Helping Children With Dyslexia Blog http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog Helping Children With Dyslexia Wed, 02 May 2012 23:28:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 How Can I Choose The Right Reading Program To Help My Child To Catch Up? http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/how-can-i-choose-the-right-reading-program-to-help-my-child-to-catch-up.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/how-can-i-choose-the-right-reading-program-to-help-my-child-to-catch-up.html#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 23:28:12 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=116

This is a topic which I receive emails about very often. It’s a good question, because not every reading program suits a child or a student who is struggling.

It is important to get our choice of reading program right because after a day at school, a child with dyslexia is often mentally exhausted. Adding on long hours of ineffective formal tutoring after school can be extremely stressful and debilitating for a struggling learner.

My advice to parents and to teachers is usually this.

  1. Ensure you have your child or student diagnostically assessed by a dyslexia trained educational specialist (teacher) or an educational or neuro psychologist who specialises in learning difficulties or disabilities. A thorough diagnostic assessment will indicate a child’s learning and cognitive weaknesses, but it will also highlight their learning strengths. This is often called their learning profile and in children with dyslexia this profile can look like a spiky line on a graph, known as their spiky profile. This is because they will have areas of learning that they find very difficult, but they will also have areas where they do well. Choose a program that uses the child’s strengths to overcome their weaknesses. This way the program will be effective and the child will make good gains. You will find a list of Australian dyslexia assessors in the members area on my website.
  2. Ask the diagnostic assessor which programs will provide your child with the most effective learning gains based on their learning profile. For further advice you can contact your local dyslexia association and ask to speak to the person with the best knowledge of reading programs and also computer based reading programs. You can also try dyslexia trained tutors and assessors for advice. Finding the right program and also making sure it is age appropriate can be life changing for a struggling learner.
  3. When you are using reading programs at home break the sessions down into 10-20 minute blocks.  Try to do a little of the program every day. Brain training science research tells us that 10 minutes practise every day is much more effective than one or two hours per week for longer periods. Short tutoring sessions also fit in with other life and school commitments. They are achievable when a child is already mentally exhausted and can be done at almost anytime of day and almost anywhere to save time. Another added bonus is that it leaves time after school for the child to get on with doing the things they are good at, whether that be an academic subject area, a sport, a hobby or an artistic or creative pursuit. Children need to be defined by the things they are good at to remain confident and resilient, socially and in life. When a child feels confident they are capable of achieving amazing things and overcoming incredible obstacles.
  4. Make sure the program you choose is one where the children can see that they are making progress. In other words they are making learning gains from day one. A child must be motivated to continue to want to improve and reading programs must provide them with feedback.
  5. See the American article  in The Dyslexia Discovery Day Newsletter No. 7, which can be found in the Members area of the website, this is about the specifics of choosing a learning program. Of course there are many more programs to choose from than are mentioned here, but again you can go to my website to find links to many more.
  6. I’m working on an online reading program called The Ten Minute Tutor, it can be found by clicking this link, and will be available in late May 2012.

All The Best,

Liz Dunon

 

]]> http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/how-can-i-choose-the-right-reading-program-to-help-my-child-to-catch-up.html/feed 0 Choosing a private school for your child with dyslexia http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/choosing-a-private-school-for-your-child-with-dyslexia.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/choosing-a-private-school-for-your-child-with-dyslexia.html#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:51:59 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=109
Most private schools have a process in place to support dyslexia in children. Choosing one school over another often comes down to the schools attitude towards a student with dyslexia, particularly when it comes to Year 11 and Year 12. During your discussions with them it will become apparent what the school thinks. (I mean the principal really, as they set the tone).
Many students with dyslexia, as you know are generally intelligent, with some being highly intelligent. Private schools are a good place for them as they have the opportunity to really shine in many subject areas with good teachers and good opportunities. It is a difficulty to process the English language that creates the difficulty for them when it comes to formal exams and assessments. Private schools, in fact any school must be geared and experienced to understand what is required by VCCA (The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Association) the body that organises the external formal exams, in order for your child to receive accommodations if she requires them. Such accommodations are readily available at university and TAFE, it just seems to be our secondary school system that is unable to readily provide the appropriate accommodations that our kids need in Year 11 and 12. This is the case for two reasons VCAA make it extremely difficult for students to get accommodations without enormous amounts of paperwork and a documented history of accommodations being provided from Year 7. The other reason is that many teachers do not understand this or how to apply for the accommodations appropriately. Some private schools also base their marketing strategy on Year and 11 and 12 results and may discriminate against a with a child with dyslexia for this reason, concerned that too many dyslexic students will bring down their scores. A very short sighted view considering how amazing these kids can be with the right support in place. Many of Australia’s top entrepreneurs are dyslexic. We need more of them, not more university professors, which is what private schools try to produce.
When you send your children to a private school you are purchasing a product (your child’s education) and you are well within your rights to take legal action if your child is not provided with this. This is not something I recommend however I know there are currently many court cases taking place for this very reason. Private schools know this all too well and as a result if they are academically inclined may not offer your child a place. Some say they are open entry, but when it comes down to it they are not really and a place may not be offered. You want your child in a school that embraces her learning style and makes her feel confident every day. Her confidence is more important than her school results as when she leaves formal schooling behind with your ongoing support she will no doubt have a great future ahead of her.
Just so you know, any school that does not provide support to a child with dyslexia is breaching the Anti Discrimination Act (Education Standards 2005) there is more on this in my book. There is also a Human Rights issue and the VIC commissioner has been in contact with me recently on this topic.
I wish you every success in choosing the right school for your child. I know it is a big decision having made this decision recently myself.
]]> http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/choosing-a-private-school-for-your-child-with-dyslexia.html/feed 0 Great Website full of terrific free learning resources for dyslexia in children http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/great-website-full-of-terrific-free-learning-resources-for-dyslexia-in-children.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/great-website-full-of-terrific-free-learning-resources-for-dyslexia-in-children.html#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:26:54 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=106

I came across this website quite by accident, I was Googling a spelling rule and up popped a free flashcard game created by Adrian. His website is terrific, chock full of free teaching resources to Help Children With Dyslexia and well worth a visit

www.adrianbruce.com

 

]]> http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/great-website-full-of-terrific-free-learning-resources-for-dyslexia-in-children.html/feed 1 Visual Learning For Dyslexia In Children http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/visual-learning-for-dyslexia-in-children.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/visual-learning-for-dyslexia-in-children.html#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:05:36 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=104 For all those visual learners out there
Video Recommendations
How Difficult Can This Be To Help Dyslexia In Children?

(the F.A.T. City program Frustration Anxiety & Tension) by Richard Lavoie, released in1993 but still the best for everyone from teens to teachers – and expecially grandparents and fathers. DVD can be purchased last time I looked from SPELD NSW

 

Gifted Hands The Ben Carson Story also been around since 1990s – about $20 from any Koorong Bookstore a Christian Doctor whose message is simple “If I can do it any one can” very motivating for kids and parents who are feeling bleak – It sresses to kids that we all need to give life a go. 30 mins. Also now a full movie for about $30 and very interesting.

 

“The Secret” a movie starring Kirk Douglas as the grandad with dyslexia and then the grandson cops the disorder.  My husband thought I wrote the script – very ordinary family portrayed with all the arguments that happen in millions of loungerooms around the globe.  Only now available via Amazon or such from the USA for about $8 + p&h.  A glimpse of the heritable nature of these issues.

 

“When Ch 7 used to show this movie about twice a year our phone would run hot for help from people who self diagnosed.”

Dvd Titles provided by Julie Appleton of ADDults with ADHD (NSW)

 

]]> http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/visual-learning-for-dyslexia-in-children.html/feed 0 iphone App to help children with dyslexia http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/iphone-app-to-help-children-with-dyslexia.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/iphone-app-to-help-children-with-dyslexia.html#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:49:04 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=102

I’ve found a really good iphone app for teaching times tables in a visual way:  xtableclock.

I think it cost about $2.00 and it works

Provided by Naomi Blacker (Port Lincoln SA)


Helping Children With Dyslexia

 

]]> http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/iphone-app-to-help-children-with-dyslexia.html/feed 0 Great article about a film made by a dyslexic Eltham School boy http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/great-article-about-a-film-made-by-a-dyslexic-eltham-school-boy.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/great-article-about-a-film-made-by-a-dyslexic-eltham-school-boy.html#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:27:19 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=99

If you could take a pill to make your Dyslexia In Children go away……

Would You?

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/-1ft3c.html


 

]]> http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/great-article-about-a-film-made-by-a-dyslexic-eltham-school-boy.html/feed 0 Dyslexia Parents Support Group in S.A. http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/dyslexia-parents-support-group-in-s-a.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/dyslexia-parents-support-group-in-s-a.html#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:11:20 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=96 Port Lincoln South Australia Parent Support Group

Naomi Blacker

Dyslexia Support Group, Port Lincoln SA

Email:naomi_b@internode.on.et

Mob 0429 803 241

For a full list of parent support groups please visit the website www.helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com

 

]]> http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/dyslexia-parents-support-group-in-s-a.html/feed 0 New Parent Support Groups Melbourne http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/new-parent-support-groups-melbourne.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/new-parent-support-groups-melbourne.html#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:37:32 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=94 Melbourne’s Southern Suburbs – Dyslexia In Children

Inaugural collaborative meeting for parent support and information:

Kingston City Hall, Function Room B

979-985 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin

Wednesday 29th June 2011

7.00pm

Please e-mail Debbie Williams on dwi46566@bigpond.net.au if you can attend

You can find out more information at http://helpingourkidssoar.blogspot.com

 

 

]]> http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/new-parent-support-groups-melbourne.html/feed 0 Here is a great blog post on dyslexia http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/here-is-a-great-blog-post-on-dyslexia.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/here-is-a-great-blog-post-on-dyslexia.html#comments Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:01:06 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=92 This is a great blog post from Eddie Snipes
An enjoyable enlightening read.

http://www.eddiesnipes.com/2011/06/dyslexia/

Liz Dunoon

]]> http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/here-is-a-great-blog-post-on-dyslexia.html/feed 0 how technology and up to date psychology can assist students with learning/reading difficulties including Dyslexia In Children http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/89.html http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/helping-children-with-dyslexia/89.html#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:27:13 +0000 Liz Dunoon http://helpingchildrenwithdyslexia.com/blog/?p=89

Hi To All Teachers and Families in Sydney NSW,

 

I feel that is it is very important to send you a quick note to tell you all about a great opportunity.  Teachers tell your secondary school students and parents take your children to a free forum that is being held this Saturday the 25th of June in Sydney

Details Below

See how technology and up to date psychology can assist students with learning/reading difficulties including Dyslexia In Children to not just struggle or survive but actually thrive at high school

Assistive computer technology, inspiration & motivation
9am – 4pm Engadine Community Centre
1036 Old Princess Highway
Engadine
Register HERE:
FREE day-long event to assist high school students
who experience Literacy, Learning and/or Self Esteem
difficulties
Bring a parent or come alone
Opening Speaker David Pescud, Founder of Sailors with Disabilities
Self esteem building and hands on computer workshops
(E.g. text to speech, speech to text, predictive spelling & organisational programs)
Demonstrations by Spectronics & Quantum Technology
Free show bag, morning tea and lunch included
This day has been organised by Paula Goulden see the details for the support group she has started below

 

Sutherland Dyslexia Support group for Sutherland Shire and St George area meets 4th Monday of month 10.30am for coffee during school terms contact Paula Goulden psgoulden@tpg.com.au

(02) 9528 4638

 

Here is Paula’s story
My son has just started high school this year and I approached the regional office of the NSW Department of Education (DET) with an idea to help all secondary school kids in our local area who have dyslexia. They liked my idea and so did our local National Disability Coordination Officer. Together with some local community organisations we have collaborated and come together to create a free day event for secondary students called “Learning Without Limits“. This  is scheduled for this Saturday 25th June. David Pescud founder of Sailors with Disabilities will be speaking. He is a successful businessman with profound dyslexia. Students will attend a  healthy self esteem work shop and we will also cover technology options for home and school. We will be providing free assistive technology software and resources (Mystudybar from www.eduapps.org ) as well as explaining other programs that can be purchased. We have Gerry Kennedy, inclusive technology consultant speaking and will be offering hands on computer workshops of Wynn and Read Write Gold. Parents are also included on the day and it is a free community event. My hope is if it is successful then it can be run again in different regions so as to assist more students and their parents.

 

 

Cheers,

Paula Goulden

(02) 95284638

 

Good on you Paula. I hope this day is a huge success and this great workshop can be replicated all around Australia
Best wishes to all for a great day
Kind regards
Liz Dunoon

 

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