The Dyslexic Corner
Dyslexia Information for White Rock Students & Parents
April 2019
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal response to something dangerous or stressful. Anxiety has nothing to do with strength, courage, or character. When a child or teen experiences anxiety it can cause problems with eating, sleeping, and unexplained illnesses such as upset stomachs and headaches.
Helping Teens and Kids with Anxiety:
1. Don't talk them out of it.
- When anxiety has hold of a child or teen, telling them to stop worrying is
impossible.
- Children and teens need to hear that you understand that they are feeling
something. Ask them about what it feels like to them. If they can't describe how it
feels, try asking "is it like the feeling when you miss a stair or you feel like you're
falling when you're asleep?"
- This may help them feel relief because you "get it".
2. Normalize
- Explain that anxiety is normal and everyone experiences it at some time in life.
- Explain that it happens for no reason at all.
3. Explain why anxiety feels like it does.
- This can be one of the most powerful interventions for anyone in anxiety.
- Try telling them this:
" Anxiety happens to kids, teens, and adults but it feels different for everyone. It happens because part of your brain (the amygdala) feels like it needs to protect. When your brain thinks you are in danger, your body gets ready to "fight or flight". When you don't run away or fight, the body has extra fuel that the brain has released and it builds up. You might notice your breathing changes from normal, slow breaths too fast, little breaths. You may feel dizzy or confused. Your heart may beat faster, and your legs and arms might feel tight. Your body may try to cool itself down by sweating. Your stomach may feel like it has "butterflies".
4. Explain how common anxiety is in adults and kids.
- About 1 in 8 children struggle with anxiety.
5. Let your brain know that you're okay and breathe.
- Breathe deeply and slowly.
- Hold your breath for a second between taking breaths. Do this 5 to 10 times.
- Practice breathing before bed every day.
6. Practice mindfulness
- Close your eyes and notice your breathing. If your mind starts to wander think
about how it feels to breathe.
- Listen to the sounds outside and inside of your body. If your mind starts to
wander think about how it sounds.
Information from www.heysigmund.com/anxiety-in-kids/
FYI, You Can Watch Astronauts Read Popular Kids Books From Space
YOUR NEXT READ: SUGGESTIONS BY MRS. DUNHAM
Looking for Heroes by Aidan Colvin
In this true story, dyslexic high school student Aidan Colvin decides to ask them. Over the course of one year, he writes 100 letters to successful dyslexics. He doesn't expect anyone to write back and is genuinely surprised when people do. This book features letters from Writer John Irving, Arctic Explorer Ann Bancroft, Surgeon and CEO Delos Cosgrove, Sculptor Thomas Sayre, Poet Phillip Schultz, and others. It also features conversations with Comedian Jay Leno and Filmmaker Harvey Hubbel.
This is a story about growing up, fostering grit and humor in the face of challenges, and seeing one's differences in a new light. It is also a story about the importance of heroes -- for kids like Aidan, but also for anyone. Throughout the book, Aidan shares tips that have helped him succeed in the classroom.
The Secret Life of the Dyslexic Child by Robert Frank and Kathryn E. Livingston
Winner of the 2002 Margot Marek Annual Book Award for the most outstanding book written for parents or children on the subject of dyslexia or related learning disabilities. (International Dyslexia Association- New York branch)
Dr. Robert Frank, whose own dyslexia didn't stop him from becoming an educator, psychologist, and award-winning author, takes the reader inside the emotions and frustrations of the dyslexic child to help parents coach their child to:
- Improve academic achievement
- Get support from friends and family
- Establish solid work and study habits
- Focus on abilities and strengths
- Set and meet personal goals
Above all, Dr. Frank tells parents the simple steps they can take to help their child build self-esteem and confidence and create a life of success.
Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World: Unlocking the Potential of Your ADD Child by Jeffrey Freed
In straightforward language, this book explains how to use the innovative "Learning Styles Inventory" to test for a right-brained learning style; help an ADD child master spelling—and build confidence—by committing complicated words to visual memory; tap an ADD kid's amazing speed-reading abilities by stressing sight recognition and scanning rather than phonics; access the child's capacity to solve math problems of increasing, often astonishing complexity—without pen or paper; capitalize on the "writing and weaning" technique to help the child turn mental images into written words; and win over teachers and principals to the right-brained approach the ADD child thrives on. For parents who have longed to help their ADD child quickly and directly, Freed and Parsons's approach is nothing short of revolutionary. This is the first book to offer them a reason for hope and a clear strategy for enabling their child to blossom.
The Good Egg
A #1 New York Times bestseller!
From the bestselling creators of The Bad Seed, a timely story about not having to be Grade A perfect!
Meet the good egg. He’s a verrrrrry good egg indeed.
But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol’ rotten.
As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect.
So, he decides enough is enough! It’s time for him to make a change…
Dynamic duo Jory John and Pete Oswald hatch a funny and charming story that reminds us of the importance of balance, self-care, and accepting those who we love (even if they are sometimes a bit rotten).
Perfect for reading aloud and shared story time!
David and the Worry Beast: Helping Children Cope with Anxiety by Ann Mare Guanci
Is A Worry Worrying You? by Ferida Wolff and Mare Le Tourneau
Cursive Handwriting: Is It Still Relevant?
Our district is adopting a new handwriting curriculum that will be put in place next year. It is not the same as our program in MTA, but an important skill for students. Even In the age of emails, texts, and tweets, the benefits of handwriting for ALL students cannot be overlooked.
Below are two articles in support of connected letters that I that wanted to share. I found them informative. Of course, many can debate the pros and cons of cursive handwriting. This is a pro viewpoint with our dyslexic students in mind.
Nessy
Toontastic
Teach Your Monster to Read
Homework Help
RISD Dyslexia Department Fundraiser: Spirit Night at Chic-fil-a
Come out and join the Dyslexia Department during Spirit Night. You can support our cause by giving your receipt when you dine-in, carry-out or drive-thru. And a bonus, this location is close to Lake Highlands. You can cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Thursday, Apr 11, 2019, 06:00 AM
9386 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, Dallas, TX, USA
Inspirational Quotes By Dyslexics
Famous Dyslexic
Pablo Picasso
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me anytime via phone or email.
Robyn Dunham
Dyslexia Teacher at White Rock Elementary
469-593-2728