The Dyslexic Corner
Dyslexia Information for White Rock Students & Parents
January 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 difference 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 play 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 link!
https://dyslexiaida.org/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd-and-dyslexia/
Did You Know?
If a student is not reading on grade level, that student is missing out on crucial vocabulary. Students with dyslexia need multiple exposures to the same word before they can begin to recognize it, much less use the word. Audiobooks provide students with the opportunity to hear the word read aloud. Eye reading allows the student exposure to more "academic" vocabulary. This is why audio programs such as Learning Ally and Bookshare are fantastic resources for students.
Remember for students in K-2 eye reading is more important while using audiobooks to fill in. As students grow older, audiobooks become more important to allow students to hear and read along with more complex stories, ideas, and words.
Teaching Reading IS Rocket Science
Your Next Read: Suggestions By Mrs. Dunham
Here are some great dyslexia-friendly choices for graphic novels. I am a fan of graphic novels for a few reasons. The images give the reader an overview of the story and reinforce not replace the language. Normally they are fast-paced and exciting to read. Even though they can be a quick read, often they are read over and over again.
** Reviews included in this newsletter are from Amazon.com
El Deafo by Cece Bell
The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear—sometimes things she shouldn’t—but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become “El Deafo, Listener for All.” And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she’s longed for.
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
The Bad Guys in Mission Unpluckable (The Bad Guys #2) by Aaron Blabey
Get ready to laugh up your lunch with the baddest bunch of do-gooders in town!
Homework Help
Some considerations to think about to create a “dyslexia friendly” atmosphere:
- Let them have a break before starting homework after school – exercise is a great relaxer and way to de-stress rather than sitting down in front of the TV. They could ride a bike, go for a walk, play some kind of sport, play with their friends, etc. before settling down to their homework. The break can work wonders.
- Give them a protein snack after school to give them energy – protein bar or drink, raw nuts, peanut butter crackers, boiled eggs for example. No sugar as it can make them over-stimulated and then they crash when the sugar wears off.
- Make sure they have all their homework. Dyslexics tend to have difficulty organizing themselves. They will forget to bring their homework home. Ask the teacher if they could have a handout with the assignments listed and remind the student before school is out to gather their work to take home. Dyslexics often forget even with the best of intentions. This is not deliberate or lazy.
- Make an arrangement with the teacher to let you know about big projects and their dates for completion. Dyslexics often have a terrible time keeping this information together also.
- Help them with a list of what they have to do. Remind them what to do next.
- Create star charts for homework assignments, chores, and tasks that need to be done such as getting ready for school. Rewards for completing these charts is a great incentive for a reluctant, disorganized child.
Mrs. Dunham's MTA Groups Using Seesaw
Please let me know if you would like for me to send home another invite. After you sign up, download the free Seesaw Family app and sign in. You can also access Seesaw from a computer at https://app.seesaw.me. I would love to connect with you and show you some of the awesome things your child is doing. Plus, they are so excited and proud to share it with you.
If you used Seesaw last year, or are currently using it with another teacher or have more than one child using Seesaw, follow the link and click the 'Sign in' tab at the top of the screen. You do not need to create a new account.
Thank you for supporting your child's learning! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Inspirational Quotes from Dyslexics
Keira Knightley, Famous Actress
Experience Dyslexia; A Learning Disability Simulation
The RISD Dyslexia Department invites you to participate in this eye-opening event. Experience what a student with dyslexia is faced with daily.
RSVP TO:
469.593.7432
TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT
** If you haven't already done this, you should consider going. It's a great way to see first hand what our kids with dyslexia experience on a daily basis.
Wednesday, Feb 20, 2019, 06:30 PM
701 West Belt Line Road Richardson, TX
Famous Dyslexic
Keira Knightley, Actress
Did you know actress Keira Knightley originally got into acting because of her learning disability?
Diagnosed with dyslexia at age six, Knightley struggled with reading in school. Her parents took quick notice, but the only way they could get the aspiring actress to improve was to use an incentive.
According to Knightley, she struck a deal with her parents where if she was able to learn to read, they would hire an agent for her. So, over the summer holiday, she took the challenge and used the screenplay of Emma Thompson’s adaptation of Sense and Sensibility as her reading tool.
Knightley’s mother, who worked with Thompson on the screenplay, encouraged her daughter to learn to read, because “that’s what Emma Thompson would do.”
Eventually, Knightley learned to read, and her parents fulfilled their promise to hire an agent for her, which launched her acting career. She has since gone on to star in films such as Pride and Prejudice and the Pirates of the Carribean films. She maintains that her dyslexia hasn’t affected her ability to learn her lines.
*Biography source: Dyslexia Help website, The Regents of the University of Michigan
Happy New Year!!
I hope that you and your family had a wonderful holiday break. I am looking forward to getting back to school with your kiddos in the new year. It's going to be a great one.
May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door. Happy New Year, 2019
Contact Information
Robyn Dunham
Dyslexia Teacher at White Rock Elementary
469-593-2728