Happy New Year 2016 to ALL our good readers! We're hoping that this coming year will be your BEST one yet in terms of helping the challenged readers you know and serve.
Although we provide dyslexia tools and resources to our many customers and clients throughout each year, we do make it a point to emphasize awareness of and share even more resources for dyslexia with everyone each time we begin a new year. With the incidence of dyslexia currently estimated to be 1 in 5 individuals, it is essential that parents, teachers and other adults become aware of these statistics so that they can better address the needs of the many individuals with this specific learning challenge each day of every year.
You may already know dyslexia to be a brain-based, learning difference that specifically impairs a person's ability to read. Individuals challenged with dyslexia typically read at levels significantly lower than expected even with normal or average intelligence. Although the symptoms and experiences of this learning difference can vary from one person to another, the common characteristics of dyslexia are:
-Difficulty with phonological processing (phonics understanding, phonemic awareness or manipulation of sounds)
-Challenges with spelling and/or
-Difficulty with rapid visual-verbal responding
In persons with adult-onset or acquired dyslexia, it usually occurs as a result of brain injury or in association with dementia. However, dyslexia may have been present in childhood or adolescence but was never identified until adulthood. Children who experience the symptoms listed above here should be considered candidates for dyslexia testing and evaluation by an appropriate medical professional (a behavioral or developmental optometrist, a developmental pediatrician, or other certified dyslexia specialist). Dyslexia can be inherited in some families, and recent studies have identified a number of genes that may predispose an individual to develop dyslexia.
To start off this New Year 2016, we wanted to provide our readers with current and helpful resources to assist parents, teachers and other adults as they work with individuals challenged with dyslexia. We hope you will find these resources of benefit to you or someone you know.
Dyslexia Resources & Support Organizations
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity serves as a nexus for research on dyslexia, and is as well a leading source of advocacy and information to better the lives of people with dyslexia.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/
DyslexiaHelp---University of Michigan
This website offers much information about dyslexia together with research, success stories and other related resources for parents, teachers and students.
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/
The International Dyslexia Association
This well-known organization provides general information and support for persons with dyslexia. The following link presents an online Dyslexia Self-Assessment for Adults
http://www.interdys.org/AreYouDyslexic_AdultTest.htm
FAQ page: http://www.interdys.org/FAQ.htm
Decoding Dyslexia
Decoding Dyslexia is a network of parent-led grassroots movements across the country concerned with the limited access to educational interventions for dyslexia within the public education system. We aim to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children and inform policy-makers on best practices to identify, remediate and support students with dyslexia. For more information and to learn if your state has an affiliate branch of this organization (currently all 50 states do), please visit the link provided here.
http://www.decodingdyslexia.net/
National Center for Learning Disabilities (Section on Dyslexia)
The National Center for Learning Disabilities improves the lives of all people with learning difficulties and disabilities by empowering parents, enabling young adults, transforming schools, and creating policy and advocacy impact. The link to follow here provides general information, dyslexia symptoms/warning signs categorized by grade level and resources to help parents and teachers.
http://ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyslexia
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy
Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
http://wrightslaw.com/
Dyslegia: A Legislative Information Site
This website is maintained by Davis Dyslexia Association International to report and track pending legislation in the United States. This blog-based web site is a resource for sharing information about legislative initiatives, as a forum for discussion and exploration of policy issues, and as a communications tool to encourage citizen participation and involvement with their representatives in government.
http://www.dyslegia.com/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
This website provides basic information about dyslexia as well as supportive resource links.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dyslexia/dyslexia.htm
College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)
Organization of developmental (behavioral) optometrists, medical professionals who can test and evaluate as well as diagnose and treat dyslexia and other vision-related reading challenges. A "locator tool" for such diagnosticians in your area is available on the website.
http://www.covd.org
Homeschooling With Dyslexia!
This excellent website and blog written by Marianne Sunderland provides resources for parents and homeschooling families of children who do not learn by traditional methods. Includes a ‘Quick Start’ Guide and FREE digital e-course about teaching children with dyslexia.
http://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/start-here/
Dyslexia Resources & Support
Pinterest board with 650+ dyslexia resources---ALL in 1 place!
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/
Helpful Dyslexia Tools & Apps
OpenDyslexic Font (FREE)
Created by Abelardo Gonzalez
OpenDyslexic is a new, open-sourced font created to increase readability for readers with dyslexia. The typeface includes regular, bold, italic, and bold-italic styles. It is being updated continually and improved based on input from dyslexic users. There are no restrictions on using OpenDyslexic outside of attribution. FREE download via this link.
http://opendyslexic.org/
The Reading Focus Cards---Low-tech Reading Tools for Books & Documents
(Patent 7,565,759)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
Sensory-appealing and customizable reading tools and solutions for challenged readers of all ages. Made in the U.S.A.
www.FocusandRead.com/products
APP---Overlays! (for OS X 10.8 or later---Price: $6.99)
Created by Abbie Gonzalez
Use to help with reading or sometimes to help following large tables and lists of data. Battle the wall of text, eyestrain and distractions with this on screen overlay to help you keep your place!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/overlays!/id868499627?mt=12
APP---Reading Focus Cards (for Macs & Windows PCs---Price: $5.99)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
This desktop app is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app for Windows PCs and Macs FLOATS on top AN STAYS on top of underlying applications, providing practical READING SUPPORT for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. It promotes more FOCUS, better TRACKING and COMPREHENSION when reading digital media, whether online or offline (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) The application can be moved on the screen over text by the fingers, mouse or arrow keys as needed. In addition, the Reading Focus Card app (Patent 8,360,779) is compatible with and supports touch-screen technology.
1. Macs (desktops & notebooks): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
2. Windows PCs (desktops & laptops): https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards
Best Books for Dyslexia
Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level
by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.; Vintage (2005)
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide
by Pam Wright and Pete Wright; Harbor House Law Press (2006)
The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain
by Brock and Fernette Eide M.D.; Plume (2012)
Dyslexic AND UN-Stoppable - How Dyslexia Helps Us Create The Life Of Our Dreams And How YOU Can Do It Too
by Lucie M. Curtiss, R.N. and Douglas C. Curtiss, M.D., FAAP
For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Images courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com
Do you know a challenged reader? This blog will offer some tips, strategies & resources to help.
Showing posts with label dyslexia help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dyslexia help. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
BEST Dyslexia Tools, Resources & Support for Parents & Teachers-2016
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Saturday, April 12, 2014
Helpful Activities for Your Child with Dyslexia
You've finally received a diagnosis of dyslexia for your child from a developmental optometrist or other appropriate medical professional. Now what? What does this mean for your child---and you? Which strategies will work best for her? What can you do as a parent to help your child manage the symptoms of this learning difference called dyslexia?
Not to worry. There are many things you can do as a parent to help your child or teen with the reading and learning issues involved with dyslexia. Some of those things include activities that can actually help manage the symptoms your child may be experiencing. This week, we wanted to provide a list of links to such activities that can be helpful to your child or teen AND you. As always, we hope you will find that these will assist you in your efforts to improve the quality of life for your child with dyslexia.
Helpful Activities for Children with Dyslexia
Look carefully! One shape is missing.
by Stephany Koujou (from the American Dyslexia Association)
For this FREE resource, you will need to look carefully! One shape from the field on the right is missing in the field on the left. Can you find the missing shape? There are two levels of difficulty. Level one: The shapes have been mixed. Level two: The shapes have been mixed AND turned around and/or mirrored. This trains attention and visual and spatial perception – important skills for good reading, writing and calculating. This is also good brain training for adults. Have fun searching!
http://www.dyslexia.me/look-carefully-one-shape-is-missing/
Monster – Perception training
by Stephany Koujou (from the American Dyslexia Association)
Who can say “no” to these monsters? This FREE download is full of monsters! Children can find monsters, connect monsters, recognize clippings and find monster shadows. These exercises train attention and visual and spatial perception – important skills for reading, writing and calculating.
http://www.dyslexia.me/monster-perception-training/
Great FREE and Affordable Activities and eBooks for Your Dyslexic Child
These FREE animated reading books can help improve children's reading, vocabulary and listening skills at home. The careful choice of graded words provides vital reading practice at the beginning stages of reading but story content is suitable for a slightly older age group who may have fallen behind. These interactive books can act as a vital bridge between listening and reading. Reading ability 5-7 years, appropriate content to age 12.
http://donnette.squidoo.com/educational-activities-for-dyslexic-kids
All Kinds of Brain-Training Exercises---for You & Your Child!
(related article from this Help for Struggling Readers blog)
Many FREE resources for improving brain function both with specific, physical exercises and with other brain-building activities. By adding a few of these to your and your child's daily regimen, you'll both be ready for just about any cognitive skill workout. What's more, your child's next school year could be even more productive! Do them together, and imagine what great things could develop for BOTH of you!
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/06/all-kinds-of-brain-training-exercises.html
Dyslexia Games (Teaching Children with Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism or Asperger's Syndrome)
Creative Kids can help overcome reading confusion with art, drawing & logic games! Use fun activity books to QUICKLY overcome reading confusion, messy handwriting, poor spelling, concentration problems, and letter reversals that are common to children with these learning challenges.
http://www.dyslexiagames.com/order-here.html
For information on customizable reading tools for ADHD & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com
Not to worry. There are many things you can do as a parent to help your child or teen with the reading and learning issues involved with dyslexia. Some of those things include activities that can actually help manage the symptoms your child may be experiencing. This week, we wanted to provide a list of links to such activities that can be helpful to your child or teen AND you. As always, we hope you will find that these will assist you in your efforts to improve the quality of life for your child with dyslexia.
Helpful Activities for Children with Dyslexia
Look carefully! One shape is missing.
by Stephany Koujou (from the American Dyslexia Association)
For this FREE resource, you will need to look carefully! One shape from the field on the right is missing in the field on the left. Can you find the missing shape? There are two levels of difficulty. Level one: The shapes have been mixed. Level two: The shapes have been mixed AND turned around and/or mirrored. This trains attention and visual and spatial perception – important skills for good reading, writing and calculating. This is also good brain training for adults. Have fun searching!
http://www.dyslexia.me/look-carefully-one-shape-is-missing/
Monster – Perception training
by Stephany Koujou (from the American Dyslexia Association)
Who can say “no” to these monsters? This FREE download is full of monsters! Children can find monsters, connect monsters, recognize clippings and find monster shadows. These exercises train attention and visual and spatial perception – important skills for reading, writing and calculating.
http://www.dyslexia.me/monster-perception-training/
Great FREE and Affordable Activities and eBooks for Your Dyslexic Child
These FREE animated reading books can help improve children's reading, vocabulary and listening skills at home. The careful choice of graded words provides vital reading practice at the beginning stages of reading but story content is suitable for a slightly older age group who may have fallen behind. These interactive books can act as a vital bridge between listening and reading. Reading ability 5-7 years, appropriate content to age 12.
http://donnette.squidoo.com/educational-activities-for-dyslexic-kids
All Kinds of Brain-Training Exercises---for You & Your Child!
(related article from this Help for Struggling Readers blog)
Many FREE resources for improving brain function both with specific, physical exercises and with other brain-building activities. By adding a few of these to your and your child's daily regimen, you'll both be ready for just about any cognitive skill workout. What's more, your child's next school year could be even more productive! Do them together, and imagine what great things could develop for BOTH of you!
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/06/all-kinds-of-brain-training-exercises.html
Dyslexia Games (Teaching Children with Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism or Asperger's Syndrome)
Creative Kids can help overcome reading confusion with art, drawing & logic games! Use fun activity books to QUICKLY overcome reading confusion, messy handwriting, poor spelling, concentration problems, and letter reversals that are common to children with these learning challenges.
http://www.dyslexiagames.com/order-here.html
For information on customizable reading tools for ADHD & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com
Labels:
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Saturday, October 12, 2013
BEST Websites for Dyscalculia & Dyspraxia
The third in a series of five articles with specific special needs resources
As planned and promised, we are continuing our series of articles containing helpful links to websites for specific special needs. This week, the websites presented are for dyscalculia and dyspraxia, two different disabilities that some consider as two other forms of dyslexia.
Before we present the best websites for these two learning challenges, however, we first want to provide good definitions for these learning issues.
What Is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities involving math. There is no single type of math disability. Dyscalculia can vary from person to person. It can also affect people differently at different stages of life. Using alternate learning methods, people with dyscalculia can achieve success. Currently, statistics vary regarding the incidence of this particular learning disability.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)
What Is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder throughout the brain that results in life-long impaired motor, memory, judgment, processing, and other cognitive skills. Dyspraxia also impacts the immune and central nervous systems. Each dyspraxic person has different abilities and weaknesses as dyspraxia often comes with a variety of comorbidities. One in ten persons in the U.S. suffers from dyspraxia.
(Source: Dyspraxia Foundation USA: Please see website link to follow below here.)
BEST Websites for Dyscalculia
National Center for Learning Disabilities---Dyscalculia
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/what-is-dyscalculia
about dyscalculia
http://aboutdyscalculia.org/resources.html
Dyscalculia.org-Math Tools
http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-tools
Apps to Help Students with Dyscalculia and Math Difficulties---by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (via NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-dyscalculia-math-difficulties
The British Dyslexia Association---Dyscalculia Primer & Resource Guide
http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/dyscalculiaprimerandresourceguide.htm
BEST Websites for Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia Foundation USA
http://www.dyspraxiausa.org/
Six Helpful Dyspraxia Resources---from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyspraxia/helpful-motor-skills-development-resources
Blog: occupationaltherapyforchildren.over-blog.com
http://occupationaltherapyforchildren.over-blog.com/article-dyspraxia-87698021.html
Dyspraxia (Children) – Symptoms (from NHS in the UK)
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dyspraxia-(childhood)/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
BRAIN.HE (Best Resources for Achievement and Intervention re Neurodiversity in Higher Education)
http://www.brainhe.com/students/types/dyspraxia.html
For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC
As planned and promised, we are continuing our series of articles containing helpful links to websites for specific special needs. This week, the websites presented are for dyscalculia and dyspraxia, two different disabilities that some consider as two other forms of dyslexia.
Before we present the best websites for these two learning challenges, however, we first want to provide good definitions for these learning issues.
What Is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities involving math. There is no single type of math disability. Dyscalculia can vary from person to person. It can also affect people differently at different stages of life. Using alternate learning methods, people with dyscalculia can achieve success. Currently, statistics vary regarding the incidence of this particular learning disability.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)
What Is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder throughout the brain that results in life-long impaired motor, memory, judgment, processing, and other cognitive skills. Dyspraxia also impacts the immune and central nervous systems. Each dyspraxic person has different abilities and weaknesses as dyspraxia often comes with a variety of comorbidities. One in ten persons in the U.S. suffers from dyspraxia.
(Source: Dyspraxia Foundation USA: Please see website link to follow below here.)
BEST Websites for Dyscalculia
National Center for Learning Disabilities---Dyscalculia
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/what-is-dyscalculia
about dyscalculia
http://aboutdyscalculia.org/resources.html
Dyscalculia.org-Math Tools
http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-tools
Apps to Help Students with Dyscalculia and Math Difficulties---by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (via NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-dyscalculia-math-difficulties
The British Dyslexia Association---Dyscalculia Primer & Resource Guide
http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/dyscalculiaprimerandresourceguide.htm
BEST Websites for Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia Foundation USA
http://www.dyspraxiausa.org/
Six Helpful Dyspraxia Resources---from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyspraxia/helpful-motor-skills-development-resources
Blog: occupationaltherapyforchildren.over-blog.com
http://occupationaltherapyforchildren.over-blog.com/article-dyspraxia-87698021.html
Dyspraxia (Children) – Symptoms (from NHS in the UK)
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dyspraxia-(childhood)/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
BRAIN.HE (Best Resources for Achievement and Intervention re Neurodiversity in Higher Education)
http://www.brainhe.com/students/types/dyspraxia.html
For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC
Labels:
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Saturday, June 1, 2013
Helpful Summer Programs & Resources for Dyslexia
As many of you may know, we are all about finding resources and connecting parents and teachers with information they need most to help children and teens with reading challenges. Because of the requests and questions we have received recently about summer programs for LD (and more specifically dyslexia), we thought it would be of interest to our readers to publish an article this week with resources and information on this topic.
So, here is our list to help you choose a good summer program or to locate specific resources for your child or student with dyslexia (and other LD). As always, we hope you find the list of links beneficial to a challenged reader you wish to help.
Summer Programs & Resources for Dyslexia-2013
Dyslexia Summer Camps (Listed by State)
These learning programs that specialize in dyslexia understand the way your child thinks and learns and they teach accordingly. They will teach your child educational skills that will help them during the regular school year. Many of these programs teach dyslexic children or teens by using a multi-sensory approach to learning.
http://www.dyslexiclikeme.org/schools-2/summer-camps/
Dyslexia Summer Programs (Provided by the The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity)
A partial listing of summer programs on the East Coast is provided here to help parents begin the process of finding a situation that best suits their child with dyslexia.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/PAR_summerprograms.html
FREE Help for Dyslexic Students---by Kyle Redford (The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity)
The Children's Dyslexia Centers currently have 50 Centers in 13 states. Centers provide tutoring at no charge to children from early elementary through high school who have been diagnosed as dyslexic
Visit this link to find a location near you.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/childrensdyslexiacenters.html
Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA-RMB)
This branch of The International Dyslexia Association provides a forum where parents, educators, individuals with dyslexia and researchers share their knowledge about a disorder that affects up to 20 percent of the U.S. population. The IDA-RMB provides workshops and resources to increase public awareness of dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-rmbida.org/
Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp for Your LD Child---by Ann Cathcart
Article with great tips to help you choose a good summer camp for your child with learning challenges!
http://www.ldonline.org/article/6124/
For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of: http://www.specialneeds.com/children-and-parents/dyslexia/film-raises-dyslexia-awareness-sundance
So, here is our list to help you choose a good summer program or to locate specific resources for your child or student with dyslexia (and other LD). As always, we hope you find the list of links beneficial to a challenged reader you wish to help.
Summer Programs & Resources for Dyslexia-2013
Dyslexia Summer Camps (Listed by State)
These learning programs that specialize in dyslexia understand the way your child thinks and learns and they teach accordingly. They will teach your child educational skills that will help them during the regular school year. Many of these programs teach dyslexic children or teens by using a multi-sensory approach to learning.
http://www.dyslexiclikeme.org/schools-2/summer-camps/
Dyslexia Summer Programs (Provided by the The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity)
A partial listing of summer programs on the East Coast is provided here to help parents begin the process of finding a situation that best suits their child with dyslexia.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/PAR_summerprograms.html
FREE Help for Dyslexic Students---by Kyle Redford (The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity)
The Children's Dyslexia Centers currently have 50 Centers in 13 states. Centers provide tutoring at no charge to children from early elementary through high school who have been diagnosed as dyslexic
Visit this link to find a location near you.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/childrensdyslexiacenters.html
Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA-RMB)
This branch of The International Dyslexia Association provides a forum where parents, educators, individuals with dyslexia and researchers share their knowledge about a disorder that affects up to 20 percent of the U.S. population. The IDA-RMB provides workshops and resources to increase public awareness of dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-rmbida.org/
Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp for Your LD Child---by Ann Cathcart
Article with great tips to help you choose a good summer camp for your child with learning challenges!
http://www.ldonline.org/article/6124/
For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of: http://www.specialneeds.com/children-and-parents/dyslexia/film-raises-dyslexia-awareness-sundance
Labels:
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Sunday, April 21, 2013
NEW Helpful Resources for Dyslexia Challenges
As mentioned in last week’s blog article, we have been attending and presenting seminars at several educational conferences over the past several weeks. Last week was no exception, as we visited and briefly presented for a third time at the Patrick Henry Downtown Academy’s Parent Symposium here in St. Louis.
Just like attendees at the previous educational conferences, interested parents and teachers at the school expressed their concerns about struggling readers, asking questions about various reading challenges that included dyslexia. Some of the young students from the school were also present. These parents and teachers (and even some of the students) told us what it’s really like for some students who struggle to read just like conference attendees over the past several weeks had mentioned. The following are some of the reading symptoms described:
1. Eyes get tired when reading for just for a few minutes.
2. Florescent lights in the classroom seem to cause a glare and make it hard to focus, much less read and understand what is read.
3. Can’t focus on the line to be read. Eyes are all over the page.
4. My child loses his place all the time when he tries to read.
5. My daughter says that the letters on the page look like they are moving or waving.
With these symptoms described to us more than a few times, we shared information about the importance of comprehensive eye exams and the value of using our Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759). At the same time, we also provided literature that included tips and strategies to help challenged readers of all ages.
Finally, we thought this might be a good time to provide these parents and teachers as well as our readers here some new resources for symptoms like those listed. The descriptions above could be possible indications of dyslexia. However, dyslexia is a reading challenge for which accommodations are not provided in student IEPs (in most states). In fact, an IEP is not even provided for students with a singular diagnosis of dyslexia (again, in most states). At the same time, dyslexia is a reading challenge that can significantly impact one's self-esteem and overall success in life. As a result, we wanted to provide the following new resources we hope will be helpful to many:
New Resources for Dyslexia and Other Reading Challenges
Teaching Resources (from TES)
(Last updated on April 19, 2013)
Over 600,672 free teaching resources for dyslexia and other learning challenges to use in your classroom and school today. TES Teaching Resources is where teachers share and download free lesson plans, classroom resources, revision guides and curriculum worksheets. Whether you are looking for SEN teaching strategies and approaches, VCOP activities, or secondary classroom activities, you can choose from 1000s of teacher resources, download them for free and adapt them to suit your classroom activities.
http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resources/
Supporting Spelling (from TES)
(Last updated on October 11, 2012)
TES provides a selection of strategies and ideas to help your students improve their spelling. The range of free resources includes lesson plans and worksheets on mnemonics, spelling guides, games and strategies helpful for supporting pupils with dyslexia and moderate learning difficulties.
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6258399
Understanding Dyslexia: Infographic---Visual diagram describing dyslexia from the WeAreTeachers Blog (Published April 03, 2013)
http://www.weareteachers.com/community/blogs/weareteachersblog/blog-wat/2013/04/03/understanding-dyslexia-infographic
Top Tips to Start Supporting Students with Dyslexia (from TES)
This colorful diagram provides teachers and parents with strategies to use immediately with children and teens challenged with dyslexia.
http://pinterest.com/pin/80150068341286459/
OpenDyslexic---A new, open-sourced font created by Abelardo Gonzalez to increase readability for readers with dyslexia. The typeface includes regular, bold, italic, and bold-italic styles. It is being updated continually and improved based on input from dyslexic users. There are no restrictions on using OpenDyslexic outside of attribution.
http://opendyslexic.org/
Reading with COLOR---What a Difference It Can Make!
(Published March 10, 2013)
http://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3537480
For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at http://www.focusandread.com/blog
Just like attendees at the previous educational conferences, interested parents and teachers at the school expressed their concerns about struggling readers, asking questions about various reading challenges that included dyslexia. Some of the young students from the school were also present. These parents and teachers (and even some of the students) told us what it’s really like for some students who struggle to read just like conference attendees over the past several weeks had mentioned. The following are some of the reading symptoms described:
1. Eyes get tired when reading for just for a few minutes.
2. Florescent lights in the classroom seem to cause a glare and make it hard to focus, much less read and understand what is read.
3. Can’t focus on the line to be read. Eyes are all over the page.
4. My child loses his place all the time when he tries to read.
5. My daughter says that the letters on the page look like they are moving or waving.
With these symptoms described to us more than a few times, we shared information about the importance of comprehensive eye exams and the value of using our Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759). At the same time, we also provided literature that included tips and strategies to help challenged readers of all ages.
Finally, we thought this might be a good time to provide these parents and teachers as well as our readers here some new resources for symptoms like those listed. The descriptions above could be possible indications of dyslexia. However, dyslexia is a reading challenge for which accommodations are not provided in student IEPs (in most states). In fact, an IEP is not even provided for students with a singular diagnosis of dyslexia (again, in most states). At the same time, dyslexia is a reading challenge that can significantly impact one's self-esteem and overall success in life. As a result, we wanted to provide the following new resources we hope will be helpful to many:
New Resources for Dyslexia and Other Reading Challenges
Teaching Resources (from TES)
(Last updated on April 19, 2013)
Over 600,672 free teaching resources for dyslexia and other learning challenges to use in your classroom and school today. TES Teaching Resources is where teachers share and download free lesson plans, classroom resources, revision guides and curriculum worksheets. Whether you are looking for SEN teaching strategies and approaches, VCOP activities, or secondary classroom activities, you can choose from 1000s of teacher resources, download them for free and adapt them to suit your classroom activities.
http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resources/
Supporting Spelling (from TES)
(Last updated on October 11, 2012)
TES provides a selection of strategies and ideas to help your students improve their spelling. The range of free resources includes lesson plans and worksheets on mnemonics, spelling guides, games and strategies helpful for supporting pupils with dyslexia and moderate learning difficulties.
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6258399
Understanding Dyslexia: Infographic---Visual diagram describing dyslexia from the WeAreTeachers Blog (Published April 03, 2013)
http://www.weareteachers.com/community/blogs/weareteachersblog/blog-wat/2013/04/03/understanding-dyslexia-infographic
Top Tips to Start Supporting Students with Dyslexia (from TES)
This colorful diagram provides teachers and parents with strategies to use immediately with children and teens challenged with dyslexia.
http://pinterest.com/pin/80150068341286459/
OpenDyslexic---A new, open-sourced font created by Abelardo Gonzalez to increase readability for readers with dyslexia. The typeface includes regular, bold, italic, and bold-italic styles. It is being updated continually and improved based on input from dyslexic users. There are no restrictions on using OpenDyslexic outside of attribution.
http://opendyslexic.org/
Reading with COLOR---What a Difference It Can Make!
(Published March 10, 2013)
http://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3537480
For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at http://www.focusandread.com/blog
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Saturday, January 19, 2013
Why Are They NOT Reading at Grade Level?
Did you know that over 68% of America's 4th, 8th and 12th graders are not reading at grade level?(Source: National Center for Education Statistics) Yes, this current statistic indicates that we actually have a “reading crisis” in our country today. Why is this?
If you are a parent or teacher, there is a very good chance that when you were growing up, you engaged in different play activities from what children engage in today. You enjoyed more physical activities such as running, jumping, bike riding, playing hop-scotch, building make-shift tents or forts and much more. Those activities not only provided physical activity and healthy exercise, but they also helped you develop good, vision-related skills---proper balance, good eye-hand coordination, appropriate tracking of an object, peripheral vision skills, left-to-right discrimination and eye progression and more.
Today, children often do not have the same opportunities to develop these skills, certainly not to the level required for the building of good reading skills. Where you may have played dodge ball in the street at age 10, today’s 10 year-old boys and girls are often spending long periods of free time in a very different way. Television viewing and playing video games are at the top of their list of “activities” today. When this is the case, not only do youth obesity rates increase, but the vision skills needed for appropriate development of good reading skills may not properly develop.
Current statistics show that the average child in the U.S. spends 1,480 minutes per week watching television (more than 24 hours per week). Even more disturbing, when asked to choose between watching TV and spending time with their fathers, 54% of 4-6 year-olds preferred watching television. As a group, children under age eight spend an average of 25 minutes per day playing video games. (Sources: Statistic Brain, 2012 and Media Statistics - Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games by Dr. Brent Conrad, Clinical Psychologist for TechAddiction)
So, if you have a young child, seriously consider finding appropriate ways to increase the amount of time your child spends engaged in good, physical activity. Frequent walks to the park or just kicking a ball in the backyard are great, yet simple promoters of good balance, peripheral vision skills and much more.
If your child is of school age and actually experiencing reading challenges, there are options that can help in addition to encouraging increased physical activity. First, rule out the possibility that a vision-related reading challenge is causing the issues experienced. To do this, consider making an appointment with a developmental optometrist who is the preferred medical professional for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for these vision-related reading challenges (visit http://covd.org/ to locate such a medical professional in your area).
You might also want to check out helpful resources such as http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/05/strategies-tools-apps-more-for.html and other articles here that can offer good tips, strategies and resources (apps, etc.) to help struggling readers.
In the meantime, please also keep in mind that reading to your child no matter the age will also enhance his development and attitudes toward reading and literacy in general. It will do much to develop your relationship with your child, too! What a great plan of “action” that is!
Happy reading, everyone!
Sources: Statistic Brain (2012) http://www.statisticbrain.com/television-watching-statistics/ and Media Statistics - Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games by Dr. Brent Conrad, Clinical Psychologist for TechAddiction --- http://www.techaddiction.ca/media-statistics.html
For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Jan. 29, 2013 ONLY! iPad Mini GIVEAWAY by Smart Apps for Kids http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/01/celebrate-our-second-birthday.html
Photo courtesy of: Liberty Books Blog at http://libertybook.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/parents-and-children-prefer-reading-print-books-together-over-e-books-study-finds/
If you are a parent or teacher, there is a very good chance that when you were growing up, you engaged in different play activities from what children engage in today. You enjoyed more physical activities such as running, jumping, bike riding, playing hop-scotch, building make-shift tents or forts and much more. Those activities not only provided physical activity and healthy exercise, but they also helped you develop good, vision-related skills---proper balance, good eye-hand coordination, appropriate tracking of an object, peripheral vision skills, left-to-right discrimination and eye progression and more.
Today, children often do not have the same opportunities to develop these skills, certainly not to the level required for the building of good reading skills. Where you may have played dodge ball in the street at age 10, today’s 10 year-old boys and girls are often spending long periods of free time in a very different way. Television viewing and playing video games are at the top of their list of “activities” today. When this is the case, not only do youth obesity rates increase, but the vision skills needed for appropriate development of good reading skills may not properly develop.
Current statistics show that the average child in the U.S. spends 1,480 minutes per week watching television (more than 24 hours per week). Even more disturbing, when asked to choose between watching TV and spending time with their fathers, 54% of 4-6 year-olds preferred watching television. As a group, children under age eight spend an average of 25 minutes per day playing video games. (Sources: Statistic Brain, 2012 and Media Statistics - Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games by Dr. Brent Conrad, Clinical Psychologist for TechAddiction)
So, if you have a young child, seriously consider finding appropriate ways to increase the amount of time your child spends engaged in good, physical activity. Frequent walks to the park or just kicking a ball in the backyard are great, yet simple promoters of good balance, peripheral vision skills and much more.
If your child is of school age and actually experiencing reading challenges, there are options that can help in addition to encouraging increased physical activity. First, rule out the possibility that a vision-related reading challenge is causing the issues experienced. To do this, consider making an appointment with a developmental optometrist who is the preferred medical professional for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for these vision-related reading challenges (visit http://covd.org/ to locate such a medical professional in your area).
You might also want to check out helpful resources such as http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/05/strategies-tools-apps-more-for.html and other articles here that can offer good tips, strategies and resources (apps, etc.) to help struggling readers.
In the meantime, please also keep in mind that reading to your child no matter the age will also enhance his development and attitudes toward reading and literacy in general. It will do much to develop your relationship with your child, too! What a great plan of “action” that is!
Happy reading, everyone!
Sources: Statistic Brain (2012) http://www.statisticbrain.com/television-watching-statistics/ and Media Statistics - Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games by Dr. Brent Conrad, Clinical Psychologist for TechAddiction --- http://www.techaddiction.ca/media-statistics.html
For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Jan. 29, 2013 ONLY! iPad Mini GIVEAWAY by Smart Apps for Kids http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/01/celebrate-our-second-birthday.html
Photo courtesy of: Liberty Books Blog at http://libertybook.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/parents-and-children-prefer-reading-print-books-together-over-e-books-study-finds/
Labels:
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TV statistics
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Need Support Services for Dyslexia?
This past week before the Thanksgiving Holiday, we at Brennan Innovators received a call from our area’s Special School District. A representative from the district inquired as to area services for students with dyslexia, namely whom we recommend for dyslexia "testing", diagnosis and treatment.
We should not have been surprised to receive such an inquiry, but it continues to be a concern that this critical referral information is not readily available to every staff member in the district that is the primary provider of special needs services in our region. This further shows the growing need within our schools to appropriately address the reading struggles of ALL students, including those with vision-related challenges like dyslexia.
This one phone call was very telling and caused us to prepare our next blog article here about the much-needed information about support services for children (and adults) with dyslexia---wherever they may live.
Initial Support Services for Dyslexia
Website for the College of Optometrists in Vision Development---Basic information, research and resources to help with the understanding of vision-related reading/learning challenges
http://covd.org/
Locator Tool---Online tool to help locate the appropriate medical professional in your area for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of vision-related reading/learning challenges
From the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)
https://covdwp.memberpoint.com/WebPortal/BuyersGuide/ProfessionalSearch.aspx
Support Groups for Dyslexia
Dyslexia Support Groups
Access to various online support groups for dyslexia
http://dyslexia.supportgroups.com/
DailyStrength Dyslexia Support Group
Online forum that supports persons challenged with dyslexia
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Dyslexia/support-group
Supportive Media for Dyslexia (Books, Apps and More)
Online Bookstore for Dyslexia---Books about dyslexia and related materials offered at a discount (Sponsored by the International Dyslexia Association)
http://www.interdys.org/OnlineBookstore.htm
FREE Dyslexia Newsletter---This bi-monthly World of Dyslexia Newsletter is received by over 40,000 people. It keeps readers up-to-date with the latest news and research in the field of dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-teacher.com/t23.html
The Seven Causes of Reading Difficulty for Dyslexics---Most children and teens with dyslexia experience difficulties with reading. David Morgan’s article here outlines seven causes of reading difficulty.
http://www.dyslexia-parent.com/mag64.html
Other Supportive Resources for Dyslexia
IDA Reading Literacy & Learning Conferences---Information about upcoming conferences
http://www.interdys.org/AnnualConferenceUpcoming.htm
U.S. Branch Locations of the International Dyslexia Association--by State
https://ww2.eventrebels.com/er/Chapter/OnlineChapterByState.jsp?Token=FYLJ8BKH4PXMYSGQBT6Y9USH3J
British Global Partner Offices of the International Dyslexia Association (2)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersBritain.htm
Irish Global Partner Office of the International Dyslexia Association (1)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersIreland.htm
Australian Global Partner Office of the International Dyslexia Association (1)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersAustralia.htm
Link to Other Global Partner Locations of the IDA
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersList.htm
For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of: https://twitter.com/DyslexiaSupport
We should not have been surprised to receive such an inquiry, but it continues to be a concern that this critical referral information is not readily available to every staff member in the district that is the primary provider of special needs services in our region. This further shows the growing need within our schools to appropriately address the reading struggles of ALL students, including those with vision-related challenges like dyslexia.
This one phone call was very telling and caused us to prepare our next blog article here about the much-needed information about support services for children (and adults) with dyslexia---wherever they may live.
Initial Support Services for Dyslexia
Website for the College of Optometrists in Vision Development---Basic information, research and resources to help with the understanding of vision-related reading/learning challenges
http://covd.org/
Locator Tool---Online tool to help locate the appropriate medical professional in your area for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of vision-related reading/learning challenges
From the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)
https://covdwp.memberpoint.com/WebPortal/BuyersGuide/ProfessionalSearch.aspx
Support Groups for Dyslexia
Dyslexia Support Groups
Access to various online support groups for dyslexia
http://dyslexia.supportgroups.com/
DailyStrength Dyslexia Support Group
Online forum that supports persons challenged with dyslexia
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Dyslexia/support-group
Supportive Media for Dyslexia (Books, Apps and More)
Online Bookstore for Dyslexia---Books about dyslexia and related materials offered at a discount (Sponsored by the International Dyslexia Association)
http://www.interdys.org/OnlineBookstore.htm
FREE Dyslexia Newsletter---This bi-monthly World of Dyslexia Newsletter is received by over 40,000 people. It keeps readers up-to-date with the latest news and research in the field of dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-teacher.com/t23.html
The Seven Causes of Reading Difficulty for Dyslexics---Most children and teens with dyslexia experience difficulties with reading. David Morgan’s article here outlines seven causes of reading difficulty.
http://www.dyslexia-parent.com/mag64.html
Other Supportive Resources for Dyslexia
IDA Reading Literacy & Learning Conferences---Information about upcoming conferences
http://www.interdys.org/AnnualConferenceUpcoming.htm
U.S. Branch Locations of the International Dyslexia Association--by State
https://ww2.eventrebels.com/er/Chapter/OnlineChapterByState.jsp?Token=FYLJ8BKH4PXMYSGQBT6Y9USH3J
British Global Partner Offices of the International Dyslexia Association (2)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersBritain.htm
Irish Global Partner Office of the International Dyslexia Association (1)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersIreland.htm
Australian Global Partner Office of the International Dyslexia Association (1)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersAustralia.htm
Link to Other Global Partner Locations of the IDA
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersList.htm
For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of: https://twitter.com/DyslexiaSupport
Labels:
convergence insufficiency,
dyslexia,
dyslexia help,
dyslexia support,
resources for dyslexia,
struggling learner,
struggling learners,
struggling reader,
struggling readers
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