The Dyslexic Corner
Dyslexia Information for WRE Students, Parents & Staff
November 2019
Dyslexia & AD/HD: What's the Connection?
It is estimated that 30% of those with dyslexia can have coexisting Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). AD/HD is one of the most common learning differences and can be characterized by inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, spelling, and decoding. Although these two conditions can coexist together, they do not cause each other.
Both AD/HD and dyslexia can run in families. Genetics plays a role in half of the children diagnosed with AD/HD and one-third of children born to a dyslexic parent.
Children with dyslexia and AD/HD can have similar characteristics such as difficulty paying attention, poor reading, lack of fluency, and trouble tracking, which can overall negatively impact comprehension. Both can have difficulty with handwriting, organization, and proofreading. Due to the above-mentioned struggles both AD/HD and dyslexic students may be underachieving even though they are often bright and motivated.
When identified early and treated, children with these disorders are more likely to overcome their difficulties while maintaining a positive self-image. Although they can not outgrow their disability, they can learn to adapt and improve with proper remediation and accommodations. Both sets of students can go on to be very successful in college, as well as in professional and adult life.
To learn more about this topic check out the following links!
https://dyslexiaida.org/adhd-and-dyslexia/
https://dyslexiaida.org/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd-and-dyslexia/
What is ADHD?
Learning Ally
Learning Ally is an audiobook program that has been around since World War II. Originally, nurses would read into phonograms and record books for soldiers who were blind to listen to. Today Learning Ally has a digital library of over 80,000 books, including textbooks. This a free service available for those who are Blind, Dyslexic or have other print disabilities.
Learning Ally can be accessed through multiple media sources, such as tablets, iPads, computers, and most Smartphones. It is also compatible with Google products. Every WRE student with Dyslexia has an account. Hopefully, you have received your student's log-in information. This information has been shared with your child's teachers as well. We have helped the students download the Learning Ally app on their school-issued iPads. Most of our students were excited to download new books and get started with ear reading their newest book.
I am sharing a video that was created by some of the RISD Dyslexia staff as a resource for classroom teachers. However, I am sharing it with you as I feel that there are some tips on getting started with Learning Ally, downloading new books, as well as reading the books. I hope that it is helpful to you.
Guess Who's Back at WRE?
Your Next Read: Suggestions From Mrs. Dunham
** Reviews included in this newsletter are from Amazon.com
Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
Willa likes certain things to be certain ways. Her socks have to be soft . . . and definitely can't have irritating tags on the inside. She loves the crunch of popcorn and nachos . . . but is grossed out by the crunch of a baby carrot. And slimy foods? Those are the worst.
Willa can manage all these things -- but there are some things she can't deal with, like her father's big news. He's been keeping a big secret from her . . . that he's been dating the mom of Willa's best friend Ruby. Willa does NOT like the idea of them being together. And she does NOT like the idea of combining families. And she does NOT like the idea of her best friend becoming her sister overnight. Will she go along with all of these changes? NOT if she can help it!
Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #7) by Dav Pilkey
Dav Pilkey's wildly popular Dog Man series appeals to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of being true to one's self.
White Bird: A Wonder Story by R.J. Palacio
In R. J. Palacio's bestselling collection of stories Auggie & Me, which expands on characters in Wonder, readers were introduced to Julian's grandmother, Grandmère. Here, Palacio makes her graphic novel debut with Grandmère's heartrending story: how she, a young Jewish girl, was hidden by a family in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II; how the boy she and her classmates once shunned became her savior and best friend.
Sara's harrowing experience movingly demonstrates the power of kindness to change hearts, build bridges, and even save lives. As Grandmère tells Julian, "It always takes courage to be kind, but in those days, such kindness could cost you everything." With poignant symbolism and gorgeous artwork that brings Sara's story out of the past and cements it firmly in this moment in history, White Bird is sure to captivate anyone who was moved by the book Wonder or the blockbuster movie adaptation and its message.
Homework Connection
Technology Support
Text-to-speech (TTS) is a type of assistive technology that reads digital text aloud. It’s sometimes called “read aloud” technology. This is a great chance for students to grow independence and confidence through technology support.
With a click of a button or the touch of a finger, TTS can take words on a computer or other digital device and convert them into audio. TTS is very helpful for kids who struggle from reading. But it can also help kids with writing and editing, and even focusing.
Print materials in the classroom—like books and handouts—can create obstacles for kids with reading issues. That’s because some kids struggle with decoding and understanding printed words on the page. Using digital text with TTS helps remove these barriers.
Improves word recognition
Increases the ability to pay attention and remember information while reading
Allows kids to focus on comprehension instead of sounding out words
Increases kids’ staying power for reading assignments
Helps kids recognize and fix errors in their own writing
Below are videos to text to speech on different types of devices.
(Information from Understood website article, Text-to-Speech Technology: What It Is and How It Works)
2019 DALLAS IDA ART CONTEST
Categories:
Children:
Grades 3rd to 7th
Grade 8th to 12th
Adults: 18 years and older
Entries must be received no later than 5:00 pm CST, November 30, 2019.
Entries must include:
1. An original photograph in a digital format or a digital representation of your artwork (high-resolution JPEGs preferred). Submissions must be created or taken by the artist;
2. A brief statement (3-5 sentences) written or recorded by the artist explaining how their submission relates to the theme;
3. A completed submission release form.
DYSLEXIA EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS & EDUCATORS
Spark the Change 2020 Regional Conference hosted by Dallas Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
Friday, Feb 7, 2020, 07:30 AM
Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel, East Lookout Drive, Richardson, TX, USA
Adults with Dyslexia Q&A
Monday, Nov 11, 2019, 07:00 PM
Fairhill School, Preston Road, Dallas, TX, USA
Shyness vs Anxiety
Monday, Jan 13, 2020, 07:00 PM
Dallas Academy 950 Tiffany Way Dallas, TX 75218
ROBYN DUNHAM
Email: robyn.dunham@risd.org
Location: White Rock Elementary School, Chiswell Road, Dallas, TX, USA
Phone: 469-593-2728
Twitter: @robyn_dunham