|
Define: A variable often familial learning disability involving difficulties in acquiring and processing language that is typically manifested by a lack of proficiency in reading, spelling, and writing. Characteristics: The characteristics of Dyslexia are not black and white. They can include any combination of difficulty with the following:
Causes: Science has yet to establish what causes Dyslexia. There are three possible leads that are currently being followed:
Simulation of what it's like to have Dyslexia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwZLFTW4OGY This video highlights possible emotions and feelings associated with having Dyslexia, as well as how reading may look to a person it effects. A video clip of a student with Dyslexia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4mVjhg2ugk This clip shows a student with Dyslexia learning one-on-one with a Dyslexia tutor. This shows the student learning at her own pace in her own way, with the support, patience, and encouragement that is needed. Parent resources for children with Dyslexia: http://thebigpicturemovie.com/ This website is dedicated to the movie "The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia". Although it is information and promotion for the movie, it also provides tabs for Dyslexia in the News, Screenings, Take Action, Videos, and Community (parent and student portals). http://www.lovejoyisd.net/Uploads/34/misc/ParentHandbook.pdf This website is nothing interactive, but provides an incredible amount of information on how to answer questions your child might have, tips for helping him/her to learn, how to collaborate with teachers, etc. http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/ This website is provided by the University of Michigan and included sections for parents, professionals, success stories, and latest news in Dyslexia. http://dyslexia.yale.edu/parents.html A Yale website that zeroes in on helping students with Dyslexia navigate throughout school. http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/parent/frequently-asked-questions The parent portal of this website includes resources to helping your child with Dyslexia at home and at school. Possible accommodation ideas: 1. Limit the amount of work that is presented to them at one time. 2. Instead of reading dense texts (density dependent on grade/reading level), provide books on tape. 3. Put emphasis on fast facts, mnemonics, etc. in order to free up more space for cognitive thinking processes. Possible modification ideas: 1. Allow student to complete a graphic organizer instead of a fully-composed paper. 2. Do not assign homework as "busy work". All work assigned must be purposeful and make meaningful enhancements to students' situations. 3. Provide option for student to be a peer tutor in his/her strong suit. Two scenarios using accommodations/modifications: 1. When giving students a paper and pencil multiple choice test, normally a few pages stapled together, limit the number of questions on the page. Instead of 10-15 questions per page, provide no more than 3-5 questions per page. The student can receive one page at a time, and when s/he finishes the first, they can turn it in and receive the next page. 2. When assigning a paper, or other writing assignment, determine your main objectives and take-aways you would like your students to have. Create a personalized graphic organizer that addresses these main objectives and take-aways. Allow your students with dyslexia to fill out this graphic organizer in place of a paper. Three children's books about Dyslexia: 1. Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Underachiever by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. This is a series that features real-life experiences and engages students who can relate to his difficulty in learning. 2. Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester. A story of a penguin who refuses to fit in, and instead thinks outside of the box and does things differently from his peers. 3. Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan. Although not linked directly to learning about Dyslexia, Percy Jackson is the main character of another book series. Percy Jackson has Dyslexia, as well as ADHD. Rick Riordan, a former teacher, has a son who also encountered learning differences growing up. This led to his character, Percy, who is successful, adventurous, and thinks outside of the box. Compiled by Christine Olsen |