We Need A Change

RSA Animate – Changing Education Paradigms

This animate was adapted from a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA’s Benjamin Franklin award.
For more information on Sir Ken’s work visit: http://www.sirkenrobinson.com

 

 

Dyslexia – I am not stupid

I’m not stupid – Diagnosing Dyslexia by Japinder Kaur Baweja

Excellent films about dyslexia from different points of view with advice and real life stories, well worth watching.

 

 

Dyslexia, Tutoring and Primary Children

Click on the link below to read our new article about dyslexia in primary children and the benefits of one to one tutoring, published by Primary Times.

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Dyslexia Doesn’t End

Perhaps  you will find coping strategies,  perhaps your dyslexia was more noticeable or tangible while in full time education. Perhaps you have found really good ways to hide your dyslexia indicators. In the article below, writer Katy Harrington explains how dyslexia has followed her through life and how it has effected her experiences. The article is a fine example of differing examples of dyslexia and how she coped through School, University and relationships with not just dyslexia but also dyscalculia.

This article is a useful read to prospective dyslexic University students and/ or anyone who thought their difficulties were over when school ended.

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Families and Dyslexia

Dyslexia is genetic and present from birth; if someone in a family is dyslexic there is a 40-60 per cent chance that their children will also have dyslexia. Dyslexia is very individualistic with a number of different indicators, strengths and difficulties.  It can therefore be extra stressful for parents with children who have differing support needs with in the one family.
Annabel Heseltine, daughter of Michael, recent article in The Telegraph explains the multi layers of dyslexia in a family context. The article talks of the differing educational needs of her children and how her father and brother have over come their own difficulties with dyslexia and capitalised on their strengths to be successful. It is a useful insight into a family that Annabel says is “riddled with dyslexia” and hopefully it will be helpful to parents who are in similar circumstances.

Three of Annabel Heseltine’s children shared a problem with their famous grandfather: dyslexia. How best to deal with it? By Annabel Heseltine.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/7882313/Annabel-Heseltine-My-family-is-riddled-with-dyslexia.html

Dyslexia Summer School

Please click to enlarge

Dyslexic Children and Books

As today is World Book Day, I thought I would focus on books that can help children understand dyslexia and also books that might help dyslexic children experience the joy of reading. When choosing books for young dyslexic readers things to keep in mind are

• for younger children, engaging illustrations that break up the text

• short sentences

• clear and bold fonts

• books and chapters that aren’t too long

• brilliant stories

Books that help explain dyslexia to children

It’s Called Dyslexia (Live and Learn Series) by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos

• This book is an illustrated picture storybook told from the child’s point of view, that   encourage kids never to be afraid of a challenge. The child in this story knows the alphabet, but she sometimes has trouble putting all the letters together to read words. No matter how hard she tries, she often mixes up the letters or writes them backwards. She’s unhappy until her teacher explains that she has dyslexia, and that she can be helped to read and write correctly. There is also a parent’s section at the back of the book.

My Name Is Brian Brain by Jeanne Betancourt

• The story that sets out to offer hope to dyslexic children through the central character of Brian, Brian is really smart he just learns differently. The book starts by telling the story of a boy who has dyslexia but does not know it. The other children at Brian’s school make fun of him because he makes many mistakes when reading aloud and while writing on the board. His parents believe that he is just lazy. However a caring teacher recognises the symptoms of dyslexia and sets out to get Brian the help he needs. Brian is embarrassed that he needs the extra help in school. After Brian’s teacher begins to explain dyslexia more to him, he begins to understand that he needs the extra help because his brain learns differently.

So You Think You’ve Got Problems? by Rosalind Birkett

• This easy-to-read book is for dyslexic children of all ages. It explains, simply and sympathetically, what is happening to them, and how they can be helped to overcome their problems. It also hopes to show children that they are not alone in their difficulties, and that there are others with the same problems. The aim of this colourful book is to put dyslexia into perspective, particularly for a child, but for parents also.

Books that dyslexic children may enjoy reading

Chrysalis Book series

• Chrysalis Children’s Books has introduced READ™, a special new typeface used in educational books that makes reading more accessible to children. READ’s specially designed letter shapes and even letter spacing make books more inviting for all children. READ™ is particularly helpful for young readers, reluctant readers and of course readers with dyslexia.
  Books include series on Wild Animals, How Things Have Changed, The Senses, A First Look at Art, Sing and Play, Everyday Food, and Little Hands.

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

• Written in buoyant easy-to-read prose. This book uses phonics and rhyming in a way children find fun and enjoyable. It can raise the confidence in reluctant readers, as they are small books they can read all the way through all by themselves.

Candyfloss by Jacqueline Wilson

• Jacqueline Wilson is one of the most popular kids authors ever. Her genius lies in getting inside children’s heads, convincingly capturing their voices and feelings. Nick Sharratt’s simple illustrations punctuate the chapters and help explain the story.

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

• In this book, the narrator is involved throughout the gripping story which makes an interesting read. It is well written and action-packed. It’s not a long book, so it’s great for reluctant readers.

Horrid Henry series by Francesca Simon

• Funny books reluctant and struggling readers respond well to. The adventures of that most horrible kid, Horrid Henry have short and easy to manage chapters, and brilliantly illustrated.

Slam by Nick Hornby

• This book is a good coming of age novel, especially for boys. An excellent story with some hilarious moments. The central character Sam loves music and skateboarding and has met a girl, things in which the reader can relate to.

And of course there is also the book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians in which the central character is dyslexic and a superhero. The first book The Lightning Theft has recently been made in to a blockbuster movie, making it the perfect time to introduce the stories to your children.

Please get in touch for more information or if you have any recommendations.