Dyslexia
Back to School Information for Parents
Welcome Back to the 2022-2023 School Year at STEM
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
Dyslexia is a language-based disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words.
Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages of a person's life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult to succeed academically without extra support services or special education services.
Did You Know?
As many as 1 in 5 people has dyslexia. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 15% of the population has dyslexia.
Fish In a Tree
BACK TO SCHOOL WITH DYSLEXIA: TIPS AND TRICKS
1. Break Projects Down Students who are dyslexic often find it difficult to focus on a large project for an extended period of time. To make it easier, try breaking up large projects into smaller ones. Look at the project as being the sum of its parts, and completing it will be much easier. 2. Stay Involved As a parent, it's important to stay on top of the curriculum so that you can prepare your child for what's to come on the educational end. It doesn't pay to be a "helicopter parent," but knowing what the teacher will be talking about next will help you smooth the way for your child.The fewer surprises, the better. 3. Use Prioritized Lists Dyslexic students often find it helpful to outline their tasks and tackle them in the order that they are due. This makes it easier to remember what's most important and also helps students learn to meet deadlines. 4. Adaptive Technology Thanks to all the advanced technology now available in schools, learning — even with a disability — is much easier. Predictive software and audiobooks help facilitate learning for students with dyslexia. 5. Patience Patience is a virtue for both parents and students. As a parent, be patient with your child, who is going through a lot with her learning disability. Teach your child, by example, how to be patient with herself and trust the learning process. It may not make sense now, but it will make sense eventually — all you need is a little diligence and a lot of practice.
HOMEWORK CONNECTION
Homework can become a huge struggle for your student. Sometimes the hardest part is getting started.
1. Divide homework into manageable chunks.
2. Go over homework requirements, read instructions aloud and if needed practice the first problem with them.
3. For writing assignments help your student generate ideas before writing
Another key to success for homework is organization. You can consider making a “Toolbox” and keep it near the area they study or do homework so that they have everything they need. It limits the need for distraction and constantly having to get up and down. Ideas for the toolbox could be a tackle box, craft box, caboodle, etc.
- sticky notes
- highlighters
- pencils
- pencil sharpener
- paper clips
- small stapler
- colored pencils
- erasers
- markers
- scissors
- glue stick
- mirror (to watch mouth when spelling)
- crayons
- index cards
- hole puncher
- rubber bands
- erasable pens
- paper
Bonnie Villarreal
Academic Language Teacher
Educational Diagnostician
STEM Academy, ECISD
Email: bonnie.villarreal@ectorcountyisd.org
Website: https://www.ectorcountyisd.org/Domain/2592
Phone: (432) 552-2580