Dyslexia

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How we can help ?

What does research tell us about the brain and dyslexia ?

What does a dyslexia friendly classroom look like ?

What is it ?

What are the signs of dyslexia ?

Who has dyslexia ?

What is working memory ?

A specific learning difference which is constitutional in origin and which, for a given level of ability, may cause unexpected difficulties in the acquisition of certain literacy and numeracy skills.”

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Definition

Working Memory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkNG9s-e3kQ

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Voice of our students

A visual timetable helps me.

Brain breaks are good.

When I get stressed my brain turns off

Friends help me when I am reading.

Lists of topic words I can use in writing is helpful.

I don’t like reading in front of the class.

Blue overlays help when reading

No timing of tables tests.

I get stressed when I see lots of print.

When my teacher tells me too much at once I forget

Sometimes I know the answer but can’t get it out in time.

Instructions

• Break instructions into small chunks. Use fingers 1…, 2…., 3…..,Students repeat back.
• Slow down talking pace and reduce number of words.
• Say things in order to be done e.g. ‘fold the paper and put it in the box ‘not ‘put the paper in the box after you have folded it. ‘
• Check in with students soon after they commence work to see they have got it right. ‘
• Visuals helpful

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Reading ideas from Neil Mackay

Spelling

• Teach essential word list ( even at year 8 ). 5 words is often enough.
• Use mnemonics e.g.said -sam and I dance.
• Use letters -scrabble letter good for older children (upper case doesn’t matter). Multisensory !
• Identify and highlight tricky bits of word
• Regardless of spelling programme used, don’t move on until each step mastered e.g, sounds, consonant digraphs, cvc words ccvc, cvcc, vowel digraphs, etc
• Syllables (demonstrate)
• Use nessy rules ( google nessy spelling rules and choose) e.g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNJGKrs8BGA
• Use pseudo words
• SpelIing Under Scrutiny is research based
• Use writing books to base spelling words to learn,

Are we using the same language -tricky words, high frequency words, basic sight words ??

Mnemonics

Handwriting

• Pencil grip
• Correct formation
• Size
• Expectation
• Accommodations

Writing

More writing ideas….

• Use post it notes to brainstorm
• Mind maps
• Graphic organisers
• Provide opportunities for children to present work in different formats e.g videos, photos, diagrams, illustrations, powerpoints, flow charts,
• Try Word Q app on ipads
• Use text to speech
• Use a scribe

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An idea for marking

Gold for glory

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Blue to do

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Pink to think.

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Another idea

Maths

• Numbers often reversed
• Mathematical signs confused
• Learning tables difficulty-rhymes, songs, charts. Avoid timing
• Mental maths TIME again !
• Telling time difficult
• Need to use concrete materials (throughout all years)
• Too many strategies are confusing - teach 1-2 efficient strategies
• May struggle with the language/vocabulary of Maths
• Need explicit teaching to see patterns and make connections
• Make Maths purposeful so can see how will be used in real life - shopping, budgeting, reading a bus timetable, telling time, fractions and so on.
• Anxiety around Maths - chunk it down, work in pairs, groups, engaging activities.
• May be stronger in Strand work

What to do when parents raise concerns ?

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Doc to come -creating a system ‘Flagging concerns”

Discuss with Senco.

Testing options -see Senco for current info

Creating a system

(to do )

Some useful resources

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Neil Mackay books excellent (staffroom bookshelves) or any of his videos .

/http://inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/dyslexia-and-learning

http://www.dyslexiafoundation.org.nz/

https://www.yolandasoryl.com/

Laughton King books (staffroom)

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Some examples of dyslexics who have been very successful

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Jamie Oliver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMMXtZXLrUA&t=10

Richard Branson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OZyXZ__5TU&t=4s

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