It’s always a good sign to see the D word mentioned in our media! I was delighted to see this article in USA Today. Microsoft is hard at work developing assistive technology for learners with dyslexia. I’m very excited about the added help in reading math questions! I was also pleased to read Sir Richard Branson’s quote: "dyslexia is not something that needs to be “overcome” but rather “embraced”. How true! Fun fact: this article states that “40% of the world’s self-made millionaires are DYSLEXIC.”
Outrunning Dyslexia
CHEERFUL DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH!
Last year I invited my kiddos and their families to follow along with me as Jared Blank, a fellow dyslexic, ran the World Marathon: 7 Marathons, on 7 Continents, in 7 Days to raise dyslexia awareness. One of my Wild Roots mamas was so inspired by his triumph that she dared to invite him to come and speak. He said yes! We have worked together to create a free event for our whole community in Bend. All are welcome: dyslexics, the fantastically tenacious, diehard runners, wild adventurers, and the ever-persevering learning different.
Please share this with anyone you think would be interested. Since October is indeed Dyslexia Awareness Month it's a wonderful time for us to gather together and celebrate our victories.
PLEASE come say hi if you attend to the event. I would absolutely love to see you.
Outrunning Dyslexia:
October 20th, 2-3pm at COCC
Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center
This is a FREE event
Let us know your coming: https://jared-blank.eventbrite.com
NPR Dives Into Dyslexia: Part 3
In this segment on Dyslexia, NPR describes the three main things you can do for your dyslexic child. I'm elaborating on the three topics they discuss.
1. It's never too early to start: This means not waiting to see how your child does in a few years; this means acting now. The earlier you intervene, the more likely they are to maintain a sense of confidence and self-worth in school and out. With proper support, your child is also much more likely to become a reader and to maintain grade level results or close. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes for your child.
2. Find something your child is good at: This is an item that is in my "action steps" as I believe it's an incredibly important component to caring for a dyslexic child. School, reading, spelling, math science etc. may always be a challenge for the dyslexic student, and they may never feel as though they are excelling or able to keep up with their peers. If you notice your child loves to play the guitar, to paint, to run, or theatre etc. then sign them up and help them to feel that sense of achievement in an area that they can easily thrive in. This is essential. So much of my work ends up being about building my student's confidence because all they've known is struggle. Give them an opportunity to thrive.
3. Make a dyslexia budget: Often I hear from parents that they really want to sign their child up for tutoring, however, they just can't afford it right now. If a recession hits, it's often the first item to go because "it isn't essential". Unfortunately, we are a long ways away from parents and schools getting the financial support they need. There will undoubtedly be expenses to come. Thankfully, more and more evidence is coming out that suggests that dyslexic children can thrive if they have intensive reading intervention. This means committing to showing up for tutoring sessions just as your child shows up to school everyday. The earlier you invest in tutoring for your child, the greater potential they have to succeed. It is a great gift you can give them, even if you have to work the extra hours.
NPR Dives Into Dyslexia: Part 2
In part 2 of their coverage of dyslexia, NPR touches on the fact that to read, we use two main parts of our brain (there are three but they focus on two in this story). For most people, this happens almost automatically, however, for someone who is dyslexic, the brain must be trained. Evidence shows that intensive reading instruction greatly helps the dyslexic brain and acts almost as a rewiring of sorts.
I'm working on a piece that explores and explains more about the dyslexic brain; stay tuned!