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February 2020

Featured: NEW!

Dyslexia in the Schools: Assessment and Identification

Schools and teachers play an essential role in identifying students with reading difficulties, in-cluding dyslexia. This article offers a 5-step framework for identifying reading difficulties and determining if a student is eligible for special education services under IDEA — including the role of RTI, cognitive processing tests, and other statewide assessments and curriculum-based measures.

 

In Focus: Reading Comprehension

Effective Reading Interventions for Kids with Learning Disabilities

This article summarizes what the research says about what really works in building word recognition and comprehension skills in kids with LD. Parents can also find guidance in how to use the research findings to “size up” their child’s reading program.

 

Self-Questioning to Support Reading Comprehension

Proficient readers typically engage with a text by asking themselves questions as they read: Who is speaking? Why did the author choose this example? What's important here? Do I under-stand what I am reading? In contrast, struggling readers, and those with disabilities, are not likely to pose these questions. Learn about before, during and after reading strategies that work, as well as ideas for embedding technology supports.

 

Related:


Visualizing to Make Meaning

I grabbed my purse, stepped outside into the cold night air, and watched as a flake drifted to the ground. I started walking to my car, but I had to grab hold of a mailbox to keep from slip-ping.

Did you picture a woman standing outside on a winter’s night watching the snow fall? Or maybe you pictured her taking a step and then slipping on the icy sidewalk as she headed to her car? If so, you were visualizing — a critical reading skill that is necessary to comprehend both infor-mational texts and literature. By practicing visualization (drawing on principles for Universal Design for Learning), you can help them learn to use all of their senses to engage with and im-agine the world of a text, and to bring that world to life as they read.

 

Helping Children with Learning Disabilities Understand What They Read

Browse this reading comprehension toolbox to find lots of great, practical tips you can use to help your child with homework reading assignments. Here are some valuable reminders:

  • Remember to use chunking: go slowly and apply or use only one part at a time.
  • Use multisensory strategies.
  • Teach your child a strategy one step at a time.
  • And above all, make it an enjoyable activity!
 

Q&A with the Experts

Visualizing and Verbalizing: Q&A with Nanci Bell of Lindamood-Bell

Learn some best practices in helping children with language processing issues learn to read in this Q&A with expert Nanci Bell, director of Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. Find out what works with children who have weaknesses in concept imagery or symbol imagery.

 

How can teachers and parents help students with attention issues, who have trouble getting organized or paying attention? Q&A with Assistive Technology Expert Todd Cunning-ham

Learn how kids can use organizational apps, timers, trackers, mobile phone cameras, Google Drive (or other online storage platforms) and other easy-to-use tools to stay organized and on track.

 

Books & Authors

Inclusive Literacy Celebrations for Kids with Learning and Attention Issues

Special literacy events and celebrations can be a great way to get kids excited about books and reading. But for kids who struggle with reading, these kinds of events can challenge their self-confidence. Here are 15 strategies to help you plan a successful, joyful reading event for all kinds of readers and learners.

 

Inventing Joey Pigza: Our Interview with Jack Gantos

We asked Jack Gantos to talk about the inspiration for his Joey Pigza books and how he devel-oped such a believable and authentic character. In Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, Joey, a young boy with ADHD, looks "... Calm on the outside… But inside my body I felt like a big bottle of warm Coke when you drop it in the grocery store and it begins to fizz out the top like a bomb about to blow."

 

Related:

 

How to Get and Keep Boys Reading  

Award-winning authors Jack Gantos, Jeff Kinney, Jarrett Krosoczka, Jon Scieszka, and Gene Luen Yang, gathered at An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe in Plainville, Massachusetts for a lively panel discussion. Watch the video!

 

Especially for Parents

8 Working Memory Boosters

Does your child have a hard time keeping one bit of information in mind while he’s doing something else? For example, if he’s helping make spaghetti and the phone rings, does he for-get he needs to go back and keep stirring the sauce? If he often has trouble with such tasks, he might have working memory issues. It’s needed for tasks like following multi-step directions or solving a math problem in your head. You can help your child improve this executive function by building some working memory boosters into his daily life. (From our partner Understood)

 

Research, News, and Events

57th Annual International Learning Disabilities Association Conference
February 17-20, 2020
Orlando, Florida

Two boys with the same disability tried to get help. The rich student got it quickly. The poor student did not.
USA Today

The Best Edtech for Students Is Backed by Research. Here’s What to Look For.
EdSurge

Phonics Gains Traction As State Education Authority Takes Stand On Reading Instruction
Wisconsin Public Radio (Madison, WI)

Children’s Books Win Awards For Disability Storylines
Disability Scoop

Tennessee Seeks New Teacher, Principal Requirements in 'Science of Reading'
Education Week

Creating a Menu of Options in Classroom Libraries
International Literacy Association Daily

Getting 21st-Century Kids to Read More Books
The New York Times

Experts say widely used reading curriculum is failing kids
American Public Media

Graphic Novel Wins Newbery Medal for the First Time
The New York Times

Preservice Teachers Are Getting Mixed Messages on How to Teach Reading
Education Week

Reading Levels Unfairly Label Learners, Say Critics. And Then There's the Research.
School Library Journal


About LD OnLine
 

LD OnLine is an educational service of public television station WETA in Washington, D.C. LD OnLine seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD.

Send your questions, comments, or suggestions to ldonline@weta.org. Our mailing address is WETA/LD OnLine, 2775 S. Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22206. We look forward to hearing from you!
 

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