Homeschooling a Challenged Learner? FREE Resources for You!---Part 2

It has been great hearing from all of our homeschooling parents and grandparents about the list of resources I began in last week's blog article here.

As promised, I wanted to pass along to my readers a few more great resources for challenged learners. The list was a long one, so I thought it would be best to break it up into 2 parts.

The resources in this post include tools and downloadables for parents of elementary students with AD/HD, a general resource guide for special needs, and a support website for autism, and other learning challenges.

Hope you find these helpful as well as those from last week! (Please see previous blog post.)

http://www.insideadhd.org/ToolkitSelect.aspx?id=718&fid=4230 FREE online tools and downloadables designed for use by parents of elementary school students with AD/HD

http://www.homeschool.com/resources01/specialneeds.asp Homeschool resource guide for special needs

http://specialneedshomeschooling.com/ Homeschooling with autism, AD/HD, learning disorders, or are you a parent with a special need? Need a hand? You have come to the right place.

To access Part 1 of this blog article, simply visit http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2011/07/great-resources-for-homeschooling.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://free.clipartof.com/pg4

Homeschooling a Challenged Learner? FREE Resources for You!---Part 1

You have made the all-important decision to homeschool your child with special needs. Now what do you do to prepare---to prepare for SUCCESS with homeschooling?

First, you will need support from other family members. It will be important that others in your family affirm you in your decision and offer reinforcement when needed. Secondly, local homeschooling co-ops or groups will provide vital support and networking opportunities. Ask other homeschooling parents in your area about such groups and then look into the activities and programs that each offers. You might be surprised to learn what social as well as academic opportunities they offer local families. All of this support will be particularly important as you plan and work to address your child’s special needs.

Finally, good special needs resources available online can make a significant difference in your homeschooling experience---and your level of SUCCESS. We have provided just a few here to get you started and perhaps even inspired to begin on a good note! Please let us know what you think and feel free to send us YOUR favorite homeschooling support resources. We look forward to hearing from you!

http://specialneedshomeschooling.com/?page_id=161 Practical support and information for homeschooling parents and grandparents created and maintained by a dedicated and experienced homeschooling parent

http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/special.htm Site with numerous resources for homeschooling children with special needs

http://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/ Parents can offer their special needs children individualized education, flexibility, encouragement, and support with the resources and information from this site. Legal information and provisions for all 50 states are also included here.

To access Part 2 of this blog article, simply visit http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2011/07/homeschooling-challenged-learner-free.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

Could Your Child Have a Vision-Related Learning Disability?

Reading is one of the great cornerstones of success in school and in life. Unfortunately, there are many children not only in the U.S. but throughout the world who cannot read. If this is allowed to continue, many children will be at a significant disadvantage not only in school but throughout their entire lives.

In 2005, mental health experts determined that approximately 3.5 million school-aged children in the U.S. had been diagnosed with some form of attention deficit disorder (AD/HD). It is estimated that this number has grown exponentially each year since that determination was made. Many of these children struggle with reading because of their attention issues.

However, some of these "issues" may not be a form of AD/HD, but rather a vision-related learning problem that “appears” to be an attention deficiency. Vision issues such as dyslexia, convergence insufficiency, stress-induced visual difficulties and other conditions can actually be the cause of or contribute to a child's inability to read with success.

What is a parent to do? Often, parents believe that the annual visit to a child’s eye doctor is all that is needed. However, although an optometrist or ophthalmologist may conduct a valid eye test, they are not the eye care professionals of choice to evaluate and diagnose for vision-related learning problems. A developmental optometrist is the preferred medical professional to conduct the proper evaluation of your child’s vision as it relates to focusing, reading, and learning success. Before the new school year begins, consider visiting the resources below here for additional information. You’ll be glad you did---and so will your child!

http://covd.org/ The official website for the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (developmental optometrists)

https://covdwp.memberpoint.com/WebPortal/BuyersGuide/ProfessionalSearch.aspx Locate a doctor in your area.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

Sensory Issues? Reading Focus Cards to the Rescue!

You are the advocate and mediator for your child when interacting with his healthcare professionals, his teachers and school. At home, you are the one who provides the security of structure and comfort through therapeutic activities or the use of soothing, sensory experiences. You need support. Support that helps with the security and sensory needs of your child can mean the difference between a peaceful day --- and one that is not.

One solution is the Reading Focus Card, a reading tool that provides both visual and tactile appeal for sensory issues. At the same time, the reading aid can help your child remain engaged in reading with more focus, better concentration, and comprehension.

At the 2010 U.S. Asperger’s and Autism World Conference in St. Louis, MO, parents, educators, and leaders of numerous organizations witnessed firsthand the advantages of using the Reading Focus Cards for those on the spectrum. On the first day of the conference, all available Reading Focus Cards were purchased and orders were taken on the two remaining conference days.

If you would like to know more about how the Reading Focus Cards can help your child---and you, please contact the teacher, Joan Brennan, who created the tool for her students who need it. Her email address is joan@focusandread.com.

For testimonials on the Reading Focus Cards, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/rfc-testimonials.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

Autism's Awesome A-List!

Do you have a child challenged with autism? Do you teach a teen on the spectrum? Perhaps you have a young adult or other family member with Asperger’s who is “aging out of the system”. What resources are available to help them---and you?

We certainly know that you need vital support to help your child, student or young adult with ASD. So often, services are either very expensive if paid privately or there is a long, long waiting list for public services. While you are waiting, what help is available in the meantime?

We have gathered together here some resources that we hope will assist you with your “awesome” task of taking care of your family member or student(s). We hope these links below here will support you and give you the encouragement to “keep on keeping on” with the great work that you do!

Resource Links for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

http://www.autismspeaks.org/ Site with current articles/resources supporting the autism community

http://www.touchpointautism.org/ This Midwest-based, non-profit organization provides excellent support to families affected by autism.
Beginning July 15, 2011, TouchPoint Autism Services will accept medical insurance for autism-related services from the carriers cited below here. The organization is actively working to secure contracts with additional carriers and will announce those options as soon as they are available.

 Healthcare USA
 HealthLink
 Anthem
 Tricare

http://www.autism-society.org Improving the lives of all affected by autism with support and resources

http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/cardpubs/factsheet/Engsheets/EngFactsheets5.pdf What is Asperger Syndrome? Center for Autism & Related Disabilities Fact Sheet (from CARD)

http://www.autismbuddy.com/ Aims to provide a FREE, user-friendly website that provides high-quality printables and resources for teachers and parents for use with children having special educational needs

http://www.FocusandRead.com For focus and reading tools with sensory appeal that help children and adults with reading challenges

http://kidcompanions.com/ Site that provides accessories for a growing special needs child. Youth affected by Sensory Processing Disorder -SPD, Autism Spectrum Disorder -ASD, Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD, etc., can still benefit from developmental tools. However, age appropriate tools can be even harder to find. This resource can help. Site also provides a very supportive blog!

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm Autism fact sheet and additional resource links provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

http://pediatricneurology.com/autism.htm#SemanticPragmatic%20Communication%20Disorder A plethora of many links for special needs, particularly for those individuals on the autism spectrum

http://www.tech4autism.com/How_this_technology_appl.php A list of excellent tech resources for parents and teachers of children with autism (list created by and courtesy of Michael Leventhal)

http://boards.webmd.com/webx?14@@.89653322 (Online) Autism Support Group

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTmEkNgPWL8 Seattle Children's Autism Blog---Oral Health Tips for Children on the Spectrum

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

A Classic Book List for Girls

In my last post, I provided my readers with a book list for boys as we approached the mid-summer vacation time. This week, it is time to give our girls equal consideration.

I wanted to present a list of classic books that will transport young readers to other eras, regions, and cultures. Hopefully, the selections in this list from Random House will suit the young girls in your life and entice them to read all summer long! Enjoy!

A Classic Book List for Girls (Courtesy of Random House)

Kevin Henkes
Chester's Way, 1988. Greenwillow. Ages 3-7.
The mouse Lilly is one of the bravest, most flamboyant young females around. She rescues her friends from bullies, teaches them how to do wheelies, and always carries a loaded squirt gun. Everyone should meet her!

Brian Pinkney
JoJo's Flying Side Kick, 1995. Simon & Schuster. Ages 3-7.
In order to earn her yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do, young JoJo must break a board with a flying side-kick. With the help of her family, she masters her fears and succeeds. A real winner.

Ogden Nash
The Adventures of Isabel, Illustrated by James Marshall. 1991. Little, Brown. Ages 3-8.
In this funny poem, Isabel conquers a bear, a witch, a giant, a doctor, and a nightmare. The pictures will make children laugh while they learn to banish their own nightmares. Not to be missed.

Ed Young
Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China, 1989. Philomel. Ages 4-8.
Exquisite illustrations accompany this Chinese folktale about a girl who outwits a nasty wolf and saves her sisters. Winner of the Caldecott Medal.

Kay Thompson
Eloise, Illustrated by Hilary Knight. 1955. Simon & Schuster. Ages 4-8.
Eloise is one of a kind. She tears around the Plaza Hotel in New York, driving adults crazy and having a terrific time. It is no surprise that this incorrigible girl has been popular for more than forty years.

Anne Isaacs
Swamp Angel, Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. 1994. Dutton. Ages 4-9.
Tennessee-born Angelica Longrider, known as Swamp Angel, is a wonderfully outlandish addition to American tall tales. Building her first log cabin at age two is just the beginning of her incredible career. Witty folk art captures the larger-than-life heroine. A Caldecott Honor book.

Kathleen Krull
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman, Illustrated by David Diaz. 1996. Harcourt Brace. Ages 7-10
Striking illustrations portray the life of Wilma Rudolph, who overcame childhood polio to become a great runner and win three Olympic gold medals. A powerful, inspiring story.

Charlotte Pomerantz
The Outside Dog, Illustrated by Jennifer Plecas. 1993. HarperCollins.
Ages 5-8.
A charming beginning reader about a Puerto Rican girl who is determined to have a dog, despite her grandfather's objections.

Ursula K. LeGuin
A Ride on the Red Mare's Back, Illustrated by Julie Downing. 1992. Orchard. Ages 5-9.
With the help of a magical horse, a brave girl sets off to rescue her brother who has been stolen by trolls. A beautifully illustrated tale of courage and love.

Karen Hesse
Sable, Illustrated by Marcia Sewall. 1994. Henry Holt. Ages 6-10.
More than anything, Tate wants to keep the stray dog that shows up at her mountain home. With persistence and hard work, the girl succeeds. A heartwarming novel for younger readers.

Patricia MacLachlan
Sarah, Plain and Tall, 1985. Harper & Row. Ages 6-10.
This small gem tells the story of two children and the quiet, strong woman who they hope will marry their father. Perfect for reading aloud. Winner of the Newbery Medal.

Carol Fenner
Yolonda's Genius, 1995. McElderry. Ages 10-13.
A large and confident girl, Yolonda draws on all of her many talents to help her younger brother pursue his musical dream in this outstanding novel. A Newbery Honor book.

Scott O'Dell
Island of the Blue Dolphins, 1960. Houghton Mifflin. Ages 9-12.
In this modern classic, twelve-year-old Karana must survive alone for years on a California island. Winner of the Newbery Medal.

Patricia Lauber
Lost Star: The Story of Amelia Earhart, 1988. Scholastic. Ages 9-13.
Amelia Earhart broke barriers for women while she broke men's flying records. This biography describes her fascinating life from childhood to her mysterious disappearance.

Patricia C. Wrede
Dealing with Dragons, 1990. Harcourt Brace. Ages 10-13.
Cimorene finds being a princess so boring that she takes a job working for a dragon! The first in a popular, funny series.

Avi
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, 1990. Orchard. Ages 10-14.
"Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty," opens this thrilling tale of a proper young lady who changes when she gets caught up in a mutiny. A top-notch adventure. A Newbery Honor book.

Russell Freedman
Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery, 1993. Clarion. Ages 11-14.
Award-winning biographer Russell Freedman conveys the greatness of Eleanor Roosevelt through his lively writing and an extensive array of photographs. Highly recommended. A Newbery Honor book.

Suzanne Fisher Staples
Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind, 1989. Knopf. Ages 12-14.
Set in contemporary Pakistan, this gripping novel follows the fate of Shabanu, an adolescent girl from a nomadic tribe who rebels against her arranged marriage. A Newbery Honor book.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

A Good Reading List for Boys---(Finally!)

Recently, there has been a significant amount of media coverage about how to encourage boys to read more. Some of the concern seems to be centered around the prevalence of video game playing and TV watching. Another issue is the perception that there is a lack of interesting and appealing literature available for boys.

First of all, as a parent of four sons, I have personally witnessed this "slide" in time spent reading as video game play has increased. At times, my husband and I found it necessary to limit the game play in favor of specific time periods of more "sustained" reading for the boys, especially during the summer. It did help that they participated in the local library's summer reading clubs and various community merchants' reading programs throughout the years. It was challenging at times, but I believe we reached a good compromise and balance that benefited our sons.

Secondly, as we approach the mid-summer, I thought this might be a good time to mention a couple of resources that could provide parents with information about good books for boys and how to encourage them to enjoy more reading. Here are several websites that could provide some assistance:

http://www.boysread.org/books.html Transforming boys into life-long readers and lovers of books is this website's mission.

http://guysread.com/ Offers a list of books recommended by the webmaster, children's author Jon Sczieska, and others suggested by visitors to the website.

http://booksandboys.blogspot.com Author and blog writer Max Elliot Anderson was once a struggling/reluctant reader himself but is now a writer of adventures & mysteries for readers 8 - 13. His blog, Books for Boys, is #1 on Google today.

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/676 Based on author Jon Scieszka’s own experience as well as input from “Guys Read voters,” the program’s website recommends books that boys say they like. Also discusses important topics such as the the very real literacy gap between boys and girls.

http://www.c-t-l.org/high_school_readers.html Book list for high school boys (Gr. 9-12)

http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/ Alan Sitomer's website. He shares a passion for literacy as it relates to adolescents/boys.

http://wowbooks4boys.com/ Deliciously "wicked" books for boys learning to read---Its mission is simple...to get young boys reading! Created and written by Angela Bueti of WOW books 4 boys

In addition, I would like to provide this Parent's Choice book list for the boys in your life. Hopefully, you will find it helpful in encouraging your young men to read more good books this summer---and beyond!

Boys' Book List

Here is the list compiled by Parents' Choice Magazine:

FICTION

Tony Abbott
Realism & Survival
Abbott’s series feature fun and adventure.

Danger Guys and the Golden Lizard (Danger Guys Stories)
HarperTrophy, ISBN: 0064420116, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (Secrets of Droon Series)
Little Apple, ISBN: 0590108395, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Avi
Avi writes good solid stories: Poppy is a deer mouse and her tales revolve around other animals in the meadow, while McKinley in The Good Dog is a sled dog torn between his human family and the wild world of Lupin, who is out to replenish his wolf pack.

The Good Dog
Atheneum, ISBN: 0689838247, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Poppy (Series)
Camelot, ISBN: 0380727692, Ages 9 & Up

Michael Chabon
Summerland is a treat where a “less than mediocre Little League player “ is recruited by a mystical 100 year old scout and accepts a mission to overthrow the evil, shape-changing overlord, Coyote. Shades of Narnia and the Hobbit say some. A challenge for older readers.

Summerland
Hyperion Press, ISBN: 0786816155, Ages 9 & Up

Eoin Colfer
Science Fiction
Colfer’s Artemis books are extremely popular and creative! “When a twelve-year old genius tries to demand a ransom, the fairies fight back with magic, technology, and a particularly nasty troll.”

Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl Series)
Hyperion Press, ISBN: 0786817070, Ages 10 & up

Mark Crilley
Science Fiction
Crilley’s Earthling hero, fourth-grader Akiko, joins an intergalactic cast of characters in a mission to rescue Prince Froptoppit of the Planet Smoo.

Akiko on the Planet Smoo (Akiki Series)
Delacorte Press, ISBN: 0385327242, Ages 10 & up

Franklin Dixon
Oldies, but still goodies.

Hardy Boys Starter Set
Platt & Munk, ISBN: 0448416719, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Edward Eager
Time Travel
Knight’s castle by Eager follows four cousins who find themselves back in the times of Robin Hood and Ivanhoe!

Knight’s Castle
Harcourt, ISBN: 015202073X, Ages 7 - 9 yrs.

Cornelia Funke
Fantasy and Survival
The Thief Lord by Funke is the newest book on this list: an exciting story about 2 brothers who run away to Venice, Italy, their aunt who hires a detective to track them down, and the mysterious thief lord who takes them under his wing.

The Thief Lord
Scholastic, ISBN: 0439404371, Ages 10 & up

Dan Greenburg

The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot (Zack Files Series)
Grosset & Dunlap, ISBN: 0448420414, Ages 7 - 9 yrs.

Jackie French Koller
Fantasy

Dragonling (Dragonling Series)
Aladdin Library, ISBN: 074341019X, Ages 7 - 9 yrs.

Gary Paulsen
Realism and Survival
In Hatchet, a boy is the lone survivor of a plane crash and is stranded in the wilderness with only a hatchet. This gripping tale is by Paulsen, who has written many wonderful stories including Mr. Tucket and Dogsong.

Mr. Tucket
Yearling Books, ISBN: 0440411335, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Dogsong
Simon Pulse, ISBN: 0689827008, Ages 10 & up

Hatchet
Simon Pulse, ISBN: 0689826990, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Emily Rodda
High Fantasy

The Forests of Silence
Apple, ISBN: 0439253233, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Deltora Book of Monsters (Deltora Quest)
Scholastic, ISBN: 0439390842, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Louis Sachar
Holes was a recent movie written by the talented Sachar; think “curse, desert correctional camp treasure and friends”. This is very different from the humorous tales that occur on the thirteenth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways with a classroom on each floor.

Sideways Stories from Wayside School (A Series)
HarperTrophy, ISBN: 0380731487, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Holes
Yearling Books, ISBN: 0440414806, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Jon Scieszka
Time Travel

See you later, Gladiator (Time Warp Trio Series)
Puffin, ISBN: 0142300691, Ages 9-12 yrs

Sam Samurai (Time Warp Trio Series)
Viking Childrens Books,ISBN: 0670899151, Ages 8 & Up

NON-FICTION
A variety for all tastes. Try to pinpoint some of your child’s interests; then browse the non-fiction shelves. It can be awesome! A strong alternate way to present non-fiction might be to use a narrative form, or group by topics i.e., true tales, poetry, biographies, and special interests.

Nathaniel Philbrick

The Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex
Putnam Pub Group Juv, ISBN: 039923795X, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Brian Colburn

Triumph on Everest: A Photobiography of Sir Edmund Hillary (Biography)
National Geographic, ISBN: 0792279328, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Mark Stewart

One Wild Ride: The Life of Skateboard Superstar Tony Hawk (Biography)
21st Century Books, ISBN: 0761326669, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Gary Paulsen

Puppies, Dogs and Blue Northers: Reflections on the Author’s Life with His Sled Dogs (Biography)
Yearling Books, ISBN: 0440418755, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Tomi De Paola
The author, creator of Strega Nona, grandmother witch, looks back on his childhood.

Twenty-Six Fairmont Avenue
Puffin, ISBN: 0698118642, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Here We All Are
Puffin, ISBN: 0698119096, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

What a Year (Biography)
Puffin, ISBN: 014250158, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Walter Wick

I Spy Gold Challenger: A Book of Picture Riddles
Cartwheel Books, ISBN: 0590042963, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Seymour Simon

Whales
Harpercollins Juvenile Books, ISBN: 0064460959,
Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Big Cats
HarperTrophy, ISBN: 006446119X, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Danger! Volcanoes
SeaStar Books, ISBN: 1587171813, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Muscles: Our Muscular Skeleton
HarperTrophy, ISBN: 0688177204, Ages 7 & Up

Animals Nobody Loves
SeaStar Books, ISBN: 1587171554, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Richard Platt

Eyewitness: Pirate
DK Publishing, ISBN: 0789466082, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Eyewitness: Spy
DK Publishing, ISBN: 0789466163, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Jack Prelutsky

Monday’s Troll
Greenwillow, ISBN: 0688096441, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

A Pizza the Size of the Sun
Greenwillow, ISBN: 0688132359, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Douglas Florian
Poetry

Laugh-eteria
Puffin, ISBN: 0141309903, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Beast Feast
Voyager Books, ISBN: 0152017372, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Eyewitness Books
Eyewitness Books stand out in the non-fiction collection. They are bountiful and beautiful, including wonderful photographs along with information. Browsing these gems is a treat. Examples: Sharks, Whales and Dolphins, Islam or Money. The Eyewitness Juniors, which are mostly in paperback, are perfect for lower elementary grades i.e, Amazing bikes, Amazing crocodiles and lizards.

For more great books for boys, look for Kathleen Odean’s Great Books for Boys: More than 600 books for Boys 2-14.

SPECIAL NOTE: Don't worry---next week, there will be equal coverage for girls' books and encouraging their reading! Please check back with this blog!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/