As promised I am continuing my focus on Dyslexia this month. I f you haven’t already been to www.dyslexiadaily.com, I urge to you do so. Liz Dunoon’s article called ‘What is Dyslexia?’ is worth a read.
In this article, she outlines Dr. Sally Shaywitz’s 5 critical components of a reading program that all readers must master. These critical components are in strong alignment with how we teach reading here at Kip McGrath Hunter.
Another article written by Liz called ‘7 Things You Won’t Know About Dyslexia’ is also worth reading. She shares the story of a very successful Dyslexic young man. She also mentions many lines of work that Dyslexic people excel in; For example: Scientific Researcher, Medical Professional, Business Entrepreneur and the list goes on.
I also suggest you look up famous Dyslexic people; the list is inspirational. All of these people mention having a special someone: a parent, a teacher or a coach, who truly believed in them and who helped them to develop a passionate interest in an area in which they could find success. Here at Kip McGrath Hunter we pride ourselves in being those special someones who are there to help support children and their families in their quest for success.
Dyslexia- Helpful Tips and Resources
In addition direct instruction, the following considerations may assist in school success so don’t be shy to ask your school for some or all of the following:
- extended time and/or oral exams;
- modification of assignments;
- reduced course load;
- major course of study in areas of individual strength;
- small classes; and
- technology aides such as text readers, smartpen, and spelling and grammar checks
For lots of practical hints and tips on things not to say or do, how to foster your child’s social-emotional health, how to help them with their homework and getting organised and many other useful topics, visit the website Tips for Parents and Families of Children with Dyslexia- IDA Hawaii which supplies a downloadable PDF file. The information is in point form so it is easy to read.
At home, you may also find to following websites useful: http://www.memory-improvement-tip.com/brain-game.html, http://www.spellingtraining.com/, http://www.freetypinggame.net/, and http://www.roktalk.co.uk/ ROKTalk is a web-based application that allows you to hear any web text read out loud. I haven’t looked into this one in a lot of detail, but it sounds good.
Programs and devices, such as talking word processors, word prediction programs, child-friendly voice recognition, and portable note-taking devices may assist with writing. The following website provides a great list of these devices: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-tools-writing.
Whatever resources you are considering, it is important to give your child options and then decide which systems work best for them.
Teacher’s Tips – Multiplying Large Numbers
If you have a large number to multiply and one of the numbers is even, you can easily subdivide to get the answer:
32 x 125, is the same as:
16 x 250, is the same as:
8 x 500, is the same as:
4 x 1000 = 4.000
Monthly Jokes
TEACHER: Susan, your story on “My Dog” is exactly the same as your brother’s. Did you copy his?
SUSAN: No, teacher, it’s the same dog!
TEACHER: Johnny, give me a sentence starting with “I”.
JOHNNY: I is…
TEACHER: No, Johnny, always say, “I am.”
JOHNNY: All right… ” I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.”
After many Years, a prisoner is finally released. He runs around yelling. “I’m free! I’m free!”
A little child walks up to him and says, “So what? I’m 4.”
Student of the Month
“Kip McGrath has given Amelia the confidence and ability to succeed in maths. She recently came 1st in the year in her maths half yearly, which we were thrilled about.”
Regards,
Tracey and David – Amelia’s Parents
Award for Outstanding Improvements in Maths
Child-made School Lunch
Early Riser
- Sliced hard-boiled egg
- 2 mini whole-grain waffles
- Capsicum strips
- 1 sliced kiwi fruit
- Blackberries
- Mini corn muffin
