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Free Parent Resources for Children with Dyslexia

July 30, 2024 by Marci

It is estimated that around 15-20% of the population has dyslexia, making it one of the most common learning disabilities. Students with dyslexia often struggle with reading fluency, spelling, and writing, which can result in low self-esteem and academic challenges. However, there are resources available to help students with dyslexia succeed in school.

One of the biggest struggles for parents of students with dyslexia is understanding the science behind this learning disability and how to access appropriate resources and support.

Interesting Fact: According to NIH research, about 80% of students with learning disabilities who are placed in special education have dyslexia.

Schools May Not Have the Resources

Many schools do not have the resources or training to adequately support students with dyslexia, leaving them to navigate their learning challenges on their own. Still, there are several free resources available online that can help students with dyslexia improve their reading and writing skills.

These resources offer a range of support and tools for students with dyslexia to improve their reading and writing skills, build confidence, and succeed in school. By utilizing these free resources, students with dyslexia can access the support they need to thrive academically and reach their full potential.

Free Dyslexia Resources for Parents

Bookshare (www.bookshare.org) – Bookshare is an online library that provides access to over 900,000 titles in accessible formats for individuals with print disabilities, including dyslexia.
Learning Ally (www.learningally.org) – Learning Ally provides audiobooks and other resources to help students with dyslexia improve their reading skills.
DyslexiaHelp – This website offers a variety of resources and tools for students, parents, and educators to better understand and support individuals with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Resource Center (www.dyslexia.com) – This website provides information about dyslexia and offers resources for individuals with dyslexia.
Dyslexic Advantage (www.dyslexicadvantage.org) – Dyslexic Advantage offers resources and support for individuals with dyslexia to help them succeed in school and beyond.
Nessy is an online program that offers games and activities to help students with dyslexia improve their reading and spelling skills.
Reading Rockets (www.readingrockets.org) – Reading Rockets offers a wealth of resources to help students with dyslexia improve their reading skills, including strategies for teaching reading and support for struggling readers.
Understood (www.understood.org) – Understood provides resources and support for individuals with learning and attention issues, including dyslexia.
HSLDA Struggling Learners (www.hslda.org) – The Home School Legal Defense Association offers resources and support for homeschooling families with struggling learners, including students with dyslexia.
International Dyslexia Association (www.dyslexiaida.org) – The International Dyslexia Association offers resources, support, and advocacy for individuals with dyslexia.

Will AI Replace Teachers and Tutors?

July 30, 2024 by Marci

With the ability to personalize learning experiences, provide instant feedback, and analyze student data, Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn. If schools adopt AI, in a smart way, it can serve as a co-pilot to help educators get more done in less time.

But the question remains: will AI eventually replace tutors and teachers in the classroom? Let’s start with the pros and cons of AI in education and then include some of the top AI programs that teachers and parents can use to help students thrive.

Pros Using AI in Education

Personalized Learning: AI can adapt to individual learning styles and paces, providing customized learning experiences for each student.
Instant Feedback: AI can provide immediate feedback on assignments and quizzes, allowing students to track their progress in real time.
Data Analysis: AI can analyze student data to identify patterns and trends, helping teachers tailor their instruction to meet the needs of each student.
Accessibility: AI can provide access to education for students who may not have access to traditional classroom settings, such as those living in remote areas or with disabilities.

Fun Fact: More than half of the teachers who responded to this survey said they believe AI has had a positive effect on the teaching and learning process.

Cons of Using AI in Education

Lack of Emotional Connection: AI lacks the emotional intelligence and empathy that human teachers possess, which can be crucial for building relationships with students and motivating them to succeed.
Limited Creativity: While AI can provide personalized learning experiences, it may struggle to foster creativity and critical thinking skills in students.
Bias and Privacy Concerns: AI algorithms may be biased or lack transparency, leading to potential privacy concerns for students and their data.

When it comes to special education, AI can be a valuable tool for providing individualized support for students with disabilities. AI can assist in creating personalized learning plans, tracking progress, and providing additional support for students with special needs.

How Schools and Parents Can Leverage AI

Schools and parents can take advantage of AI to help students learn more effectively by incorporating AI tools and platforms into the classroom and home learning environments.

Some ways to leverage AI include using AI-powered tutoring programs to provide additional support for students who may be struggling with specific subjects. Schools can also begin incorporating AI-based learning platforms that personalize learning experiences for students based on their individual needs and preferences.

One thing that must not happen is for educators and schools to stick their heads in the sand and think that AI will just go away. It is in the best interest of the education system to embrace and leverage AI to benefit the lives of students and parents.

Here are seven AI programs that students and teachers could start using today.

Socratic – This app uses artificial intelligence to help students with homework problems by providing step-by-step explanations and answers to questions.
Teachable – An AI-powered platform that allows teachers to create and sell online courses, providing a personalized learning experience for students.
Read & Write – A literacy tool that uses AI to help students with reading, writing, and learning difficulties by providing personalized support and assistance.
LightSail Education – An AI-powered reading program that helps teachers personalize instruction for students by monitoring and analyzing reading levels and progress.
DreamBox Learning – An adaptive math program that uses AI to provide personalized learning paths for students, based on their individualized strengths and weaknesses.
Lexia Core5 – An AI-powered literacy program that helps students improve their reading skills through personalized instruction and targeted interventions.
Brainly – A platform that uses AI to connect students with educators and experts to help them with homework and study questions in real time.

While AI has the potential to enhance the learning experience for students, it is unlikely to replace tutors and teachers entirely. Human teachers bring a unique set of skills and qualities to the classroom that AI cannot replicate. However, by leveraging AI in education, schools and parents can provide students with personalized learning experiences and additional support to help them succeed academically.

Children and High-Functioning Autism

July 3, 2024 by Marci

Children with high-functioning autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often face unique challenges when it comes to education, social interaction, communication, and behavior. The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of ability in functioning that can occur in people with ASD.

While every child on the autism spectrum is different, there are common characteristics and educational approaches that can be beneficial for children with high-functioning autism.

Interesting fact: ASD can be diagnosed at any age, but symptoms generally appear in early childhood (often within the first two years of life).

Types of High-Functioning Autism

Asperger’s Syndrome
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
High-Functioning Autism.

Children with most forms of ASD typically have average to above-average intelligence and may excel in certain areas of academics, such as math or science, while simultaneously struggling with social interactions and communication skills.

Signs of High-Functioning Autism

Signs can vary but may include difficulty understanding social cues, limited eye contact, repetitive behaviors or speech, intense interests in specific topics, and sensory sensitivities. Children with high-functioning autism may also have difficulty expressing emotions or understanding the emotions of others.

Other signs of autism spectrum disorder include a devotion to routine or order, repetitive habits, and a relentless hyper-focus on a desire, subject, or need. Additional repetitive behaviors include rocking, twirling, flapping hands, or arranging objects in a particular order.

Interesting fact: According to the CDC, a child born in America today has a 2.8 percent chance of being diagnosed with ASD.

Educational Approaches for Children with ASD

If you suspect that your child is on the spectrum, you will want to seek a professional diagnosis and find a school that uses a combination of individualized support, social skills training, select education modalities, and behavioral interventions. Schools that are dialed into children with high-functioning autism offer additional support like visual schedules, structured routines, and opportunities for practicing social skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Interesting fact: ASD symptoms in girls may be more nuanced and difficult to notice, leading to a delayed – or completely missed — diagnosis.

High-Functioning Autism Case Study

Let’s review a case study of a high-functioning autistic boy that we’ll call Alex. This youngster illustrates the importance of early intervention and specialized education. Alex was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of five and struggled with making friends and following social cues.

Through a combination of speech therapy, social skills groups, and behavior interventions, Alex learned how to navigate social interactions and communicate effectively with his peers. With continued support and understanding from his teachers and family, Alex was able to thrive in school and develop strong friendships.

High-functioning autism is not an officially recognized medical term, but many people use it when researching or discussing how much support someone on the autism spectrum may need. Still, it is important to understand that a diagnosis, early intervention, and getting specialized help in the right school is the key to ensuring your child’s success.

The Three Levels of Dyslexia

July 3, 2024 by Marci

As a parent, it’s important to know that there are three different levels of dyslexia. This knowledge and other information will help you effectively advocate for your child in school.

First, let’s review the basic definition of dyslexia. This common learning disability affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. It can make reading and writing difficult for children, but the good news is that with the right support and interventions, children with dyslexia can succeed in school.

Three Levels of Dyslexia

Mild dyslexia may not be noticeable until a child starts school and struggles with reading and writing. Signs of mild dyslexia in preschool and elementary-aged children may include:

difficulty pronouncing words
trouble rhyming
difficulty learning the alphabet
include slow or inaccurate reading
poor spelling
difficulty with phonemic awareness.

In middle and high school-aged children, signs may include difficulty with grammar, comprehension, and expressing thoughts in writing.

Interesting fact: For children with dyslexia to reach their highest reading potential, the disorder must be remediated before age seven or eight using intensive, explicit reading interventions.

Moderate dyslexia is more noticeable and may require more intensive interventions and support. Signs of moderate dyslexia may include:

difficulty with reading fluency
trouble decoding words
poor spelling
struggles with reading comprehension
problems with written language

Severe dyslexia is the most challenging level and may require specialized instruction and accommodations. Signs of severe dyslexia may include:

very slow or inaccurate reading
poor spelling
significant difficulties with comprehension
problems with written expression
difficulty with handwriting
problems with written language

How Parents Can Advocate for Their Child

As a parent, it’s important to advocate for your dyslexic child in school. This may involve requesting a formal evaluation for dyslexia, working with teachers and specialists to develop an individualized education plan (IEP), and ensuring that your child receives appropriate accommodations and support.

Some accommodations for dyslexic students may include extra time on tests, audiobooks, speech-to-text software, and reading interventions.

It’s also important to educate yourself and become more aware about dyslexia and how it affects your child. Joining a support group or seeking out resources from dyslexia organizations can help you connect with other parents and learn more about dyslexia.

Remember that each child with dyslexia is unique, and what works for one child may not necessarily work for another.

By understanding the three different levels of dyslexia and advocating for your child in school, you can be the catalyst for your child to receive the support and interventions they need to succeed academically and unlock their full potential. Dyslexia is not a barrier to success – get out there and find the right support and accommodations. In you live in Arizona, we may be able to help. See rockwoodprep.com to learn more.

50 Ways to Keep Kids Learning this Summer

June 17, 2024 by Marci

Summer is here and many parents are already thinking about how to keep their kids learning during the break from school because we don’t want them to face the dreaded “summer slide” when school starts in the fall.

So, how do we help our kids to have fun this summer and keep them learning? We’ve come up with 50 ways to keep your kids learning this summer:

Create a summer reading challenge to make a big impact on literacy skills.
Make reading a joy by visiting your local library for story time and book clubs.
Play educational games like Scrabble or Math Bingo.
Visit museums and zoos for hands-on learning experiences needed for kinesthetic learners.
Encourage outdoor exploration with nature scavenger hunts to help kids who fall into the naturalist style of learning.
Practice math skills with fun activities like counting coins or measuring ingredients while baking.
Take educational field trips to historical sites or science centers.
Join a summer STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) camp.
Go on virtual tours of famous landmarks or museums.
Set up various art projects that promote creativity and fine motor skills.
Keep writing skills going with a summer journal.
Start a pot garden and learn about plants.
Watch educational TV shows or documentaries together.
Attend local cooking classes to learn new recipes and kitchen skills.
Explore different cultures through cooking, music, and art.
Join a summer sports league or camp to stay active.
Set up a DIY science lab at home with simple experiments.
Learn a new language with Duolingo
Take music lessons or learn to play a new instrument.
Volunteer in the community to teach empathy and social skills.
Have regular family game nights.
Explore virtual reality experiences for hands-on learning opportunities.
Practice coding with online resources or coding toys.
Create a summer book club with friends or family members.
Set up a backyard obstacle course to promote physical activity and gross motor skills.
Attend virtual story times or author visits online
Host a weekly neighborhood science fair where children can present their experiments.
Start a nature journal and document plants, animals, and weather patterns
Explore DIY crafts and art projects using recycled materials.
Play educational apps or games on tablets or smartphones.
Attend free online workshops or webinars on a variety of topics.
Create a DIY puppet show or theater production.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques through yoga or meditation exercises.
Start a summer book swap with friends to encourage reading and sharing.
Create a summer bucket list of educational activities to complete together.
Watch educational YouTube channels or documentaries.
Make homemade slime.
Practice math skills with online math games or worksheets.
Learn about different animals and habitats.
Dress up and act out scenes from their favorite books.
Make S’mores with a solar oven.
Learn about different cultures and traditions through food and music.
Attend a music or writing workshop.
Play educational board games like Chess, Checkers, or Settlers of Catan.
Create a DIY backyard bird feeder and learn about local birds.
Practice geography skills by studying fun and colorful maps.
Set up a DIY home theater and watch educational documentaries or movies.
Have a stargazing night and identify constellations with guidebooks, or apps.
Start a rock and mineral collection.
Build complex structures with Legos.

There are plenty of ways to keep young minds active and growing during the break from school with these summer learning ideas. Some parents choose two to three activities each week from this list of 50 ideas to keep kids learning. That way they stay engaged and keep learning through hands-on activities, virtual experiences, or creative projects.

The Power of a Reading Routine

May 13, 2024 by Marci

Struggling readers face many challenges that make reading feel overwhelming and daunting. These challenges may include difficulties with decoding words, poor comprehension skills, or a lack of motivation to pick up a book.

These obstacles to reading are why teachers, parents, and children often feel frustrated, embarrassed, and discouraged.

That’s why we strongly suggest that parents add a regular reading routine, at home, to help address these challenges and provide struggling readers with the support they need to improve their reading skills and build confidence.

Establishing a consistent routine that incorporates daily reading time, can create a positive and encouraging environment that promotes a love of reading.

WHAT READING EXPERTS SAY

Reading experts tell us that struggling readers need early and frequent intervention. This is all supported by research that shows that targeted support and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for struggling readers.

Richard L. Allington, author of What Really Matters When Working with Struggling Readers, wrote, “There is good news and bad news on working with struggling readers. The good news is that we now have an essential research base demonstrating that virtually every child could be reading grade level by the end of first grade. The bad news is that almost no schools in the United States have anything in place that much looks like what the research says young children need to become engaged readers.” Some strategies that good teachers employ to help struggling readers include:

Reading and rereading familiar texts
Reading aloud with guidance
Providing students with a variety of books that they can read, understand, and enjoy
Using direct or explicit instruction
Focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
Using inventive writing to motivate students
Using “sound stretching” to focus on phonemes

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Your struggling reader will flourish with structure and an established time for reading at home, especially if this can be a shared experience with you.

Use these 11 ideas to help establish a beloved reading routine at home:

Start early: Reading aloud sessions that start in infancy lay a foundation for language acquisition, vocabulary growth, and creating a special bond between child and parent.
Create a designated reading nook: Find a corner, closet, or section of a room and deck it out with pillows, blankets, and books. So that the nook is effective, the area should feel serene and be far from other distractions.
Model reading: It doesn’t make sense to expect children to enjoy reading if they don’t see us enjoying reading. Model joyful reading by ditching screen time for more read time. The enthusiastically sharing your favorite, age-appropriate parts of the book you are reading in the car or at dinner.
Ask questions: Take time to ask your child what they are reading and what they like about their book. Reading comprehension is nothing more than understanding what’s being read, so ask questions and listen to the answers.
Audio reading: You can support your struggling reader with audiobooks. Audio books are very helpful for students with dyslexia. However, audiobooks should never replace reading a book.
Be consistent: Celebrity life coach, Tony Robbins teaches that, “Repetition is the mother of skill.” This statement couldn’t be truer for struggling readers. Make it happen parents! Your child must read every single morning or night, even if it’s for five minutes.
Celebrate progress: Don’t forget to praise your child for their efforts and improvements in reading, no matter how small. Many children thrive with a reward system, like special treats, fun activities, or even earning a sticker that’s tracked on a poster board chart.
Encourage exploration of different books: Oftentimes children get stuck in thinking that there is only one genre of book that they like. Introduce your student to a variety of book formats and genres but get their buy-in to try something new that interests them and caters to their preferred preferences.
Take advantage of everyday reading opportunities: As you take your littles to school, play date, or their next appointment read billboards and signs together as you travel along the way. You can also teach your children to read food labels and package instructions at home. Each engagement reinforces reading skills.
Send love notes: Every child enjoys receiving letters in the mail, or little notes and cards hidden strategically throughout your home.
Advocate for your student: All children deserve the opportunity to be academically successful—no matter what academic challenges they face. Make certain that they are receiving every opportunity to learn and excel at school.

So, are we in favor of a regular, non-negotiable reading routine? Absolutely!

We know that having strong decoding and reading skills helps students to build knowledge, skills, confidence, and independence. No matter what is happening (or not happening) at your school to help your struggling reader, you can make a difference by creating a systematic, consistent reading routine at home.