The Huntsville ISD Dyslexia Buzz
March 2020
Encouragement and Motivation
We all need encouragement and motivation to get us through hard times, a difficult day, an upcoming project or maybe learning something new. Nothing is more true for students with dyslexia and/or other learning disabilities. Learning how dyslexia affects students can help you in becoming more empathetic to what they deal with on a daily basis. I use this situation to describe dyslexia to teachers and students: Think of a situation where you are very frustrated to even begin, much less try to complete. I jokingly talk about how I've always wanted to learn to sew. I have a great machine my mother bought me years ago, and my wonderful Mother-N-Law has attempted to graciously teach me how to use it. However, to no surprise, I often become frustrated and discouraged and want to give up. If I had to complete this task all day just to be able to understand and communicate with the outside world, such as reading, I can't imagine how I would feel. Take a moment to think of something that is difficult for you and causes you frustration. Imagine trying to complete that task at that frustration level all day long. This is why many of our students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities often exhibit signs that they seem unmotivated or unwilling to complete a task. Maybe they just need the extra encouragement and motivation and push to help them see that even through the frustration, they can still be successful. That might look something like sharing a story of a famous dyslexic that also struggled, but still succeeded. Or maybe it's a time in your own life that you find your able to share your adversity with a student and what you did to help yourself. Take a second, take a minute, but take time. Take time to understand what your students may be experiencing if they act out in frustration, avoid a task, or never seem to turn that assignment in. Maybe that student has experienced more frustration than they know how to handle and just need that extra encouragement from you. I encourage you to continue to motivate our students to keep pushing forward. Even when it ALL seems impossible.
World Read Aloud Day
World read aloud day is this Thursday, March 5th. Listed below you'll find more information and some resources for teachers, community members, and campuses.
How to Register with First Book
In memory of Mrs. Marnie Breazeale
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Marnie Breazeale who passed away Friday, February 14th. Marnie was a Special Education Resource/Dyslexia Teacher at Scott Johnson Elementary and was treasured by everyone she came in contact with. She truly had a passion for serving every student she came in contact with, not just the ones that were scheduled for her class. Marnie's funny disposition and smile could light up a room. She was always a ray of sunshine with her students in helping them learn that they could do anything they set their minds to if they worked hard. Marnie was truly a CHAMPION building Champions each day and will be forever missed. Her legacy will continue on in the students lives she touched. We love you Marnie!!
A Celebration of Marnie's Life is being organized by her friends and colleagues from Scott Johnson Elementary School. It is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Thursday March 5, 2020 at the University Heights Baptist Church, 2400 Sycamore Avenue in Huntsville, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, Marnie's wishes were for donations to go to Teachers Aid at the Houston Food Bank, 8353 East Freeway, Houston, Texas 77029, (houstonfoodbank.org/ourprograms/teachers-aid) or to the SHSU Food Pantry, 1627 Sam Houston Avenue, Box 2400, Huntsville, Texas 77340. You are invited to leave a written condolence on the website at www.shmfh.com.
Sara Williams, M. ED
Huntsville ISD Dyslexia Specialist
Email: swilliams@huntsville-isd.org
Location: 441 FM 2821 Road East, Huntsville, TX, USA
Phone: 936-435-6128