those with ADHD have difficulty with executive function</b>. It is part of the ADHD array of challenges. On the other hand, it is important to state that <b>those with executive function disorder do not automatically have ADHD</b>.<br />
<br />
With that said, these <b>executive function skills are learned and are typically not totally intact until after the teen years</b>. Knowing this can help us realize that the instruction of planning and organizational skills is very important for children. Keeping this in mind should also help us be more patient when children forget to either do their homework or turn it in, as those executive function skills are not totally intact until the mid-twenties.<br />
<br />
<b>When one has poor executive function skills, learning can be considerably more difficult</b>. Activities to build those executive function skills change and become more complex as an individual grows.<br />
<br />
To help build or improve executive function effectively, <b>consider the use of games, apps and other activities</b>. These types of resources are <b>more apt to grab the interest of an <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/products">already-challenged attention span</a> AND better engage an individual</b>. Of course, the resources used must be age-appropriate and, whenever possible, should appeal to the individual's learning style, as well.<br />
<br />
For this reason, and because of some recent email requests at the beginning of this new school year, we have gathered together<b> a collection of these executive function resources to help our readers</b> who care for and provide services to children with these challenges. We hope that if you are a parent, teacher, or one of these caregivers or support persons, you will discover all you need in the list that follows here. <br />
<br />
For additional information and resources for executive function skills, please visit our related article entitled <a href="https://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2014/09/brain-training-games-apps-to-improve.html"><i>Brain-Training Games & Apps to Improve Executive Functions</i></a>. <br />
<br />
<b>BEST Games to Help Improve Executive Functions</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/games-skillbuilders/8-fun-games-that-can-improve-your-childs-executive-functioning-skills">8 Fun Games That Can Improve Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills</a></b><br />
by Lexi Walters Wright at Understood.org<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/family-games-that-improve-executive-functioning/">Family Games that Improve Executive Functioning</a></b><br />
by What Do We Do All Day<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.thepathway2success.com/games-to-improve-executive-functioning-skills/"><b>Games to Improve Executive Function Skills</b></a><br />
by Pathway 2 Success<br />
<br />
<b>BEST Apps to Help Improve Executive Functions</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.eschoolnews.com/2017/12/06/apps-executive-functioning-skills/">3 Apps That Lead to Improved Executive Functioning Skills</a></b><br />
by Jennifer Sullivan and Ron Samul at eSchool News<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://learningworksforkids.com/2018/08/apps-and-games-that-can-improve-executive-function-skills-in-the-classroom/">Apps and Games That Can Improve Executive Function Skills in the Classroom</a></b><br />
by Leah Watkins at LearningWorks for Kids<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/brain-training-apps-executive-functions/">FREE Webinar Replay: The Right Way to Train Your Brain: How to Improve Processing Speed and Executive Function with Games and Apps</a></b><br />
with Randy Kulman, Ph.D., and James Daley<br />
FREE hour-long webinar, downloadable slide presentation and strategies from <i>ADDitude</i> via email. <br />
<br />
<b>BEST Activities to Help Improve Executive Functions</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.bonnieterrylearning.com/blog/activities-improve-executive-function-skills/">Activities to Improve Executive Function Skills</a></b><br />
by Bonnie Terry Learning<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.lynnekenney.com/20-activities-to-improve-executive-function/">20 Activities To Improve Executive Function</a></b><br />
by Dr. Lynne Kenney<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/activities-guide-enhancing-and-practicing-executive-function-skills-with-children-from-infancy-to-adolescence/">Activities Guide: Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence</a></b><br />
from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University<br />
<br />
For more information on customizable reading tools for better focus, attention, and improved executive function, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<br />
Image courtesy of: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">Brennan Innovators, LLC</a> and <a href="https://pixabay.com/">Pixabay</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-73212222068269882382018-07-28T10:24:00.000-05:002018-07-28T10:47:47.646-05:00BEST Reading Resources for ADHD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf-AtBjEadi2e59SxeqgdkHPELEM-L1Q39U_ru2uhxAlC-0ROUykeHVO4KKeCiCjeTKCvuVkYux32MOAh6HIafpkuwzP2NEC200nbZhhUIEu9EbQWWK44UrsK8Vb3-qj4s7xrirmfESI/s1600/Poster-ADHD+Reading+Resources.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf-AtBjEadi2e59SxeqgdkHPELEM-L1Q39U_ru2uhxAlC-0ROUykeHVO4KKeCiCjeTKCvuVkYux32MOAh6HIafpkuwzP2NEC200nbZhhUIEu9EbQWWK44UrsK8Vb3-qj4s7xrirmfESI/s400/Poster-ADHD+Reading+Resources.png" width="400" height="277" data-original-width="541" data-original-height="374" /></a></div>As the summer begins to wind down, it will be more prudent than ever to encourage your child or teen to spend time reading. This will further help them to avoid "The Summer Slide" and be better prepared for a more successful fall term. Students with ADHD may need even more support along these lines.<br />
<br />
For this reason and because of our experiences with students of all abilities after the summer vacation period, we thought it would be beneficial to our readers to provide a <b>list of ADHD reading tips and resources</b>, especially right now during the fast-approaching back-to-school season. One of our previous articles entitled <b><i><a href="https://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2014/07/lets-deal-with-distractions-adhd.html">Let's Deal with Distractions---ADHD Strategies for Home & School</a></i></b> included a rather extensive list of general home and school resources for ADHD. <br />
<br />
This week, we are helping parents and teachers prepare for a new school year with a new ADHD resource list for reading. We hope this list will assist our readers in helping students experience improved focus, more sustained attention and better concentration when reading (whether online or offline). It is important to note that these resources can be helpful not only to children with ADHD but to ALL children with reading issues. We hope the list and its "goodies" will provide you with the needed resources to help a child you know with the reading challenges of ADHD.<br />
<br />
<b>Helpful Reading Resources for ADHD</b><br />
<br />
<b>11 Every-Night Ways to Build Stronger Reading Skills</b><br />
by Matthew Cruger, Ph.D. and <i>ADDitude</i> Magazine<br />
Children with ADHD and learning disabilities often struggle to become confident readers with strong comprehension skills. Here’s how easy-to-follow tips — like forming a book group or encouraging note-taking — can help your little reader.<br />
<a href="https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-reading-comprehension/">https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-reading-comprehension/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Many ADHD Kids Also Have Reading Problems</b><br />
by Denise Mann, <i>WebMD Health News</i><br />
About half of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may experience problems with reading, according to a new study in Pediatrics. It was found that 51% of boys with ADHD had reading problems, as did 46.7% of girls with ADHD. More information about this study and many reading resources for ADHD are offered here.<br />
<a href="https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/news/20100927/many-adhd-kids-also-have-reading-problems">https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/news/20100927/many-adhd-kids-also-have-reading-problems</a><br />
<br />
<b>Print & Use Tools: Study Skills</b> from SchoolFamily.com<br />
FREE worksheets, lists and activities to help children (especially those with ADHD) become better organized, more motivated & more on top of school work.<a href="https://www.schoolfamily.com/print-and-use-tools/category/77-study-skills"><br />
https://www.schoolfamily.com/print-and-use-tools/category/77-study-skills</a><br />
<br />
<b>Summer Ways to Prepare for a Better School Year</b> from <i>ADDitude</i> Magazine<br />
A guide to preparing your child for the upcoming school year.<br />
<a href="https://www.additudemag.com/summer-school-for-parents/">https://www.additudemag.com/summer-school-for-parents/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Saving Summer with Structure</b> from <i>ADDitude</i> Magazine<br />
Combine fun and structure to give children with ADHD the best summer ever. Parents and experts reveal how to boost smarts and avoid boredom during the lazy days of summer.<br />
<a href="https://www.additudemag.com/saving-summer-adhd-routine-children-vacation/">https://www.additudemag.com/saving-summer-adhd-routine-children-vacation/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Desktop App: Reading Focus Cards</b> (U.S. Patent 8,360,779) <br />
($5.99-per device w/ no subscription) from Brennan Innovators, LLC<br />
Desktop app for Windows PC's and Macs is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (U.S. Patent 7,565,759). Provides practical focus and reading support for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia,autism and other conditions that can affect reading success.<br />
<b>1. For Macs:</b> Visit the <b>Mac App Store</b> at <br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12">https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12</a><br />
<b>2. For Windows XP, 7, 8 & 10 PC's:</b> Visit <b>Gumroad</b> at <br />
<a href="https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards">https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards</a> <br />
<b>3. For Windows 10 PC's only:</b> Visit the <b>Microsoft Windows Store</b> at <br />
<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRDF33D">https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRDF33D</a> <br />
<br />
<b>5 Back To School Tips for Your ADD or ADHD Child </b> <br />
by Dr. Robert Myers, Child Psychologist <br />
Here are some back-to-school tips to make things seem a lot easier and smoother for parents and kids.<br />
<a href="https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/5-back-school-tips-add-adhd-child/">https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/5-back-school-tips-add-adhd-child/</a><br />
<br />
<b>ADD/ADHD Resources for Teachers</b> from TeacherVision<br />
Articles and many FREE resources to help educators manage the special nature of students with ADD/ADHD.<br />
<a href="https://www.teachervision.com/add-and-adhd/resource/5348.html">https://www.teachervision.com/add-and-adhd/resource/5348.html</a><br />
<br />
For more information on customizable reading tools for better focus & attention, please visit: <a href="https://www.focusandread.com/">FocusandRead.com</a> ---Tools for struggling readers of all ages!Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-33088600653649048172018-06-06T08:40:00.000-05:002018-06-06T08:41:21.227-05:00Engage Kids in Reading with Great Book and Video Combos!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ULFY96zLCpI/WxcmgWO3yTI/AAAAAAAAFeU/ADB6BgC93zcPUtuAkQ_jwqKajFgaZaJ9ACLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-Book%2B%2526%2BVideo%2BCombos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ULFY96zLCpI/WxcmgWO3yTI/AAAAAAAAFeU/ADB6BgC93zcPUtuAkQ_jwqKajFgaZaJ9ACLcBGAs/s400/Poster-Book%2B%2526%2BVideo%2BCombos.png" width="400" height="325" data-original-width="562" data-original-height="456" /></a></div>Reading is an enjoyable pastime for many, and it knows no season. Summer, winter, spring or fall can provide an unlimited number of opportunities to read for pleasure. For a reluctant reader, however, enjoying a good book may not be a favorite activity. In fact, it may be downright unpleasant, especially when <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/">reading challenges</a> are experienced by that reluctant reader. In this week's article and as another summer begins, we thought it would be timely to provide some helpful resources to entice and hopefully engage young readers who would otherwise not pick up a book and read it for enjoyment, particularly during this summer vacation time. <br />
<br />
So often <b>reluctant or challenged readers respond well and have a preference for sensory experiences</b>, those activities involving at least 1 of the 5 senses. In particular, visuals can be very powerful in their appeal for these readers, providing long-term benefits that improve comprehension and positively impact memory and retention, too. A great way to appeal to the senses and thereby encourage more reading is to pair 2 visuals---a good book with a related video. Of course, the first step would be to engage the child in the new book with a promise to view the video when the reading of the story is completed.<br />
<br />
To help make this more convenient for you as a parent or educator, we have gathered together here a <b>great list of revered children's books AND their related videos</b> that re-tell their stories. What could be more effective than this in enticing kids to read---and keep reading all summer long? We can't think of anything better!<br />
<br />
<b>Book and Video Combos to Entice & Engage Kids in Reading</b><br />
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<i><b>The Hungry Caterpillar</b></i> by Eric Carle <br />
(for Ages 2-5)<br />
<b>e-Book:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Rise-Shine-ebook/dp/B01M3R3EM5/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1528050593&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Hungry+Caterpillar">https://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Rise-Shine-ebook/dp/B01M3R3EM5/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1528050593&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Hungry+Caterpillar</a><br />
<b>Physical Book:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Eric-Carle/dp/0399226907/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528050893&sr=8-1&keywords=hungry+caterpillar+book">https://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Eric-Carle/dp/0399226907/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528050893&sr=8-1&keywords=hungry+caterpillar+book</a><br />
<b>Video:</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/75NQK-Sm1YY">https://youtu.be/75NQK-Sm1YY</a><br />
<br />
<i><b>The Little Engine That Could</b></i> by Watty Piper <br />
(for Ages 3-7)<br />
<b>e-Book:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Engine-That-Could-ebook/dp/B00ADUG31C/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1528050969&sr=1-1&keywords=the+little+engine+that+could">https://www.amazon.com/Little-Engine-That-Could-ebook/dp/B00ADUG31C/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1528050969&sr=1-1&keywords=the+little+engine+that+could</a><br />
<b>Physical Book:</b> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-engine-that-could-watty-piper/1100035996?ean=9780399244674&st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_New+Core+Shopping+Books_00000000&2sid=Bing_e&sourceId=PLBiP209799&msclkid=20986b937fad183b96a3308747e6b883#/">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-engine-that-could-watty-piper/1100035996?ean=9780399244674&st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_New+Core+Shopping+Books_00000000&2sid=Bing_e&sourceId=PLBiP209799&msclkid=20986b937fad183b96a3308747e6b883#/</a><br />
<b>Video:</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/5TPUwrURo6M">https://youtu.be/5TPUwrURo6M</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Anne of Green Gables</i></b> by Lucy Maud Montgomery <br />
(for Girls, Ages 8-12) <br />
<b>e-Book:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Green-Gables-AmazonClassics-Montgomery-ebook/dp/B073QRGDCW/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1528240607&sr=1-2&keywords=Anne+of+Green+Gables+DVD">https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Green-Gables-AmazonClassics-Montgomery-ebook/dp/B073QRGDCW/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1528240607&sr=1-2&keywords=Anne+of+Green+Gables+DVD</a><br />
<b>Physical Paperback:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Green-Gables-Lucy-Montgomery/dp/1420952560/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1528240352&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=anne+of+green+gables+book&psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Green-Gables-Lucy-Montgomery/dp/1420952560/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1528240352&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=anne+of+green+gables+book&psc=1</a><br />
<b>Movie:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Green-Gables-Megan-Follows/dp/B000XSKDH4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1528240941&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=anne+of+green+gables+movie&psc=1&smid=A3L2KOXEXJZT5E">https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Green-Gables-Megan-Follows/dp/B000XSKDH4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1528240941&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=anne+of+green+gables+movie&psc=1&smid=A3L2KOXEXJZT5E</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i></b> by Wilson Rawls <br />
(for Ages 8-12)<br />
<b>e-Book:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Fern-Grows-Wilson-Rawls-ebook/dp/B004G606EO/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1528241173&sr=8-1&keywords=Where+the+Red+Fern+Grows+e-book">https://www.amazon.com/Where-Fern-Grows-Wilson-Rawls-ebook/dp/B004G606EO/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1528241173&sr=8-1&keywords=Where+the+Red+Fern+Grows+e-book</a><br />
<b>Physical Paperback:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Fern-Grows-Wilson-Rawls/dp/0440412676/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1528241173&sr=8-1">https://www.amazon.com/Where-Fern-Grows-Wilson-Rawls/dp/0440412676/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1528241173&sr=8-1</a><br />
<b>Movie:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Fern-Grows-Digital-Copy/dp/B003TNS3HC/ref=sr_1_14?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1528241021&sr=1-14&keywords=classic+books+for+boys">https://www.amazon.com/Where-Fern-Grows-Digital-Copy/dp/B003TNS3HC/ref=sr_1_14?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1528241021&sr=1-14&keywords=classic+books+for+boys</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Fish in a Tree</i></b> by Lynda Mullaly Hunt <br />
(for Ages 10+) <br />
<b>e-Book:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Tree-Lynda-Mullaly-Hunt-ebook/dp/B00KWG61P0/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503854188&sr=1-1">https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Tree-Lynda-Mullaly-Hunt-ebook/dp/B00KWG61P0/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503854188&sr=1-1</a><br />
<b>Physical Paperback:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Tree-Lynda-Mullaly-Hunt/dp/0142426423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503854188&sr=1-1">https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Tree-Lynda-Mullaly-Hunt/dp/0142426423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503854188&sr=1-1</a><br />
<b>Short Trailer Video:</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/zrPWhRrmaZM">https://youtu.be/zrPWhRrmaZM</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief</i></b> by Rick Riordan <br />
(for Ages 10-14)<br />
<b>e-Book:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians-ebook/dp/B00280LYIC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503930476&sr=1-1">https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians-ebook/dp/B00280LYIC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503930476&sr=1-1</a><br />
<b>Physical Paperback:<b></b></b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503930476&sr=1-1">https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503930476&sr=1-1</a><br />
<b>Movie:</b> (for rental or purchase) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Percy-Jackson-Olympians-Lightning-Thief/dp/B003JHKORK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1528239509&sr=8-1&keywords=Percy+Jackson+and+the+Lightning+Thief+movie">https://www.amazon.com/Percy-Jackson-Olympians-Lightning-Thief/dp/B003JHKORK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1528239509&sr=8-1&keywords=Percy+Jackson+and+the+Lightning+Thief+movie</a><br />
<br />
<b>For information about customizable tools for ALL kinds of challenged or reluctant readers:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b>314-892-3897</b><br />
<br />
<b>Image courtesy of:</b> Brennan Innovators, LLC: <a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a> and Pixabay: https://pixabay.comHelp for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-38832239503082037822018-05-22T08:19:00.001-05:002018-05-22T08:20:00.230-05:00Make Kids' Summer Reading FUN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhVREukZtMY/WwM-h1qA_5I/AAAAAAAAFaQ/x82qyRInWFYOzbVKg9bUI33vDHxaoHBwACLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-Kids%2527%2BSummer%2BReading.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhVREukZtMY/WwM-h1qA_5I/AAAAAAAAFaQ/x82qyRInWFYOzbVKg9bUI33vDHxaoHBwACLcBGAs/s400/Poster-Kids%2527%2BSummer%2BReading.png" width="400" height="275" data-original-width="778" data-original-height="534" /></a></div><br />
Summer is here and with it comes a long, relaxing break from the classroom for millions of children. It will be a time for swimming and playing, enjoying lazy days with family and friends as well as afternoons spent with favorite activities. We hope one of those activities will be some summer reading time, as this can go a long way in <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/reading-comprehension">retaining and even boosting skills</a> for the next school year.<br />
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To help parents and teachers prepare for a summer break that allows and encourages more good reading for kids, we have gathered a list of new resources to make it easy. You'll discover recently published book lists for kids as well as <b>FREE activities and other reading resources</b> for the coming summer months. We hope you will find this list helpful as well as enjoyable for both you AND the children you care about and serve.<br />
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Here's are <b>2 EASY tips</b> to help you get started on a wonderful summer of reading FUN: <br />
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<b>1. Bring BOOKS with you EVERYWHERE! </b> Keep a basket with a variety of kids' books in your family room and another in the kitchen. Store a backpack with books ready to read while kids are riding in the car as you do errands and other activities. Bring reading outside to the backyard or on the patio with a weather-proof container of books tucked in a corner. <br />
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<b>2. Remember to visit your local library often</b> this summer, too! Your kids will remember those visits for years to come---AND thank you later!<br />
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<b>Summer Reading Resources That Are FUN, too!</b><br />
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<b>2018 ALSC Summer Reading Lists</b> (Birth to Grade 8) <br />
from the Association of Library Service to Children<br />
<a href="http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/2018-summer-reading-list">http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/2018-summer-reading-list</a><br />
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<b>Evergreen Audiobooks 2017</b> (Pre-K to Grade 8)<br />
from the Association of Library Service to Children<br />
<a href="http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/evergreenaudio">http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/evergreenaudio</a><br />
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<b>2018 Great Graphic Novels for Teens</b> <br />
from the ALA-American Library Association<br />
<a href="http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2018-great-graphic-novels-teens">http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2018-great-graphic-novels-teens</a><br />
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<b>Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge 2018</b><br />
from Scholastic, Inc.<br />
Welcome to the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge for 2018! Get ready for the best and most magical summer ever! Monday, May 7—Friday, September 7, 2018 <br />
<a href="https://www.scholastic.com/summer/home/">https://www.scholastic.com/summer/home/</a><br />
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<b>FREE Activities & Printables for Reading FUN!</b> <br />
from Scholastic, Inc.<br />
<a href="http://www.scholastic.com/parents/activities-and-printables?esp=CORPHP/ib/////NAV/Parents/Tab/ActivitiesPrintablesLP////">http://www.scholastic.com/parents/activities-and-printables?esp=CORPHP/ib/////NAV/Parents/Tab/ActivitiesPrintablesLP////</a><br />
<br />
<b>For information about customizable tools for ALL kinds of readers:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b>314-892-3897</b><br />
<br />
<b>Image courtesy of:</b> Brennan Innovators, LLC: <a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a> and Pixabay: https://pixabay.comHelp for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-3013308162044231062018-04-04T09:49:00.000-05:002018-04-04T09:50:10.308-05:0015 Empowering Resources for Persons of ALL Ages with Autism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztK2FywG4Fo/WsTjRDAiZSI/AAAAAAAAFHw/itKZmhxCpgYbnZ_bXCZKhDebZWh9uL74gCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-Autism%2BResources.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztK2FywG4Fo/WsTjRDAiZSI/AAAAAAAAFHw/itKZmhxCpgYbnZ_bXCZKhDebZWh9uL74gCLcBGAs/s200/Poster-Autism%2BResources.png" width="240" height="165" data-original-width="787" data-original-height="534" /></a></div>As many of our blog readers may know, <b>April is World Autism Month</b>. It is a dedicated time to help raise awareness for autism and the <b>1 in 68 children</b> as well as the many adults <b>challenged with an autism spectrum disorder </b>(ASD). You may also know that when provided with appropriate resources and family as well as community support, persons challenged with the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders can live productive lives and in many cases thrive within their supportive communities.<br />
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It is important to also keep in mind that <b>the right tools,</b> <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/learning-strategies"><b>strategies</b></a> and <b>resources can significantly improve one’s learning success</b>, too, especially when reading and learning can be difficult for someone with autism, ADHD, dyslexia or other issues. If you or someone you know is challenged with an ASD, however, the significance of those <b>tools, strategies and resources</b> may be even more important in efforts <b>to improve the quality of life</b>. You may already know about <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">physical and digital tools</a> that effectively help challenged, unfocused readers with autism and sensory issues. <b>A FREE list of reading and learning strategies</b> to help persons of any age with autism (and other issues, too) can be found <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/learning-strategies"><b>here</b></a>.<br />
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For this article, we wanted to address the third component---<b>resources that can actually help to EMPOWER children and adults with autism</b> to become more confident, more socially interactive and better able to overcome their obstacles. In our efforts to write this article, we have received the assistance of Ms. Kathleen Carter, a high-school student with autism who has been a volunteer-intern-extraordinaire at EducatorLabs. She assisted the organization with its research and outreach activities. <br />
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Ms. Carter kindly provided the first six empowering resources in our list included here. We want to thank her for these good resources for autism. We have added a few more links to the list and hope that because of our combined efforts, these resources may help you or others you know in the autism community to feel empowered to become more confident, more comfortable in social situations and more independent in overcoming the challenges of autism---each and every day!<br />
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<b>Empowering Resources for Persons with Autism</b><br />
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<b>1. Autism Speaks Resource Guide</b><br />
<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-guide">http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-guide</a><br />
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<b>2. Career Assistance for People with Autism</b><br />
<a href="http://www.hloom.com/career-assistance-for-people-with-autism/">http://www.hloom.com/career-assistance-for-people-with-autism/</a><br />
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<b>3. National Center for Autism Resources & Education</b><br />
<a href="https://www.nationalautismresources.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_term=%2Bnational%20%2Bautism%20%2Bresources&utm_content=Trademark%20-%20Brand ">https://www.nationalautismresources.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_term=%2Bnational%20%2Bautism%20%2Bresources&utm_content=Trademark%20-%20Brand </a> <br />
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<b>4. AutismNOW Transition Planning</b><br />
<a href="http://autismnow.org/in-the-classroom/transition-planning-for-students/">http://autismnow.org/in-the-classroom/transition-planning-for-students/</a><br />
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<b>5. Aquatic Therapy for Children with Autism</b><br />
<a href="http://www.saveonpoolsupplies.com/landing/aquatic-therapy-for-children-with-autism.aspx">http://www.saveonpoolsupplies.com/landing/aquatic-therapy-for-children-with-autism.aspx</a><br />
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<b>6. Autism Services</b><a href=" http://healthfinder.gov/FindServices/SearchContext.aspx?topic=81"><br />
http://healthfinder.gov/FindServices/SearchContext.aspx?topic=81</a><br />
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<b>7. Equine Therapy Programs for Children with Autism</b><br />
<a href="https://www.equestriantherapy.com/equine-therapy-children-aspergers-autism/">https://www.equestriantherapy.com/equine-therapy-children-aspergers-autism/</a> <br />
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<b>8. Autism Resources from Easter Seals</b><br />
<a href="http://www.easterseals.com/explore-resources/living-with-autism/autism-resources.html">http://www.easterseals.com/explore-resources/living-with-autism/autism-resources.html</a><br />
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<b>9. Family Grant Opportunities (for Therapy, Assistive Technology, etc.)</b><br />
<a href="https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-library/family-grant-opportunities">https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-library/family-grant-opportunities</a><br />
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<b>10. Resources - Solutions to Problems in the Autism Community</b>-US Autism & Asperger Association<br />
<a href="http://www.usautism.org/resources.html">http://www.usautism.org/resources.html</a><br />
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<b>11. BEST Apps for Sensory Processing Issues</b> (iPad, Android and Desktop Apps)<br />
<a href="http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2015/04/best-apps-for-sensory-processing-issues.html">http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2015/04/best-apps-for-sensory-processing-issues.html</a><br />
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<b>12. BEST Apps for Autism</b>(iPad, Android and Desktop Apps)<br />
<a href="http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2015/01/best-apps-for-autism-2015.html">http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2015/01/best-apps-for-autism-2015.html</a><br />
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<b>13. NEW Reading Focus Cards App for Windows 10 PCs (via Windows Store)</b><br />
<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRDF33D">https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRDF33D</a><br />
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<b>14. NEW Reading Focus Cards App for Windows XP, 7, 8 & 10 PCs (via Gumroad.com)</b><br />
Click on drop down to version preferred.<br />
<a href="https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards">https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards</a><br />
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<b>15. Physical Reading Focus Cards Tools for Challenged Readers</b><br />
(For Reading Actual Books & Documents)<br />
<a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">http://www.focusandread.com/products</a><br />
<br />
<b>For more information on customizable tools for challenged readers with autism:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b>314-892-3897</b><br />
<br />
<b>Image courtesy of:</b> Brennan Innovators, LLC: <a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a> and Pixabay: https://pixabay.com Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-81910954174317121112018-03-20T09:17:00.000-05:002018-03-20T09:21:22.306-05:00Launch of New Windows 10 App Helps Motivate All Ages to Focus and Read Better---Online or Offline<b><i>Finally, low-cost help for ALL readers with the new Reading Focus Cards app</i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGYBIqdkbCY/WrEWzkeiPII/AAAAAAAAFCo/8ksotttOHVE1eSk9COpetJld3zjwFtZ3gCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-PC%2BTool.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGYBIqdkbCY/WrEWzkeiPII/AAAAAAAAFCo/8ksotttOHVE1eSk9COpetJld3zjwFtZ3gCLcBGAs/s200/Poster-PC%2BTool.png" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="246" data-original-height="246" /></a></div>As students return from Spring Break in the days ahead, they will be looking for new and better ways to resume the reading and study tasks required for a successful conclusion to the school year. Whether they are elementary, secondary, college or grad <b>students</b>, they <b>will be looking for motivating ways to effectively manage the volume of reading and test prep to meet their academic goals</b> throughout the remainder of the semester.<br />
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The <b>new</b> <a href="https://goo.gl/YftDve"><b>Reading Focus Cards app for Windows 10 PCs</b></a> (U.S. Patent 8,360,779) can enable students to do just that---focus and read digital media with more success. The new app now accessible via the Windows Store, was designed by a St. Louis educator and entrepreneur in collaboration with a renowned developer of apps for challenged readers. (For Mac users, there is a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12">Mac version of the Reading Focus Cards</a> app, too.) In addition to these digital apps, sensory-appealing Reading Focus Card tools made in St. Louis are also available for use with physical books and documents, too. This <b>system of reading aids</b> from Brennan Innovators<b> helps improve focus</b> for many readers but <b>can be especially helpful to students</b> of all ages <b>with ADHD, dyslexia and other issues</b> that very often <i>negatively</i> impact the reading experience.<br />
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Brennan Innovators, LLC, a leading innovation-driven provider of reading solutions for all ages, announced that it has published its new Windows 10 Reading Focus Cards app (U.S. Patent 8,360,779) for readers of online and offline digital media. This application for use with Windows 10 PCs was made possible by combining the efforts of an innovative developer of special needs apps together with those of an experienced St. Louis educator and entrepreneur. The launch of the <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRDF33D">Reading Focus Cards app for Windows 10</a> <b>more easily enables PC users to read digital text with more focus, visual comfort and improved reading skills. </b><br />
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Established in 2007, Brennan Innovators is a <b>U.S. educational products and services company</b> with a proven track-record of successful development and commercialization of teacher-designed reading tools for mainstream use as well as readers with special needs. All the company’s reading products are made in the U.S.A. Brennan Innovators also <b>provides consultation and professional educational services</b> for teachers, parents and other adults who serve students in grades K-12. <br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/5Z6im7"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pce42ili_hQ/Wq65KNQm4bI/AAAAAAAAFCU/JE45V36yCC4kXZ00CDEpLBGabexRxv0-gCLcBGAs/s1600/App%2BScreenshot-Win%2B10%2B%25286%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pce42ili_hQ/Wq65KNQm4bI/AAAAAAAAFCU/JE45V36yCC4kXZ00CDEpLBGabexRxv0-gCLcBGAs/s200/App%2BScreenshot-Win%2B10%2B%25286%2529.png" width="200" height="143" data-original-width="1398" data-original-height="997" /></a></div></a>Speaking on the development of the app, <b>Joan M. Brennan</b>, founder and CEO of Brennan Innovators, LLC, said, "This <b>infinitely-customizable app FLOATS on top and STAYS on top of underlying digital applications </b>(Kindle PC app, etc.), enabling readers to <b>FOCUS on digital text needing immediate attention</b> AND <b>BLOCK OUT surrounding text</b> that may be distracting. The app is <b>great for e-books and online courses read on PCs</b>, too. The launch of this innovative overlay application continues our commitment to <b>explore new and innovative pathways in reading technology with an emphasis on support for challenged readers</b> of all ages/abilities <b>and, thereby, improvement of their self-esteem</b>. <b>Reading success and the skills related to it are the cornerstones for success and achievement in life</b>. We are excited to add this new Windows 10 version of the Reading Focus Cards app to our portfolio of customizable and sensory-appealing reading solutions."<br />
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Ms. Brennan, an experienced middle-school teacher, created the <b><a href="http://www.focusandread.com/product/RFC-001-002">original Reading Focus Cards</a></b> (U.S. Patent 7,565,759), <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">physical reading aids</a> that grew out of the students’ needs in her own classroom. Throughout 2017, she worked with <b>Abelardo Gonzalez</b>, a developer of apps for dyslexia (<i><a href="https://opendyslexic.org/">OpenDyslexic</a></i> font) and other reading challenges, to create the new Windows 10 Reading Focus Cards app for PCs. First established in 2014 for the first version of the <a href="www.focusandread.com/page/488513590">app for Macs and PCs</a>, their collaboration has worked well to support Brennan Innovators’ mission of providing tools to enable ALL individuals to focus and read with more success. The new app is available in the <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRDF33D">Windows Store</a>. The <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12">Mac version of the desktop app</a> is available in the Mac App Store.<br />
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To view a <b>VIDEO</b> of the <b>new Reading Focus Cards app for Windows 10</b> in action, please visit <a href="https://goo.gl/YftDve">https://goo.gl/YftDve</a>.<br />
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<b>Resource Links</b><br />
<br />
<b>1. NEW Reading Focus Cards App for Windows 10 PCs (via Windows Store):</b> <br />
<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRDF33D">https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRDF33D</a><br />
<br />
<b>2. NEW Reading Focus Cards App for Windows 10 PCs (via Gumroad.com):</b> <br />
Click on drop down to version preferred.<br />
<a href="https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards">https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards</a><br />
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<b>3. VIDEO of NEW Reading Focus Cards App for Windows 10 PCs:</b><br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/YftDve">https://goo.gl/YftDve</a><br />
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<b>4. Reading Focus Cards App for Windows 7 & 8 (via Gumroad.com):</b> <br />
Click on drop down to version preferred.<br />
<a href="https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards">https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards</a><br />
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<b>5. Reading Focus Cards App for Macs (via Mac App Store):</b><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12">https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12</a><br />
<br />
<b>6. Physical Reading Focus Cards Tools</b> <br />
(For Reading Actual Books & Documents)<br />
<a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">http://www.focusandread.com/products</a><br />
<br />
<b>For more information on customizable tools for ALL kinds of readers:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b>314-892-3897</b><br />
<br />
<b>Image courtesy of:</b> Brennan Innovators, LLC: <a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a> and Pixabay: https://pixabay.com Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-34597668069532264062018-02-06T10:55:00.000-06:002018-02-15T15:44:30.666-06:00BEST Websites for Dyslexia-2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2oj-9qv6O5w/WiGn4esuafI/AAAAAAAAErU/feFXmIFGkvgf77dNNRG76BDfU_elZnNDgCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-Dyslexia%2BWebsites-2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2oj-9qv6O5w/WiGn4esuafI/AAAAAAAAErU/feFXmIFGkvgf77dNNRG76BDfU_elZnNDgCLcBGAs/s200/Poster-Dyslexia%2BWebsites-2018.png" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="438" data-original-height="438" /></a></div>It's no surprise that the most popular article (with resources) in our blog here was actually written and published back in 2013. The article entitled <a href="http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html"><b><i>BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia</i></b></a> has experienced nearly 35,000 visitors to date since its publication in early October of that year (updated in late 2016).<br />
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We thought we were long overdue in providing our readers with a brand new article with the latest and best in dyslexia websites and resources. We hope that you will discover exactly what you need in the list of links below to effectively help a reader with dyslexia whom you know and support. <br />
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<b>BEST Websites for Dyslexia-2018</b><br />
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<b>The International Dyslexia Association</b><br />
<b>Home Page:</b> <a href="https://dyslexiaida.org">https://dyslexiaida.org</a><br />
<b>FREE Fact Sheets:</b> <a href="https://dyslexiaida.org/fact-sheets/">https://dyslexiaida.org/fact-sheets/</a><br />
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<b>The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity</b><br />
<a href="http://www.dyslexia.yale.edu/">http://www.dyslexia.yale.edu/</a><br />
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<b>DyslexiaHelp at the University of Michigan</b><br />
<a href="http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/">http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Decoding Dyslexia</b><br />
National grassroots organization of parents, teachers and other adults impacting the lives of children & adults w/ dyslexia<br />
<b>Home Page:</b><a href="http://www.decodingdyslexia.net/">http://www.decodingdyslexia.net/</a><br />
<b>Links to Individual State Branches:</b> <a href="http://www.decodingdyslexia.net/dd-states.html">http://www.decodingdyslexia.net/dd-states.html</a><br />
<br />
<b>For Teachers</b> from Decoding Dyslexia Oregon <br />
Dyslexia resources for educators---all in 1 place.<br />
<a href="http://www.decodingdyslexiaor.org/for-teachers/">http://www.decodingdyslexiaor.org/for-teachers/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Understanding Dyslexia</b> from Understood.org<br />
<a href="https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/understanding-dyslexia">https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/understanding-dyslexia</a><br />
<br />
<b>Dyslexic Advantage</b> by Drs. Fernette & Brock Eide<br />
<b>Home Page:</b> <a href="http://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/">http://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/</a><br />
<b>Online Adult Dyslexia Checklist of Symptoms</b>(for guidance only): <a href="http://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/dyslexia-test/">http://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/dyslexia-test/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Bright Solutions for Dyslexia</b> by Susan Barton<br />
<a href="http://www.dys-add.com/">http://www.dys-add.com/</a><br />
<br />
<b>800+ Dyslexia Resources---ALL in 1 Place!</b> from Brennan Innovators, LLC<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/">https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Connect the Dots: Understanding Dyslexia</b> (Launch Report-May 2017)<br />
by Kate Griggs, Founder & CEO, Made By Dyslexia<br />
<a href="http://www.madebydyslexia.org/assets/downloads/made_by_dyslexia_connecting_the_dots.pdf">http://www.madebydyslexia.org/assets/downloads/made_by_dyslexia_connecting_the_dots.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<b>LD Online-Dyslexia Basics</b><br />
<a href="http://www.ldonline.org/article/16282">http://www.ldonline.org/article/16282</a><br />
<br />
<b>Reading Rockets</b><br />
<a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/reading-topics/dyslexia">http://www.readingrockets.org/reading-topics/dyslexia</a><br />
<br />
<b>OpenDyslexic Font</b> by Abelardo Gonzalez<br />
Access to FREE download of font that helps dyslexic readers (for all possible devices)<br />
<a href="https://opendyslexic.org/">https://opendyslexic.org/</a><br />
<br />
<b>BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia</b><br />
<a href="http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html">http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html</a><br />
<br />
<b>How Well Does Your State Support Children with Dyslexia?</b> (published 10/25/17)<br />
by Emily Hanford, <i>The Hechinger Report</i><br />
Provides clickable map for status of dyslexia legislation in all 50 U.S. States.<br />
<a href="http://hechingerreport.org/well-state-support-children-dyslexia/">http://hechingerreport.org/well-state-support-children-dyslexia/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Homeschooling With Dyslexia</b> by Marianne Sunderland<br />
Website with excellent information and resources for teachers, homeschooling families and others who care for and serve children with dyslexia.<br />
<a href="https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/">https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Why Audiobooks?</b> from mindspark<br />
Reasons why audiobooks are a GOOD and WISE resource for dyslexic readers.<br />
<a href="http://www.mindsparklearning.com/why-audiobooks/">http://www.mindsparklearning.com/why-audiobooks/</a><br />
<br />
<b>“Don’t Worry. He’ll Catch Up” Will Condemn Your Child To a Lifetime of Struggling to Read</b><br />
by Judy Santilli Packhem, <i>Medium</i><br />
Children who have difficulty when young will not just “catch up” on their own or with traditional methods of teaching.<br />
<a href="https://medium.com/@judysantillipackhem/dont-worry-he-ll-catch-up-will-condemn-your-child-to-a-lifetime-of-struggling-to-read-2dcfbb488ed8">https://medium.com/@judysantillipackhem/dont-worry-he-ll-catch-up-will-condemn-your-child-to-a-lifetime-of-struggling-to-read-2dcfbb488ed8</a><br />
<br />
<b>Exercise Helps the Brain</b> by clnAdrian, <i>Conscious Life News</i><br />
<a href="https://consciouslifenews.com/new-finding-different-types-exercise-affect-different-parts-brain/11121031/">https://consciouslifenews.com/new-finding-different-types-exercise-affect-different-parts-brain/11121031/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Differently Wired</b> by Mike Pickle<br />
Dyslexic/dyspraxic blogger offers tips, techniques and related guidance for working professionals with dyslexia who wish to excel in the workplace.<br />
<a href="https://differentlywired.co.uk/">https://differentlywired.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
<b>For information on customizable tools for dyslexia & other reading challenges:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b>314-892-3897</b><br />
<br />
<b>Image courtesy of:</b> Brennan Innovators, LLC: <a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a> and <br />
Pixabay.com: <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/children-studying-book-reading-read-670663/">https://pixabay.com/en/children-studying-book-reading-read-670663/</a> <br />
Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-3398065716759789192018-01-17T09:02:00.002-06:002018-01-17T10:47:25.508-06:00How Can I Help a Child with Convergence Insufficiency (CI)?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUvrC7AT0o/Wl4xbgdiqbI/AAAAAAAAE0I/pTrhKQgGtFEZqf-ELvgjYCJmCQgKxS-pwCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-Convergence%2BInsufficiency%2B%2528CI%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUvrC7AT0o/Wl4xbgdiqbI/AAAAAAAAE0I/pTrhKQgGtFEZqf-ELvgjYCJmCQgKxS-pwCLcBGAs/s200/Poster-Convergence%2BInsufficiency%2B%2528CI%2529.png" width="199" height="200" data-original-width="513" data-original-height="515" /></a></div>In recent weeks, we have been receiving more than the usual requests for information and resources about an eye condition called <b>convergence insufficiency (CI)</b>. Because we have not published an article on this topic since 2012 with <b><i><a href="http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/11/helpful-apps-resources-for-convergence.html">Helpful Apps & Resources for Convergence Insufficiency</a></i></b>, we thought it was time with the New Year to provide our readers with the latest information, strategies and other resources on this subject of CI. <br />
<br />
<b>What IS Convergence Insufficiency? (CI)</b><br />
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Convergence insufficiency is a condition in which the <b>eyes are unable to work together when looking at nearby objects</b>. This condition causes one eye to turn outward instead of inward with the other eye creating double or blurred vision.<br />
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Convergence insufficiency is usually diagnosed in school-age children and adolescents. It can cause difficulty reading, for which parents or teachers might suspect the child has learning difficulties rather than an eye disorder.<br />
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Treatments are usually effective for convergence insufficiency.<br />
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<b>Symptoms and Causes of Convergence Insufficiency (CI)</b><br />
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Not everyone with convergence insufficiency has signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms occur while you're reading or doing other close work and might include:<br />
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<b>-</b><b>Tired, sore or uncomfortable eyes</b> (eyestrain)<br />
<b>-</b><b>Frequent headaches</b><br />
<b>-</b><b>Difficulty reading</b> — words seem to float on the page, loss of place or reading slowly, which might cause one to avoid reading or not complete schoolwork<br />
<b>-</b><b>Double vision</b> (diplopia)<br />
<b>-</b><b>Difficulty concentrating</b><br />
<b>-</b><b>Squinting, rubbing or closing one eye</b><br />
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The cause of convergence insufficiency is actually not known, but it involves a misalignment of the eyes when focusing on nearby objects. The misalignment involves the muscles that move the eye. Typically, one eye drifts outward when you're focusing on a word or object at close range.<br />
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If you or your child experiences the symptoms of convergence insufficiency or problems reading, consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive exam — a developmental/behavioral optometrist or an ophthalmologist.<br />
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<b>Diagnosis of Convergence Insufficiency (CI)</b><br />
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Individuals with convergence insufficiency might have otherwise normal vision (20/20), so it is important to mention reading or learning concerns to your eye care provider. To diagnose convergence insufficiency, the eye doctor might:<br />
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<b>1.</b> <b>Request a medical history. </b>This might include questions about problems with focusing, blurred or double vision, headaches, and symptoms.<br />
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<b>2.</b> <b>Measure the near point of convergence.</b> This test measures the distance from the eyes to where both eyes can focus without double vision. The examiner holds a small target, such as a printed card or penlight, in front of the patient and slowly moves it closer until either double vision is experienced or the examiner sees an eye drift outward.<br />
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<b>3.</b> <b>Assess positive fusional vergence (PFV).</b> During this test, the patient is asked to read letters on an eye chart while looking through prism lenses. The examiner will note when you begin to have double vision.<br />
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<b>4.</b> <b>Perform a routine or comprehensive (recommended) eye exam.</b> If patient has any other vision problems, such as nearsightedness, the doctor might conduct tests to assess the degree of the problem.<br />
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<b>Recommended Treatment of (CI)</b><br />
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Eye coordination problems like convergence insufficiency generally <b>cannot be improved with eye glasses or surgery</b>. A program of <b>vision therapy may be needed to improve eye coordination abilities, reduce symptoms, and alleviate discomfort</b> when doing close work.<br />
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The <b>American Optometric Association</b> and the 2008 Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial clearly support the <b>superiority of office-based vision therapy, supplemented by at-home vision therapy</b> (i.e., prescribed eye exercises, etc.), for treatment of convergence insufficiency.<br />
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If convergence insufficiency is not causing symptoms, treatment is generally not needed. However, for persons <i>with</i> symptoms, treatment that include eye-focusing exercises can increase the eyes' convergence ability.<br />
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Treatment of CI, which can take place in the office of a trained therapist or at your home, might include:<br />
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<b>1. Pencil Pushups:</b> In this exercise, the patient focuses on a small letter on the side of a pencil as it is moved closer to the bridge of the nose, stopping as soon as double vision is experienced. The exercise is often done for 15 minutes a day, five or more days a week.<br />
<b>2. Computer-generated Vision Therapy:</b> Eye-focusing exercises are done on a computer using software designed to improve convergence. The results can be printed to share with the eye doctor.<br />
<b>3. About Reading Glasses:</b> Glasses with built-in prisms generally haven't proved effective. If the patient has another focusing or vision problem, such as not seeing well close up (farsightedness), reading glasses might be prescribed.<br />
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Recent studies indicate that office-based therapy with home reinforcement is the most effective treatment for convergence insufficiency. Home-based treatment with pencil pushups or computer programs hasn't been shown to be as effective. But home treatment costs less and is more convenient and more readily available.<br />
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Treatment for convergence insufficiency might take three months or longer. Treatment can resolve convergence insufficiency, but symptoms might recur after illness, after lack of sleep, or when you're doing a lot of reading or other close work. Discuss treatment options with your eye care professional.<br />
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In the meantime, teachers can do much to enable students to manage CI symptoms and other reading challenges in the classroom. Here is a list of practical strategies to help alleviate some of the discomfort and focusing issues of CI:<br />
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<b>7 Classroom Modifications to Help Students with Functional Vision Problems</b><br />
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<b>Provide Better Lighting</b><br />
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Many classrooms are poorly lit with flickering fluorescent bulbs. Even when this type of lighting is functioning properly, the glare created by the fluorescent bulbs makes it very difficult for readers with challenges. Schools often need to make the most economical choices, and fluorescent lighting is cheap. However, proper lighting is particularly important for students with vision problems. We suggest providing natural lighting or full-spectrum bulbs whenever possible. On a nice day, a child could sit near the window in the sunlight or at a table with a full-spectrum lamp, especially when doing sustained close work. In addition, to alleviate the "harshness" of fluorescent lighting in a classroom, some teachers drape softly-colored, open-weaved fabric (not flammable) <i>under</i> the lighting fixtures on the ceiling but at a safe distance from them.<br />
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<b>Provide Periodic Work Breaks</b><br />
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Sustained near-field work that requires a student to keep both eyes pointed in the same direction (a function known as teaming), follow along the text (a function known as tracking), and focus on text or numbers for an extended amount of time (a function known as “accommodation”) is challenging for children with vision problems. These functions work effortlessly for children with healthy vision systems, but children with vision deficiencies need to put forth extra effort. Allowing students to take breaks regularly gives their eyes time to rest so they can begin working again refreshed.<br />
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<b>Provide Oral Testing Options</b><br />
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For children with vision problems, reading and writing causes strain and even headaches; so sometimes these students get distracted or give up while taking a test. If you’ve ever studied with your child for an exam, certain he would ace it, only to find out later that he failed, a functional vision problem could be interfering with his test-taking performance. Bubbling in answer sheets can be a particular challenge. Allowing students to demonstrate knowledge through oral quizzes and tests when possible is often a helpful solution.<br />
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<b>Grant More Time for Completion of Work</b><br />
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Often, classroom exams and assignments are either intentionally timed or students are hurried on to the next task due to schedules and general time constraints of the school day. A child with a learning-related vision problem may need more time to learn, complete assignments, and take tests. This has nothing to do with intelligence; it’s simply a matter of the way their vision system functions. Granting extra time can boost their performance.<br />
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<b>Use Highlighters</b><br />
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When you were in school, did you ever use highlighter markers or pencils to underline important text? When you’re reading, do you ever slide your finger or pen along text as a guide, especially when you’re getting tired or trying to concentrate on challenging material? Allowing a child with an eye tracking deficiency to use highlighters as they read is a simple but effective classroom modification. Readers with normal healthy visual processing systems can easily move their eyes in a left to right manner across the page without skipping words or losing their place. Highlighters can make it easier for your child to stay on track.<br />
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<b>Make Larger Text Available</b><br />
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Children with learning-related vision problems strain to read standard-sized text more so than their classmates with healthy vision systems. Larger print is easier to read, focus on, and follow along, smoothly and efficiently. Text on worksheets and exams can be enlarged simply by using larger font or blowing up the copy size. The school may be required to accommodate your child’s needs by ordering large-print textbooks when available. You can also buy large-print books for your child to read at home or check them out from the library.<br />
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<b>Limit Copying From Board</b><br />
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Copying from the board or screen can be difficult for a student with a vision problem, even if he has 20/20 eyesight or wears eyeglasses. When a child has trouble focusing, he may see clearly while looking down at his paper, and clearly while looking up at the board. However, looking up and down, back and forth, from the board to the paper might be where the challenge comes into play. The focus mechanism in a child’s eyes might be weak, slowing down the adjustment period as he looks from one point to the other. Arrange for seating closer to the board for some relief, or preferably provide the child with printed materials from which to copy.<br />
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If a child has a learning-related functional vision problem, simple classroom and learning environment modifications can provide much-needed relief as he tries to cope. The first step is to obtain a professional diagnosis by scheduling a functional or comprehensive vision exam with a developmental or behavioral optometrist. Then work with the school teacher and school to ensure appropriate modifications are made available.<br />
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These classroom modifications may be temporary, because an individualized vision therapy program can improve functional vision significantly.<br />
<br />
<b>Sources</b><br />
<br />
<b>Convergence Insufficiency</b> (Symptoms & Causes) - from Mayo Clinic<br />
<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/convergence-insufficiency/symptoms-causes/syc-20352735">https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/convergence-insufficiency/symptoms-causes/syc-20352735</a><br />
<br />
<b>Convergence Insufficiency</b> (Diagnosis & Treatment) - from Mayo Clinic<br />
<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/convergence-insufficiency/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352739">https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/convergence-insufficiency/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352739</a><br />
<br />
<b>Home-Based Therapy for Convergence Insufficiency-NOT EFFECTIVE!</b>- by Lynn Hellerstein<br />
<a href="http://lynnhellerstein.com/home-based-therapy-for-convergence-insufficiency-not-effective/">http://lynnhellerstein.com/home-based-therapy-for-convergence-insufficiency-not-effective/</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Dyslexia, Really? Convergence Insufficiency: the REAL Story</i></b>- by Robin Pauc (Kindle Edition)<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dyslexia-Really-Convergence-Insufficiency-story-ebook/dp/B0055T3AD0/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516115126&sr=1-2&keywords=convergence+insufficiency">https://www.amazon.com/Dyslexia-Really-Convergence-Insufficiency-story-ebook/dp/B0055T3AD0/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516115126&sr=1-2&keywords=convergence+insufficiency</a><br />
<br />
<b>What is Convergence Insufficiency (CI)?</b> - from Optometrists Network<br />
<a href="http://www.convergenceinsufficiency.org/">http://www.convergenceinsufficiency.org/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Convergence Insufficiency</b> - from COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development)<br />
<a href="http://www.covd.org/?page=Convergence">http://www.covd.org/?page=Convergence</a><br />
<br />
<b>Doctor Locator Tool</b> - from the COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development)<br />
Locate a Doctor in your area who is experienced and knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating convergence insufficiency.<br />
<a href="http://">http://locate.covd.org/</a><br />
<br />
<b>7 Classroom Modifications to Help Students with Functional Vision Problems</b><br />
<a href="http://www.visuallearningcenter.com/7-classroom-modifications-to-help-students-with-functional-vision-problems/">http://www.visuallearningcenter.com/7-classroom-modifications-to-help-students-with-functional-vision-problems/</a><br />
<br />
<b>65+ Convergence Insufficiency Resources</b> (Many are FREE!)<br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/SLsiGV">https://goo.gl/SLsiGV</a><br />
<br />
<b>Helpful Apps & Resources for Convergence Insufficiency</b><br />
<a href="http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/11/helpful-apps-resources-for-convergence.html">http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/11/helpful-apps-resources-for-convergence.html</a><br />
<br />
<b>For more information about tools, strategies and resources for CI and other reading challenges, please visit:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b>314-892-3897</b><br />
<br />
Image provided by: Brennan Innovators, LLC <b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b><br />
Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-43418364090763611502017-12-02T09:04:00.000-06:002017-12-02T09:58:50.017-06:00BEST Kids' Books About Dyslexia and ADHD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLpp_VJzWXAMwYsRSdZEEMtoAI9lnsh7ZKvTLxa9MgHGckPFeQVukQbFWd1RP0tSkiPfvWDifwfqjail0h6rIpnBiLHwk4-KqeydHyBb94NWqJiCtoMzVUfudJVBiFpV1wZ39TPuuX84/s1600/Poster-Kids%2527+Dyslexia+Books.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLpp_VJzWXAMwYsRSdZEEMtoAI9lnsh7ZKvTLxa9MgHGckPFeQVukQbFWd1RP0tSkiPfvWDifwfqjail0h6rIpnBiLHwk4-KqeydHyBb94NWqJiCtoMzVUfudJVBiFpV1wZ39TPuuX84/s200/Poster-Kids%2527+Dyslexia+Books.png" width="198" height="200" data-original-width="531" data-original-height="536" /></a></div>Self-esteem and confidence are two of the most important qualities parents and teachers try to instill in children. Succeeding in doing so, however, can be challenging for both the adults and the children. when we add a learning disability to the mix, self-esteem and confidence building can be daunting for all involved.<br />
<br />
That is why we have gathered together here what we believe are currently the BEST books about dyslexia and ADHD for kids. We think you will discover at least one of the selections in the list below to help you with the task of helping a child you know build self-confidence and self-esteem. Children and teens with LD challenges will find it easy to identify with the main characters in these stories. Not only are the selections empathetic, but they each help teach about strengths and talents that can help manage and sometimes even compensate for learning challenges.<br />
<br />
We hope a child you know will not only learn from one of these books but discover how he can overcome his learning or reading issues, building that all-important confidence and self-esteem in the process.<br />
<br />
<b>BEST Kids' Books About Dyslexia and ADHD</b><br />
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<i><b>Fish in a Tree</b></i> (for Ages 10+) <br />
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt <br />
“Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.” Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike. <a href=" https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Tree-Lynda-Mullaly-Hunt/dp/0142426423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503854188&sr=1-1">https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Tree-Lynda-Mullaly-Hunt/dp/0142426423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503854188&sr=1-1</a><br />
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<i><b>It's Called Dyslexia</b></i> (for Ages 6-9) <br />
by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos and Nuria Roca (Illustrator)<br />
This is one of several titles in Barron’s Live and Learn series for younger children. They are books that take a child’s point of view, especially if the child suffers from some physical challenge or lack self-confidence in going about everyday activities. These attractively illustrated picture storybooks encourage kids never to be afraid of a challenge. Following each story are four pages of suggested activities that relate to the book’s theme. A final two-page section offers advice to parents. The child in this story knows the alphabet, but she sometimes has trouble putting all the letters together to read words. No matter how hard she tries, she often mixes up the letters or writes them backwards. She’s unhappy until her teacher explains that she has dyslexia, and that she can be helped to read and write correctly. <br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Called-Dyslexia-Live-Learn/dp/0764137948/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503854448&sr=1-8&keywords=dyslexia+tools+for+kids">https://www.amazon.com/Its-Called-Dyslexia-Live-Learn/dp/0764137948/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503854448&sr=1-8&keywords=dyslexia+tools+for+kids</a><br />
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<i><b>Tom's Special Talent - Dyslexia</b></i> (for Ages 5-9)<br />
by Kate Gaynor, Liam Gaynor (Editor), Eva Byrne (Illustrator)<br />
Tom isn't sure if he has any talents at all when he sees how good his friends are at writing and reading. But a school competition soon helps him to find his own very special talent ! Children with Dyslexia or a learning difficulty often find school a daunting and sometimes terrifying daily task. In an environment where certain skills, like writing and reading, are praised and highlighted more than others, it is important for children to recognise that everyone has a 'special talent' of their own. It encourages other children to be mindful of the differences that exist between their friends and classmates and to be aware that all children, regardless of their talents, learn differently.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Special-Talent-Dyslexia-Moonbeam/dp/0956175104/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0956175104&pd_rd_r=YA9YJE291D929ZRKZTMX&pd_rd_w=52k22&pd_rd_wg=x1sEp&psc=1&refRID=YA9YJE291D929ZRKZTMX">https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Special-Talent-Dyslexia-Moonbeam/dp/0956175104/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0956175104&pd_rd_r=YA9YJE291D929ZRKZTMX&pd_rd_w=52k22&pd_rd_wg=x1sEp&psc=1&refRID=YA9YJE291D929ZRKZTMX</a><br />
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<i><b>My Mouth Is a Volcano!</b></i> (for Ages 5-8) <br />
by Julia Cook and Carrie Hartman<br />
All of Louis' thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, his words begin to wiggle, and then they do the jiggle, then his tongue pushes all of his important words up against his teeth and he erupts, or interrupts others. His mouth is a volcano! My Mouth Is A Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to capture their rambunctious thoughts and words for expression at an appropriate time. Told from Louis perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Mouth-Volcano-Julia-Cook/dp/1931636850/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503855433&sr=1-12&keywords=ADHD++books+for+kids">https://www.amazon.com/My-Mouth-Volcano-Julia-Cook/dp/1931636850/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503855433&sr=1-12&keywords=ADHD++books+for+kids</a><br />
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<i><b>The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)</b></i> (for Ages 10-14)<br />
by Rick Riordan <br />
https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503930476&sr=1-1<br />
“What was so great about me? A dyslexic, hyperactive boy with a D+ report card, kicked out of school for the sixth time in six years.” That’s what 12-year old Percy used to think. But that was before he discovered his true identity—as a demigod. The Lightning Thief throws a modern-day twist into ancient Greek mythology. And this popular, action-packed adventure story helps kids rethink their own abilities. Plus, there’s a movie version that could help spark the interest of reluctant readers.<br />
Typically recommended for kids: Ages 9+<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512224734&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=The+Lightning+Thief+%28Percy+Jackson+and+the+Olympians%2C+Book+1%29+%28for+Ages+10-14%29+Unabridged%2C+March+21%2C+2006">https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512224734&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=The+Lightning+Thief+%28Percy+Jackson+and+the+Olympians%2C+Book+1%29+%28for+Ages+10-14%29+Unabridged%2C+March+21%2C+2006</a><br />
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<i><b>My Name Is Brain Brian</b></i> (for Ages 8-12) <br />
by Jeanne Betancourt <br />
Brian thinks he’s dumb. It doesn’t help that kids laugh when he reads aloud and writes on the board at school. But Brian’s sixth-grade teacher notices him reversing the letters of his name. That makes her suspect he might have dyslexia—and she’s right. With more help from his school, Brian finally comes to realize that he’s a smart kid who learns differently. My Name Is Brain Brian reinforces the idea that kids can learn to work around their issues and achieve their goals.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Name-Brain-Brian-Apple-Paperbacks/dp/0590449222/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1503930965&sr=8-1&keywords=My+Name+Is+Brian+by+Jeanne+Betancourt">https://www.amazon.com/Name-Brain-Brian-Apple-Paperbacks/dp/0590449222/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1503930965&sr=8-1&keywords=My+Name+Is+Brian+by+Jeanne+Betancourt</a><br />
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<i><b>Clementine</b></i> (for Ages 6-8)<br />
by Sara Pennypacker and Marla Frazee (Illustrator) <br />
Life can be tricky for 8-year-olds. Just ask Clementine, who has a really bad week in this first book in the series named after her. On Monday, she gets in trouble for cutting her friend Margaret’s hair off. (Margaret got glue in it, and Clementine was just trying to help!) Every day after that gets worse, and Clementine starts to worry that her parents are going to label her “the hard one.” (Her brother would be “the easy one.”) This book never uses the term ADHD, but Clementine has many characteristics of kids with attention issues. So they are likely to relate to her challenges and creative, comic solutions.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clementine-Sara-Pennypacker/dp/0786838833/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503931314&sr=1-1&keywords=Clementine+by+Sara+Pennypacker">https://www.amazon.com/Clementine-Sara-Pennypacker/dp/0786838833/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503931314&sr=1-1&keywords=Clementine+by+Sara+Pennypacker</a><br />
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<i><b>Playing Tyler (Strange Chemistry)</b></i> (for Ages 13+) <br />
by T.L. Costa <br />
Tyler MacCandless has adult-sized problems. A drunk driver killed his dad. His big brother’s in rehab. And his ADHD isn’t helping matters, especially at school. But just when things seem unbearable, Tyler’s given a flight simulator video game to beta test. If he does well, he might have a shot at getting into flight school. But what if the game’s not really a game? This twisty, technology-rich plot (which includes a bit of romance) will keep teens on the edge of their seats.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Tyler-Strange-Chemistry-Costa/dp/1908844612/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503931689&sr=1-1&keywords=Playing+Tyler ">https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Tyler-Strange-Chemistry-Costa/dp/1908844612/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503931689&sr=1-1&keywords=Playing+Tyler </a><br />
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<i><b>The Alphabet War: A Story About Dyslexia</b></i> (for Ages 5-7) <br />
by Diane Burton Rob <br />
Adam has been having trouble with reading for a while, and in third grade he still can’t read on his own. Adam is finally diagnosed with dyslexia and his teachers put a plan in place. In The Alphabet War, kids get to see how Adam learns to match letters to sounds. It’s not easy, but he works hard. He also starts focusing on what he’s good at—and realizes he’s smart in other ways besides reading.<br />
Typically recommended for kids: Ages 7–10<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alphabet-War-Story-about-Dyslexia-ebook/dp/B00JDY7V6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512224891&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Alphabet+War%3A+A+Story+About+Dyslexia">https://www.amazon.com/Alphabet-War-Story-about-Dyslexia-ebook/dp/B00JDY7V6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512224891&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Alphabet+War%3A+A+Story+About+Dyslexia</a><br />
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<i><b>Thank You, Mr. Falker</b></i> (for Ages 5-8) <br />
by Patricia Polacco <br />
Trisha struggles to read and she’s ashamed about it. Kids at school call her dumb and she thinks they’re right. She feels lonely and rejected. But then, in fifth grade, a very special teacher recognizes her amazing artistic talent—and her reading disability. He steps in to gently guide and support her. Slowly, Trisha begins to blossom—hence the gratitude of this touching best-seller’s title, “Thank You, Mr. Falker.” The story may be especially poignant because it’s autobiographical.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Falker-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0399257624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512224946&sr=1-1&keywords=Thank+You%2C+Mr.+Falker">https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Falker-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0399257624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512224946&sr=1-1&keywords=Thank+You%2C+Mr.+Falker</a><br />
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<i><b>Smart but Scattered Teens: The "Executive Skills" Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential</b></i> (for parents of teens w/ ADHD) <br />
by Richard Guare PhD, Peg Dawson EdD & Colin Guare<br />
If you're the parent of a "smart but scattered" teen, trying to help him or her grow into a self-sufficient, responsible adult may feel like a never-ending battle. Now you have an alternative to micromanaging, cajoling, or ineffective punishments. This positive guide provides a science-based program for promoting teens' independence by building their executive skills--the fundamental brain-based abilities needed to get organized, stay focused, and control impulses and emotions. Executive skills experts Drs. Richard Guare and Peg Dawson are joined by Colin Guare, a young adult who has successfully faced these issues himself. Learn step-by-step strategies to help your teen live up to his or her potential now and in the future--while making your relationship stronger. Helpful worksheets and forms can be downloaded and printed <br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Smart-but-Scattered-Teens-Executive/dp/1609182294/ref=sr_1_2_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503855703&sr=1-2&keywords=ADHD++books+for+teens">https://www.amazon.com/Smart-but-Scattered-Teens-Executive/dp/1609182294/ref=sr_1_2_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503855703&sr=1-2&keywords=ADHD++books+for+teens</a><br />
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<b>More Kids' Books about ADHD and Dyslexia </b>(from Understood)<br />
<a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/encouraging-reading-writing/7-books-featuring-characters-with-dyslexia-or-adhd?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=unders">https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/encouraging-reading-writing/7-books-featuring-characters-with-dyslexia-or-adhd?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=unders</a><br />
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<b>For information on customizable tools for dyslexia & other reading challenges:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b>314-892-3897</b><br />
<br />
<b>Image courtesy of:</b> Brennan Innovators, LLC: <a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a> and <br />
Pixabay.com: <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/children-studying-book-reading-read-670663/">https://pixabay.com/en/children-studying-book-reading-read-670663/</a> <br />
Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-8522003370547203232017-11-07T09:08:00.000-06:002017-11-07T09:08:25.178-06:005 BEST Websites for Dyscalculia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm86FBcdp4zelQfFF0wW38IGHayrEM4PGR3njYQEBTW64aJcU-3YKRwwoujhnn8DWajMJohJlKgyprefH18FnIq6d60ZtmcFtmh4So99QTe6vCFHyxj-ZvT7p2x6m6jDPxVNF5VgNN93I/s1600/Poster-Dyscalculia.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm86FBcdp4zelQfFF0wW38IGHayrEM4PGR3njYQEBTW64aJcU-3YKRwwoujhnn8DWajMJohJlKgyprefH18FnIq6d60ZtmcFtmh4So99QTe6vCFHyxj-ZvT7p2x6m6jDPxVNF5VgNN93I/s200/Poster-Dyscalculia.png" width="200" height="141" data-original-width="761" data-original-height="538" /></a></div>Is your child or a particular student struggling with math on a daily basis? It is not unusual for children or students to be challenged with math homework once in awhile. However, <b>if he experiences problems with numbers or has low math test scores <i>yet</i> does well in other subjects, he could have a math learning disability (LD) called dyscalculia</b>.<br />
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This LD called dyscalculia is a brain-related condition that makes basic arithmetic and its concepts very hard to learn. <b>The condition may be hereditary</b>, but scientists have not yet discovered any genes specifically related to it.<br />
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<b>Up to 7% of elementary school students have dyscalculia</b>. Research suggests it's as common as dyslexia -- a reading disorder -- but not as well understood. In fact, kids and parents sometimes call it “math dyslexia,” but this can be confusing because dyscalculia is a completely different condition. Your school or doctor may call it a “mathematics learning disability” or a “math disorder.”<br />
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This math LD can sometimes be associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) -- <b>up to 60% of people who have ADHD also have a learning disorder like dyscalculia</b>.<br />
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<b>Dyscalculia, sometimes called <i>math dyslexia</i></b>, covers a <b>wide range of math difficulties</b>. The symptoms can also change as your child gets older and is expected to think about math in new ways. Here are signs of the math struggles you might see at different ages.<br />
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From the following 2 lists, if you find that your child or student demonstrates <b>more</b> weaknesses than he does strengths, a math learning disability or dyscalculia may be the issue:<br />
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<b>Strengths in Mathematics</b><br />
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-<b>Correctly sequences</b> numbers, equations and formulas<br />
-<b>Correctly performs <i>mental math</i></b> processes <br />
-<b>Accurately conducts math computations</b> <br />
-<b>Completes work logically</b> and with <b>minimal errors</b><br />
-<b>Understands math concepts</b><br />
-<b>Appropriately uses</b> both oral and written <b>math terms</b><br />
-Consistently and correctly <b>remembers math facts</b><br />
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<b>Weaknesses in Mathematics</b><br />
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<b>-Rarely sequences</b> numbers, equations and formulas <b>correctly</b><br />
-<b>Unable to perform <i>mental math</i></b> processes<br />
-Usually <b>conducts math computations inaccurately</b><br />
-<b>Makes many careless errors</b>, often choosing the wrong operation<br />
-<b>Has difficulty understanding</b> math concepts<br />
-<b>Rarely uses math terms appropriately</b>---both orally and in written work<br />
-<b>Unable to accurately recall math facts</b> (though many children today are not committing math facts to memory.)<br />
-<b>Unable to do word problems</b> <br />
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Once you have determined the strengths vs. weaknesses ratio as stated above, consider using one or more of the following top resources to help initiate progress for your child or student with dyscalculia or other related math issues. <b>These links can provide a <i>bridge</i></b> while waiting to access professional evaluation, services and support for a math LD.<br />
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<b>BEST 5 Dyscalculia Resources</b><br />
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<b>1. Math Worksheets</b>-from edhelper.com<br />
This link provides FREE math printables that include daily math activities, math puzzles and much more.<br />
<a href="https://www.edhelper.com/math_worksheets.htm">https://www.edhelper.com/math_worksheets.htm</a><br />
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<b>2. Dyscalculia Resource Treasure Collection</b> from tesSpecialNeeds<br />
This resource includes a set of activities, flash cards, strategies, revision aids and posters all developed to support pupils with dyscalculia. All resources have a clear layout and include visual support where necessary. Sassoon font is used throughout.<br />
<a href="https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/dyscalculia-resource-treasure-collection-6302884">https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/dyscalculia-resource-treasure-collection-6302884</a><br />
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<b>3. Dyscalculia Worksheets & Other Resources</b> from HelpingWithMath.com <br />
Here is included a list of printable math resources that have people with Dyscalculia and/or Dyslexia in mind. This is a good resource for materials to help with learning math facts.<br />
<a href="https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/wor-dyscalculia.htm">https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/wor-dyscalculia.htm</a><br />
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<b>4. Dyscalculia Primer and Resource Guide</b> by Dr. Anna J. Wilson<br />
Dr. Wilson is an OECD Post-Doctoral Fellow at INSERM U562, Paris, conducting cognitive neuroscience research on the remediation of dyscalculia. The purpose of this primer is to explain the cognitive neuroscience approach to dyscalculia (including the state of research in this area), to answer frequently asked questions, and to point the reader towards further resources on the subject. Further references include some of the major scientific literature in the field, as well as reading suggestions for teachers and parents.<br />
<a href="http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/dyscalculiaprimerandresourceguide.htm">http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/dyscalculiaprimerandresourceguide.htm</a><br />
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<b>5. 100 Best Resources for Kids Who Struggle With Math</b> by Marianne Sunderland<br />
This post includes 100+ resources are books, websites, games, apps, and curricula that teach math in a variety of multi-sensory ways that will provide effective tools for teaching math, especially when a child struggles with math facts and concepts.<br />
<a href="https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/100-best-resources-struggle-math/">https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/100-best-resources-struggle-math/</a><br />
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<b>BONUS Tip:</b> For children or students with math and spatial challenges, consider using <b>colored graph paper</b> or <b>Reading Focus Cards</b> (low-tech and digital) to maintain placeholder columns. The following links can provide the needed supports for these materials.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUW1pz6EZ-10Ei5rDOjwtRjyqOHnfDqwbAHzOudp53t5jjeo511gSsxLv5RkGB0p05bLyVSqh_S7QeuGvpFrzjUVgdyl8bGJ_LcxF8AQmIjK8368oaWCcAMTKYm3UA9I63w27XTO0GFs/s1600/A+free-grid-paper-pages-long.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUW1pz6EZ-10Ei5rDOjwtRjyqOHnfDqwbAHzOudp53t5jjeo511gSsxLv5RkGB0p05bLyVSqh_S7QeuGvpFrzjUVgdyl8bGJ_LcxF8AQmIjK8368oaWCcAMTKYm3UA9I63w27XTO0GFs/s200/A+free-grid-paper-pages-long.JPG" width="172" height="200" data-original-width="472" data-original-height="550" /></a></div><b>Free Grid Paper Pages</b> from Nyla's Crafty Teaching<br />
FREE downloadable blackline grid templates that are drawn to scale both for inches and cm. Use them for placeholder support (i.e., column addition, long multiplication and division, etc.) creating symmetry worksheets, bar graphs, reflections (flips), translations (slides), rotations (turns), area and perimeter models and 100 charts. The exact sizes in this set are: .5cm x .5cm grids (for making hundreds charts & multiplication charts) 1cm x 1cm grids, 2cm x cm grids, and 1 in. x 1 in. grids.<br />
<a href="https://mscraftynyla.blogspot.com/2014/09/free-grid-paper-pages.html">https://mscraftynyla.blogspot.com/2014/09/free-grid-paper-pages.html</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4v5-lRXzYs/WgHKUgv1MKI/AAAAAAAAElU/ymgTx7HbxhYx_yqnre6fmC9lf2C3qOTIACLcBGAs/s1600/A%2B2013%2BRFC%2BBrochure-Math%2BGraphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4v5-lRXzYs/WgHKUgv1MKI/AAAAAAAAElU/ymgTx7HbxhYx_yqnre6fmC9lf2C3qOTIACLcBGAs/s200/A%2B2013%2BRFC%2BBrochure-Math%2BGraphic.jpg" width="149" height="200" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="268" /></a></div><b>Reading Focus Cards</b> (low-tech & digital tools)<br />
Use the Reading Focus Cards for placeholder support with long addition, multiplication and division, as well as with algebraic equations and other math applications. Utilizing these physical and digital tools can help increase focus on the needed math operation and improve accuracy with problem solving.<br />
<a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">http://www.focusandread.com/products</a><br />
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<b>Sources</b><br />
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<b>What Is Dyscalculia? What Should I Do if My Child Has It?</b> from WebMD.com<br />
<a href="https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/dyscalculia-facts#1">https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/dyscalculia-facts#1</a><br />
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<b>Dyscalculia: What You’re Seeing</b> from Understood.org<br />
<a href="https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/dyscalculia-what-youre-seeing">https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/dyscalculia-what-youre-seeing</a><br />
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<b>Homeschooling With Dyslexia</b> Blog by Marianne Sunderland<br />
Marianne Sunderland is the creator of Homeschooling With Dyslexia, a site dedicated to educating and encouraging parents to successfully homeschool their children with dyslexia and related learning disabilities.<br />
<a href="https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/">https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/</a><br />
<br />
For tools & resources to help improve reading & math skills, visit:<br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b><a href="tel:314-892-3897" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="8">314-892-3897</a></b><br />
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<b>Image sources:</b> <br />
Brennan Innovators, LLC at <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">www.focusandread.com</a> AND<br />
Pixabay.com at <a href="https://pixabay.com">https://pixabay.com</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-48802706687282185812017-10-17T08:24:00.001-05:002017-10-18T10:23:25.582-05:00FREE e-Book Resources for Kids and Teens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_QnbNMxUrg/WeUB2LP0MFI/AAAAAAAAEcE/EuXm3oGxRpYAdGw19mWMoruDUZah49B9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-FREE%2Be-Books%2Bfor%2BKids.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_QnbNMxUrg/WeUB2LP0MFI/AAAAAAAAEcE/EuXm3oGxRpYAdGw19mWMoruDUZah49B9QCLcBGAs/s200/Poster-FREE%2Be-Books%2Bfor%2BKids.png" width="200" height="180" data-original-width="559" data-original-height="503" /></a></div>It is known by many that the use of e-books can offer real benefits to children who struggle to read for a variety of reasons. The ability to adjust e-page backgrounds to other colors than white, change font sizes and more can often help challenged readers with such issues as visual fatigue, convergence insufficiency and other issues. In addition, just one e-reader can contain and offer an entire family a smorgasbord of book titles to satisfy a variety of children's (and parents') reading needs---from books for emergent readers to mysteries appropriate for teen readers and others.<br />
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In this post, we wanted to provide some FREE e-book resources to offer families who wish to promote literacy in their homes for all ages of children. We hope you will value and perhaps even save the link to this page as a future reference for all your family's e-reading needs.<br />
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<b>FREE e-Book Resources for Kids & Teens</b><br />
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<b>Open e-Books</b>-This program does require parents to reach out to a teacher, librarian, or other eligible person to sign up for First Book. This will then allow parents to obtain a code that will give each child access to 10 books at a time via the FREE Open e-Books app. This excellent program is available to low-income families with kids ages 4-18 and it is filled with books that are still in copyright – which means a large collection of bestsellers and contemporary titles. Worth the time to take a look!<br />
<a href="http://openebooks.net/">http://openebooks.net/</a><br />
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<b>International Children’s Digital Library (ICDL)</b>-The non-profit ICDL Foundation’s library has evolved into the world’s largest digital collection of children’s books. Currently, its digital library collection includes 4,619 books in 59 languages. The complete ICDL collection is also available as a FREE iPad app. A limited number of titles are included in the FREE ICDL iPhone app. The ICDL also created the FREE Story Kit app that helps users create their own electronic storybooks for reading and sharing. <a href="http://en.childrenslibrary.org/">http://en.childrenslibrary.org/</a><br />
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<b>Library of Congress</b>-The Library of Congress’ selection of digitized books includes illustrated children’s classics for readers of all ages. The Library of Congress also makes available millions of primary sources for FREE online. To assist educators in teaching with primary sources, the Library offers classroom materials to help teachers engage students with content and develop critical thinking skills. <br />
<a href="http://www.read.gov/books/">http://www.read.gov/books/</a><br />
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<b>Best Free Children's e-Books Online</b>-This is a listing of 234 sites that legally offer FREE e-books for children to read.<br />
<a href="https://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-childrens-ebooks-online.htm">https://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-childrens-ebooks-online.htm</a><br />
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<b>Best FREE Kindle e-Books for Children</b>-FREE classic Kindle e-book titles for kids from Goodreads. <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/21465.Best_FREE_Kindle_Ebooks_for_Children_">https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/21465.Best_FREE_Kindle_Ebooks_for_Children_</a><br />
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<b>FREE Kindle e-Books for Teens</b>-This is a PDF document from tcea.org with clickable links to FREE e-books for teens ready to be read on a Kindle. (May also be read on other devices with the free Kindle app. Please see link below under <b>Other e-Book Resources to Help Promote Literacy</b>.)<a href="https://www.tcea.org/documents/PD/Free%20Kindle%20eBooks%20for%20Teens.pdf"><br />
https://www.tcea.org/documents/PD/Free%20Kindle%20eBooks%20for%20Teens.pdf</a><br />
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<b>epic!</b> (30-day FREE trial-Instantly access 25,000 of the best books, learning videos, quizzes & more for kids 12 & under. <br />
<a href="https://www.getepic.com/">https://www.getepic.com/</a><br />
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<b>Bookshare</b>-A FREE program supported by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs that provides FREE reading materials to anyone who has a print disability that keeps them from reading traditional print materials. An eligible Bookshare member would be someone with a visual impairment, a physical disability that impinges on reading ability, or a learning disability. <br />
<a href="https://www.bookshare.org/cms/bookshare-me">https://www.bookshare.org/cms/bookshare-me</a><br />
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<b>Project Gutenberg</b>-Project Gutenberg has 50,000 free ebooks to download or read online. These are books whose copyright has expired, so while they are not “trending,” they do include many classics.<br />
<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/">http://www.gutenberg.org/</a><br />
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<b>Online Books Page at University of Pennsylvania</b>-Although a bit of a bugger to navigate, the Online Books Page at the University of Penn has an amazing collection of kids literature available! The link provided will take you to the children’s bookshelf, however you can browse by alphabetical listing or even search to discover new topics!<br />
<a href="http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/browse?type=lcsubc&key=Children%27s%20books">http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/browse?type=lcsubc&key=Children%27s%20books</a><br />
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<b>Books Should Be Free</b>-Perfect for introducing a child who is not yet reading or who enjoys listening to stories to literature! Books Should Be Free offers a wide selection of FREE audio and e-books including many of the classics. They also have e-book formats for Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Nook, Sony Reader and laptops. <br />
<b>For Children:</b> <a href="http://www.loyalbooks.com/genre/Children">http://www.loyalbooks.com/genre/Children</a><br />
<b>For Teens & Young Adults:</b> <a href="http://www.loyalbooks.com/genre/Teen_Young_adult">http://www.loyalbooks.com/genre/Teen_Young_adult</a><br />
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<b>BookBub</b>-FREE e-books for teens and young adults (requires submission of email address for registration)<br />
<a href="https://www.bookbub.com">https://www.bookbub.com</a><br />
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<b>FREE e-Books for Kids</b>-A collection of FREE e-books for children from Amazon (for Kindle). The selections available may be FREE for a limited time. It is advisable to check daily for new FREE titles. See left sidebar on web page for various genres and topics currently available at no cost.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=free+ebooks+for+kids&tag=geminimobiles-20&index=digital-text&hvadid=22381588&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_62sj6d2bod_e">https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=free+ebooks+for+kids&tag=geminimobiles-20&index=digital-text&hvadid=22381588&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_62sj6d2bod_e</a><br />
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<b>MeeGenius</b>-MeeGenius makes it easy to keep your child reading by offering hundreds of e-books including classics, MeeGenius originals, and partner content from Sesame Street, Dr. Seuss, and P.D. Eastman. Starting out as an iPad/iPhone app, MeeGenius has been a favorite of many families for years! While not all e-books are available for FREE, there's a wide variety of FREE e-books.<br />
<a href="http://www.meegenius.com/">http://www.meegenius.com/ </a><br />
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<b>Oxford Owl Free e-Book Library</b>-Oxford Owl has a great variety of books for kids ages 3–11. The books marked with an ‘e’ are the FREE books. The site has some really amazing features like offering activity ideas that go with the books. With some books in the youngest (ages 3–5) and oldest (ages 9–11) age groups, there aren’t any words shown on the screen. You only hear the story. Nevertheless, this is a good site if you’re looking for access to stories (both fiction & non-fiction) for a variety of ages. <a href="https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/home/reading-owl/find-a-book/library-page">https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/home/reading-owl/find-a-book/library-page</a><br />
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<b>Kids World Fun</b>-An enjoyable array of FREE, animated books! <br />
<a href="http://www.kidsworldfun.com/ebooks.php">http://www.kidsworldfun.com/ebooks.php</a><br />
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<b>Children’s Books Online</b>-This Rosetta Project site is an online library of antique illustrated children’s books. Selections are indexed by reading level: pre-reader, emergent reader, intermediate reader, advanced reader, adult reader & foreign language reader.<br />
<a href="http://www.childrensbooksonline.org/library.htm">http://www.childrensbooksonline.org/library.htm</a><br />
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<b>Classic Reader</b>-Classic Reader is an excellent place to find FREE classic e-books. The site has a special section for young readers with more than 200 of the world’s best loved classics.<br />
<a href="http://www.classicreader.com/browse/3/title/">http://www.classicreader.com/browse/3/title/</a><br />
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<b>Magic Keys</b>-This site offers FREE illustrated e-books for children of all ages. Storybooks are separated into three categories: young children, older children, and young adult. Other site offerings include online games, jigsaw puzzles, and interactive coloring pages.<br />
<a href="http://www.magickeys.com/books/">http://www.magickeys.com/books/</a><br />
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<b>Read Print</b>-The Read Print library hosts thousands of FREE e-books and poems, many of which are suitable for children. Most of the books on Read Print are classics, such as <i>Peter Pan</i> and <i>Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland</i>.<br />
<a href="http://www.readprint.com/">http://www.readprint.com/</a><br />
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<b>Other e-Book Resources to Help Promote Literacy</b><br />
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<b>Read Ups</b>-A great site for older children who want to find, read, and discuss books. The site allows you to read books on the site or import books from the web or your hard drive. Read Up books can be read alone or with a group of people. The site does require a Twitter account. <br />
<a href="http://www.readups.com/">http://www.readups.com/</a><br />
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<b>FREE Kindle Reading App</b>- You can install this very useful yet FREE app on most devices (iPad, Mac, PC, Android, etc.) so that the device "becomes" a Kindle in function. We have the Kindle app installed on our PCs here in the office and use it daily. The number of FREE e-books that can be found for your Kindle on Amazon.com (in the daily deals section) is almost endless! <br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/kindle-app/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Akindle%20app">https://www.amazon.com/kindle-app/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Akindle%20app</a><br />
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<b>Sources:</b><br />
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<b>How to Find Free e-Books for Kids — Copyrighted Titles Included!</b><br />
<a href="http://parentingchaos.com/finding-free-ebooks-for-kids/">http://parentingchaos.com/finding-free-ebooks-for-kids/</a><br />
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For more tools & resources to help improve reading & spelling skills, visit:<br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b><a href="tel:314-892-3897" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="8">314-892-3897</a></b><br />
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<b>Image sources:</b> <br />
Brennan Innovators, LLC at <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">www.focusandread.com</a> AND<br />
Pixabay.com at <a href="https://pixabay.com">https://pixabay.com</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-20172843380488036652017-09-26T07:49:00.001-05:002017-09-26T07:49:50.816-05:0011 Homework Tips to Help Kids with ADHD (and Others, too!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOkfql08HF6gMyGKw20TgAGjCvhpaalRpQO-bpm0uhYs6DM2E6oZWckjZzION0XcAGMF3QrqaEDCpyKy2RoUZJY7suHmStIoJPOAA1fSXZU0m9bx89f_XAb6rL_sxKUCRP0lkjPjw8JA/s1600/A+Child+with+Homework.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOkfql08HF6gMyGKw20TgAGjCvhpaalRpQO-bpm0uhYs6DM2E6oZWckjZzION0XcAGMF3QrqaEDCpyKy2RoUZJY7suHmStIoJPOAA1fSXZU0m9bx89f_XAb6rL_sxKUCRP0lkjPjw8JA/s200/A+Child+with+Homework.png" width="200" height="188" data-original-width="551" data-original-height="518" /></a></div>For many children, <i>homework</i> is not a favorite word or activity. In fact, it is often the one word that causes more conflict than most during the school year for both students and their parents. <b>When the issue of ADHD is also introduced into the mix, homework can become the catalyst for much angst in a home.</b> So, what are parents to do? Should they immediately talk with their child's teacher to seek assistance? Should punishment be a method of <i>making</i> the child complete the homework assigned? Would some other approach be advisable?<br />
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It is always a good idea to discuss concerns about your child her teachers, but the idea of using punishment rarely solves any problem long-term. In fact, it can often create more problems than it solves. Punishment related to homework also does little to build a good parent/child relationship. <b>Positive incentives for behavior modification are nearly always a good idea, especially when those incentives are chosen by the child and approved by the parent. </b>Ownership of the issue is more readily accepted and then addressed by the child.<br />
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There are other strategies that can assist parents with problems related to on-time homework completion. We thought at the beginning of this new school year a list of such strategies might be helpful to many, especially to those parents of children with ADHD who struggle to focus and follow through with tasks in a timely manner---both inside and outside of the classroom. We hope you will discover at least one or two in this list of tips or strategies to help you and your child <b>create a peaceful AND productive environment for homework</b> at your house!<br />
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<b>Helpful Homework Strategies for Kids with ADHD (and Others)</b><br />
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<b>1. Consistency is important. Arrange for your child to study and complete class assignments in the same room or location each day.</b> A desk or table where minimal distractions can occur is advised (a corner of a room with the student facing that corner is a good option).<br />
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<b>2. Set aside a specific amount of time for homework each weekday.</b> A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that for each grade level, 10 minutes of homework is reasonable (i.e., for a student in grade 4, approximately 40 minutes of homework would be appropriate.) If your child finishes early, he or she can then read, write a <i>thank you</i> note to relatives or play an <i>educational</i> game online or offline.<br />
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<b>3. Use a timer for the period set aside for homework.</b> This will be one way to help your child focus more effectively since the timer will give the child a good sense of how much time tasks might take to complete.<br />
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<b>4. Help your child develop a good and positive mindset for the homework tasks.</b> If the child is tired or stressed (especially during periods in the late afternoon after school dismissal), allow some time for her to relax, have a snack to help replenish energy levels, play outside or indoors or listen to soothing music to help decompress BEFORE tackling the homework assignments.<br />
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<b>5. If needed, step in to slow down the rate at which your child is attempting to complete the homework.</b> Ask him questions like, "Will your teacher be able to read your work?" or "Do you think you are doing your best work there?" Notice that these questions are phrased not to reflect YOUR opinion but that of others. Asking such questions will help your child develop better reading and study habits going forward.<br />
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<b>6. Encourage your child to review her work,</b> both for content accuracy (expression of ideas/answers, spelling, etc.) and handwriting clarity (penmanship, etc.) This will no doubt not only improve the quality of that homework but also raise your child's sense of pride in work well done.<br />
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<b>7. Help your child break down assignments into chunks or a series of smaller tasks </b>(in a list format with perhaps only 2 revealed at a time.) This approach can be invaluable for large and long-term assignments. For such projects, remember to establish a timeline that is reviewed every few days to confirm progress and timeliness of completing smaller goals of the assignment. This will help to affirm your child and establish accountability for her.<br />
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<b>8. Provide assistance and resources for your child</b> when answers are not forthcoming or there appears to be a struggle of some kind. Depending on what you observe, this could mean a trip to your local public library for reference materials, etc., a computer session with your child locating needed resources for an assignment or other activity with your child to help explain an important concept. In some cases, you may need to advocate for your child. This may become an opportunity to seek out more specific accommodations or other resources from your child's teacher, a reading specialist or even a medical professional for an evaluation of the learning challenges you observe.<br />
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<b>9. Remind your child of his strengths and de-emphasize (but don't forget) weaknesses.</b> This will him help approach the homework tasks with more confidence and help boost self-esteem, too.<br />
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<b>10.Use color coding in as many ways as possible</b> to help with the reading, study and organization of assignments. Ask your child to write down every assignment in one place. For older, high school students who have phones, request that they record their assignments in the phone or send themselves a text message with the assignment complete with due date. <br />
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<b>11.Provide your child with a 2-pocket folder for his completed work.</b> This folder can be used for this folder for any school papers you need to sign as well.<br />
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<b>Sources</b><br />
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<b>8 Tips to Help Grade-Schoolers with Learning and Attention Issues Slow Down on Homework</b>-by Kate Kelly, Understood.org<br />
<a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/homework-study-skills/8-tips-to-help-grade-schoolers-with-learning-and-attention-issues-slow-down-on-homework?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3JWZ5OnA1gIVgSSGCh0bCQNNEAAYASAAEgLMYvD_BwE">https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/homework-study-skills/8-tips-to-help-grade-schoolers-with-learning-and-attention-issues-slow-down-on-homework?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3JWZ5OnA1gIVgSSGCh0bCQNNEAAYASAAEgLMYvD_BwE</a><br />
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<b>10 Homework Tips for ADHD Children</b>-by Eileen Bailey, HealthCentral.com<br />
<a href="http://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/10-homework-tips-adhd-children#slide=10">http://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/10-homework-tips-adhd-children#slide=10</a><br />
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For more information on <b>customizable reading tools for better focus & attention, please visit:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b>314-892-3897</b><br />
<br />
<b>Image courtesy of:</b><br />
Brennan Innovators, LLC at <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">www.focusandread.com</a> Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-80793185433880425142017-09-06T08:48:00.000-05:002017-09-06T08:52:07.549-05:00BEST Literacy Apps for More Reading and Spelling Success!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54_a-lbkMcY/Wa8CiTb8yiI/AAAAAAAAEX8/IgYVZKo9HJIn2kfoBdfZ0reNYKVVkQs2wCLcBGAs/s1600/Poster-BEST%2BReading%2B%2526%2BSpelling%2BApps-Smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54_a-lbkMcY/Wa8CiTb8yiI/AAAAAAAAEX8/IgYVZKo9HJIn2kfoBdfZ0reNYKVVkQs2wCLcBGAs/s200/Poster-BEST%2BReading%2B%2526%2BSpelling%2BApps-Smaller.jpg" width="250" height="202" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="303" /></a></div>There was a time in the world of education when teachers utilized flashcards and ringed charts filled with sight words to help improve reading skills and student literacy. Those very low-tech and no-tech approaches to reading success were appropriate for their time but not all that stimulating and engaging as some of the tech resources currently have available to educators and the students they serve.<br />
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Today, we have tech hardware and software applications for literacy that grab student attention and keep them engaged, resulting in better skill building, improved comprehension and increased retention of content read by those students. We have been gifted with tablet and desktop programs that can help kids zero in on the exact text needing to be read. We also have applications available for the classroom and home use that can help support readers easily overwhelmed by too much text on a digital page. In addition, there are spelling apps that make learning new words much less tedious than in years past.<br />
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In this article at the beginning of a new school year, we wanted to provide the latest in reading and spelling apps for students in today's classroom. For your benefit and that of the students or children you serve, we have gathered such a list here to help you address the needs of challenged spellers and readers. We hope you will find this list not only helpful now at the start of the new school year but will keep it handy for use throughout the entire year. Happy Reading and Spelling, everyone!<br />
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<b>Apps to Help Challenged Readers and Spellers</b><br />
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<b>1. Top 10 Spelling Apps</b> by Reading Rockets <br />
(Various prices w/ 1 FREE app)<br />
<a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/pdfs/Top-10-Spelling-Apps.pdf">http://www.readingrockets.org/pdfs/Top-10-Spelling-Apps.pdf</a><br />
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<b>2. Beginning Spelling App for Word Study</b> by This Reading Mama <br />
($4.99-for Android & iPad, iPhone & iPod)<br />
<a href="https://thisreadingmama.com/beginning-spelling-app-word-study/">https://thisreadingmama.com/beginning-spelling-app-word-study/</a><br />
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<b>3. VocabularySpellingCity</b> by SpellingCity <br />
(FREE-for Android & iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch)<br />
<b>For Apple: </b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/spellingcity/id538407602?mt=8">https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/spellingcity/id538407602?mt=8</a><br />
<b>For Android: </b><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spellingcity.VocabularySpellingCity">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spellingcity.VocabularySpellingCity</a><br />
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<b>4. Spelling Applications</b>-compiled by DyslexiaHelp, University of Michigan <br />
(Some FREE & various prices for Android & Apple)<br />
<a href="http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps/topic/spelling">http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps/topic/spelling</a><br />
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<b>5. Reading & Spelling Programs</b> -compiled by DyslexiaHelp, University of Michigan <br />
(Various prices for Android & Apple)<br />
<a href="http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/reading-programs">http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/reading-programs</a><br />
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<b>6. The Reading Focus Cards Desktop App</b> ($5.99-for Macs & PCs)<br />
<a href="http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590">http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590</a><br />
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For more tools & resources to help improve reading & spelling skills, visit:<br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b><a href="tel:314-892-3897" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="8">314-892-3897</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Image sources:</b> <br />
Brennan Innovators, LLC at <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">www.focusandread.com</a> AND<br />
Pixabay.com at <a href="https://pixabay.com">https://pixabay.com</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-13316201496682248182017-08-31T16:09:00.000-05:002017-09-05T14:43:31.808-05:00BEST Research-Based Interventions for Dyslexia, ADHD and Other LD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TTbLRJsCRjqY0C4R6sKZvO9QfMu0Ism8qn67w4tbGjlOi5sp_eNnq5ZrkqwLpvBe7Se-lmTaKt260LoWcdzQbL2jvP6OoPk2UuXUjEOfO8eA45HMYsDhDI3HQJY500kNnHsA6VL8Cfc/s1600/Poster-15+Interventions+for+Dyslexia%252C+ADHD+%2526+LD-300pxl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TTbLRJsCRjqY0C4R6sKZvO9QfMu0Ism8qn67w4tbGjlOi5sp_eNnq5ZrkqwLpvBe7Se-lmTaKt260LoWcdzQbL2jvP6OoPk2UuXUjEOfO8eA45HMYsDhDI3HQJY500kNnHsA6VL8Cfc/s200/Poster-15+Interventions+for+Dyslexia%252C+ADHD+%2526+LD-300pxl.jpg" width="200" height="177" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="265" /></a></div>As educators and parents, it is prudent to consider research-based or evidence-based resources when assisting students in any way. This is even more critical when helping challenged readers and learners.<br />
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In this article, we wanted to provide the most up-to-date research-based resources to help the many adults who serve populations with dyslexia, ADHD and other LD. We have listed them here with direct links for your convenience. Please know that every child is unique, exhibiting individual behaviors and specific needs. Discovering the BEST resources, techniques and interventions for an individual child or student of any age may take time, patience and extended efforts in order to increase the possibility of good outcomes.<br />
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<b>Special Note: </b>It is suggested that teachers, tutors, programs, and schools provide specific, evidence-based techniques. We also recommend that these techniques be discussed at follow-up meetings after student evaluations and/or assessments. This does not mean or guarantee that these techniques will result in a positive outcome in all cases. There are too many variables involved to provide any kind of guarantee of success. We also do not receive any financial or other exchange benefit from making specific recommendations. We sincerely want to provide our professional opinion about what may be an effective intervention for your child. This is not a complete list. There are many other effective techniques which we are continually discovering.<br />
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<b>BEST Research-Based Interventions for Dyslexia, ADHD and Other LD</b><br />
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<b>Interventions for Challenged Readers</b><br />
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<b>1. Orton-Gillingham Techniques for Dyslexia</b><br />
Of all the reading programs specifically designed to help struggling readers by explicitly teaching the connections between letters and sounds, Orton–Gillingham was the first. Today—decades later—many reading programs include Orton–Gillingham ideas based on a multi-sensory approach to reading and learning.<br />
<a href="https://www.orton-gillingham.com/">https://www.orton-gillingham.com/</a><br />
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<b>2. Tools for Unfocused, Overwhelmed and Other Readers w/ LD</b><br />
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<b>a. Reading Focus Cards</b> (Patent 7,565,759)<br />
Low-tech tools for reading physical books, documents and other printed media<br />
<a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">http://www.focusandread.com/products</a><br />
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<b>b. Reading Focus Cards App</b> (Patent 8,360,779)<br />
Digital tool <b>for Macs and Windows PCs</b> that allows readers to more easily and more comfortably remain focused on digital media--both online and offline (for web pages, digital documents and more)<br />
<b>For Macs:</b> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12">https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12</a><br />
<b>For Windows PCs:</b> <a href="https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards ">https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards</a> <br />
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<b>Instruction Techniques for Dyscalculia (Math Learning Disabilities)</b><br />
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<b>1. The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project</b><br />
UCSMP has created a curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. UCSMP materials, including Everyday Mathematics for Grades preK-6 and seven UCSMP textbooks for use in Grades 6-12 mathematics (Pre-Transition Mathematics; Transition Mathematics; Algebra; Geometry; Advanced Algebra; Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry; and Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics), are being used currently by an estimated 4.5 million students in elementary and secondary schools in every state and virtually every major urban area. (Usiskin) We find that these techniques are appropriate for children with strong visual memory, language, and fluid reasoning ability. They are not as effective with children who are concrete learners and who need foundational memorization of facts and consistent scope and sequence of skills.<br />
<a href="http://ucsmp.uchicago.edu/about/overview/">http://ucsmp.uchicago.edu/about/overview/</a><br />
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<b>2. Connected Mathematics</b><br />
CMP is a problem-centered curriculum promoting an inquiry-based teaching-learning classroom environment. Mathematical ideas are identified and embedded in a sequenced set of tasks and explored in depth to allow students to develop rich mathematical understandings and meaningful skills.<br />
<a href="https://connectedmath.msu.edu/">https://connectedmath.msu.edu/</a><br />
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<b>3. Saxon Math (for Elementary Students w/ Math LD)</b><br />
Saxon takes an incremental approach to math, introducing a new skill or principle each day, then reviewing these concepts and skills day after day for weeks. This approach helps build students’ confidence in their ability to “do” math successfully. Students who have used this program receive consistently high scores on standardized math tests. We find this technique to be successful with concrete, sequential learners who need memorization, review, and scope and sequence learning.<br />
<a href="http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/saxon-math">http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/saxon-math</a><br />
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<b>Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) (for Middle to Sec. Students w/ Math LD)</b><br />
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<b>1. I Can Learn</b><br />
A full-curriculum mathematics software solution that is a self-paced, mastery-based technology fully aligned to Common Core State Standards for math grades 5th through algebra and allows for effective differentiated instruction in a positive learning environment.<br />
<a href="http://www.icanlearn.com/">http://www.icanlearn.com/</a><br />
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<b>2. Accelerated Math</b><br />
Students must learn to think critically—like mathematicians—in order to master math. Accelerated Math keeps students working—and thinking—to solve a set of 6 problems before they see which ones they missed. The right amount of productive struggle helps students learn.<br />
<a href="http://www.renaissance.com/products/practice/accelerated-math/">http://www.renaissance.com/products/practice/accelerated-math/</a><br />
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<b>Assistive Materials for Dysgraphia</b><br />
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<b>1. Stem sentences, essay templates and graphic organizers for dysgraphia </b><br />
<a href="http://storey.weebly.com/graphic-organizers-and-writing-templates.html">http://storey.weebly.com/graphic-organizers-and-writing-templates.html</a><br />
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<b>2. <i>They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing with Readings (Second Edition) </i></b><br />
<a href="http://books.wwnorton.com/books/webad.aspx?id=4294986798">http://books.wwnorton.com/books/webad.aspx?id=4294986798</a><br />
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<b>3. High School Essay Templates</b> <br />
<a href="http://writewellapp.com/high-school-essay-templates-and-formats">http://writewellapp.com/high-school-essay-templates-and-formats</a><br />
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<b>4. Elementary School – Sentence Generators </b><br />
<a href="http://sentence.yourdictionary.com/">http://sentence.yourdictionary.com/</a> <br />
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<b>5. More Stem Sentences</b> <br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/explore/sentence-stems/">https://www.pinterest.com/explore/sentence-stems/</a><br />
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<b><i>6. Handwriting without Tears</i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.hwtears.com/hwt">http://www.hwtears.com/hwt</a><br />
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<b>Sources</b><br />
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<b><i>Evidenced-Based Intervention Techniques for Dyslexia, Learning Disorders, and ADHD</i></b>-from Turning Point Assessments<br />
<a href="https://iqtestingdenver.com/2017/05/31/evidenced-based-intervention-techniques-for-dyslexia-learning-disorders-and-adhd/">https://iqtestingdenver.com/2017/05/31/evidenced-based-intervention-techniques-for-dyslexia-learning-disorders-and-adhd/</a><br />
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<b>Orton–Gillingham: What You Need to Know</b>-by Peggy Rosen and Understood.org<br />
<a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/orton-gillingham-what-you-need-to-know">https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/orton-gillingham-what-you-need-to-know</a><br />
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For more information about tools & resources to help improve reading fluency, please visit:<br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b><a href="tel:314-892-3897" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="8">314-892-3897</a></b><br />
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<b>Image sources:</b> <br />
Brennan Innovators, LLC at <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">www.focusandread.com</a> AND<br />
Pixabay.com at <a href="https://pixabay.com">https://pixabay.com</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433473912073384478.post-1238785461527994672017-07-26T12:41:00.001-05:002017-07-26T12:45:37.062-05:00More Fluency Results in Improved Reading Rate, Comprehension and Retention, too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWphCHvEYuH6aKdG8ABb0TvxqnpSR_7s6YLZPdE4kj39mhGVOBgvC_yAkA4SDrzsZQQGDPjlrUMsHlVtrSZNmu_oH9Vx82zHTAK0aLZPCwj7QaFeBuhh27S3EkwyGGkhIT2J4btxxgQs/s1600/Poster-Fluency-Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWphCHvEYuH6aKdG8ABb0TvxqnpSR_7s6YLZPdE4kj39mhGVOBgvC_yAkA4SDrzsZQQGDPjlrUMsHlVtrSZNmu_oH9Vx82zHTAK0aLZPCwj7QaFeBuhh27S3EkwyGGkhIT2J4btxxgQs/s200/Poster-Fluency-Small.jpg" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="200" /></a></div>Most educators know that a variety of skills come together to enable a student to read and so so proficiently. Those same educators will cite the specific reading skills required for this to be accomplished. <br />
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The <b>right <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/learning-tool">tools</a>, strategies and teaching techniques can make all the difference in successfully developing and improving these skills</b> in emergent as well as experienced readers. The following is a list of basic or primary reading skills needed for effective reading to result:<br />
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<b>Primary Reading Skills</b><br />
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<b>1. Phonics:</b> To know the relationship between the sounds of spoken language and the letters of written language is essential for reading.<br />
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<b>2. Word recognition:</b> Many common words in English, such as "the" and "one," do not fit the normal phonics rules, so your child will need to memorize them.<br />
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<b>3. Fluency:</b> To read fluently, your child must not only be able to recognize words instantly, but also be able to divide the text into meaningful chunks.<br />
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<b>4. Spelling and writing:</b> Your child increases his knowledge of how print works when he spells and writes on his own. When he sees each letter, he learns to associate a sound with it. At first he may write "book" as bk — because he hears the /b/ and /k/ sounds. With instruction, he learns correct spelling.<br />
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<b>5. Comprehension:</b> To read, your child must understand the meaning of the words. She builds comprehension when she discusses what she thinks a book will be about and summarizes what happened in a story. Her understanding increases as her vocabulary expands.<br />
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In this article, our focus in on <b>fluency</b> (#3 above). We wanted to provide resources and information to help with the improvement of this all-important reading skill of recognizing words instantly and dividing them into meaningful chunks. Developing fluency does not simply require the teacher or parent to "force feed" a group of words or text to a child. It most definitely does not involve "speed reading" or increasing the rate of the words viewed by a reader, which many software programs attempt to do. The teaching of fluency requires specific activities and resources to encourage a child to attack the text needing to be read.<br />
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In a 2011 focus study of secondary students who were challenged readers, it was found that when implementing the appropriate <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/learning-strategies">strategies</a> and <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">tools</a>, reading fluency improves, which in turn significantly improved the student' reading rate and comprehension. For more information on this study, please visit this <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/page/481317852">link</a>.<br />
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So, in our attempt to help parents and teachers with the development and improvement of reading fluency, we have provided here a list of resources and links to assist you. We hope you will discover that the following links will help your child or students do just that---Improve fluency so that reading rate and comprehension will follow. In the end, retention of what has been read will also be positively impacted with these improvements.<br />
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<b>Reading Fluency Resources</b><br />
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<b>Fluency Resources for Reading</b> - from Brennan Innovators, LLC <br />
70+ reading fluency resources all in one place<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/fluency-resources-for-reading/">https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/fluency-resources-for-reading/</a><br />
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<b>Reading Fluency Activities</b> - by ReadingResource.net <br />
The FREE reading fluency activities on this page are essential for children with dyslexia and struggling readers. These activities can be taught in the classroom (small and large group setting) and can also be implemented at home! Keep checking this page for more free printable reading fluency activities and other ways to increase reading fluency!<br />
<a href="http://www.readingresource.net/readingfluencyactivities.html">http://www.readingresource.net/readingfluencyactivities.html</a><br />
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<b>A Complete Guide to Reading Fluency</b>- from Scholastic<br />
Videos, activities, strategies and more to help develop and improve reading fluency.<br />
<a href="http://teacher.scholastic.com/resources/fluency/">http://teacher.scholastic.com/resources/fluency/</a><br />
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<b>Sources</b><br />
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<b>Breaking the Code: Primary Grade Reading Skills</b>---by Scholastic<br />
<a href="http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/milestones-expectations/breaking-code-primary-grade-reading-skills">http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/milestones-expectations/breaking-code-primary-grade-reading-skills</a><br />
<br />
For more information about tools & resources to help improve reading fluency, please visit:<br />
<b><a href="http://www.FocusandRead.com">www.FocusandRead.com</a></b> Tools for struggling readers of all ages!<br />
<b><a href="http://www.BrennanInnovators.com">www.BrennanInnovators.com</a></b> Info & support for struggling readers<br />
<b><a href="tel:314-892-3897" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="8">314-892-3897</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Image sources:</b> <br />
Brennan Innovators, LLC at <a href="http://www.focusandread.com/products">www.focusandread.com</a> AND<br />
Pixabay.com at <a href="https://pixabay.com">https://pixabay.com</a>Help for Struggling Readershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531708729500419405noreply@blogger.com0