Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Trouble with Reading?

Dyslexia simply means one has trouble reading.  It rarely has anything to do with intelligence.  The article written by Melinda Beck in the WSJ on April 1, 2013, "Dyslexia Workarounds: Creativity Without a Lot of Reading", explains this problem.

Yale research has found that "as many as one in five Americans has some degree of dyslexia". Wow, and one of those could be your child.  What they need is support from teachers and parents as well as some outside support.  Dyslexia runs in families.  My husband does not like reading and was put in the 'slow' reading groups as a child.  Then I discovered my son could not read well as well.  As a devoted reader I could not understand this.

Tools for coping with this condition include:
  • accessing information in another method than reading - audio books, computer programs,
  • spend more time studying
  • learn by doing
  • find something you love and do it
  • watch videos on subjects in class (ie: studying Egyptians find a video on that subject) 
  • remedial programs - help learn sequential sound-letter relationships
  • asking for more time on tests
 Remember when you become an adult there are not many timed reading tests.  Today with iphones, tablets, etc., technology is helping people with dyslexia.  Remember many people have this condition and work around it.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Helping Your Child Read - Use their story!

I had two boys who did not want to read.  When we went to the library to pick out books, they always picked nonfiction like electricity or magnets.  Why did they not like to read stories.  Reading for me was an escape.  It was travel.  It was a way to meet interesting people.

Now that most people have technology - ie computers at home.  Writing a story that your child can read to others is a great way to get your child reading.  If you tell your child to write a story about their birthday party or a vacation,  you will probably not have much.  You need to type their story on the computer.  I usually have the student sit next to me.

Step 1 - Decide what you are going to write about.  Have a set topic that is not too open.  For example - write about three things you liked about your week of summer camp and the three things you did not like about your week of summer camp. Versus - what you did for summer vacation.  This is too broad.

Step 2 - Brainstorm about the topic.  I do this on a piece of paper.  I try to have the student answer the "W" questions.  Who was there?  Why did this event happen? Where was this taking place?  What was taking place.

Step 3 - Start writing.  They younger the child the smaller the writing.  I let the student dictate to me and I type as fast as I can.  We read what I have typed and make some corrections as we go along.  I try to use a three paragraph template when students are in third or fourth grade.

  • Paragraph 1 is the introduction.  What are you writing about.  What do you plan to write about. Example:  My week at summer camp was in June.  I had a great time because I was in the woods.
  • Paragraph 2 is the body.  Now you would include details about the event.  I always try to include at least three.
  • Paragraph 3 is the conclusion.  Example: I had a great time at summer camp.  I hope I can go again but this time bring a friend.  I think it will be even a better experience because I know what to expect.  I will be able to share what is going to happen with my friend.


Step 4 - Use vocabulary.  If you know your child has some trouble with a few words.  Try to use those words in your story.  I like to use 'sight' words based on the student's grade.

Step 5 - Add pictures.  It is great to use your personal pictures for their story.

Step 6 - Print. Reread. Edit. Repeat as needed.

Step 7 - Have your child read their story to interested parties.  Use facetime to read it to out of town family.

Let me know if this works for you or if you need more details on how to do this.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Times Are Changing

This blog was started as an outreach to overworked parents who want their child to became well educated.  Schools in California are over crowded.  Students with weak English skills, students with special educational needs, and students with disciplinary needs are all put into one classroom.  There might be two teachers in a room with over 35 students.  The classrooms are crowded, loud, undiciplined, and  can overwhelm a students.   Even if your child wants to learn, the educational 'system' has made it more difficult.  In other words, if your child is respectful and quiet in the classroom they are easily ignored and overlooked by most teachers today.

When you notice that your child is struggling to learn but you don't know what to do.  This blog is for you.

I run a small tutoring business in my home.  I also can go to the public library for sessions or to the student's home.  Each week I will review several papers, magazines, and professional articles to share with parents.  If both parents are working, it is hard to find the time to research new ways for your child to learn.  I will offer helpful hints.  You can ask questions through my blog and I will try to find answers.

I believe all children can learn.  Sometimes the environment at school can make it too difficult for  a child to succeed.  There are other options available.  When it is time to leave the public school situation for private school?  When is it time to hire a tutor?  What are somethings I can do for my child?  What are specific questions I need to ask my student's teacher?

I also believe that not every child should be taking classes to advance them for college.  Many children are not aware of their passion yet.  Learning should continue until you reach something you love.  Then the job of education is to provide you the tools so you can follow your passion.