What is learning disability?
A learning disability is a neurological disorder. In simple terms, it results from a difference in the way a person’s brain is ‘wired’. Children with learning disabilities are of at least average intelligence. However, they have specific difficulty with reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and/or organising written information. This difficulty is often unexpected as they are bright and often have persisting skills in other areas. With the right support and intervention, these children can succeed in school.
Myth
Smart people cannot be dyslexic or have a learning disability.
Fact
Dyslexia and intelligence are NOT connected. Many dyslexic individuals are very bright and creative and have accomplished amazing things as adults. Remember people with dyslexia often have a different ‘take’ on circumstances. They approach challenges from a perspective that non-dyslexics seldom think of.
Professional development for teachers
Would your child’s school be interested in holding a professional development session about dyslexia for staff? Dr Jason McGowan is generously offering to deliver sessions and donate the fee to the Literacy Foundation for Children. Sessions can be tailored to the needs of your individual school. Now is a good time to suggest this to your school so they can put it on the professional development calendar for 2018. If you are interested, please email the foundation.
Messy backpacks and messy rooms: getting organised
A common challenge for most children is being organised. Many children struggle trying to remember everything they need to take to school and it gets even more difficult when their room is so messy they can’t find their library book or their swimming cap and goggles. Does this sound like your household?
There are some great online tips and resources to help make day-to-day routines easier for parents and children. Check out the website understood.org for advice on organising backpacks and bedrooms.
Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and one of the Australian initiatives is Light it Red for Dyslexia. On the weekend of 14 to 15 October landmarks across the country were lit red to show support for people with dyslexia, including the Sky Point Observation Deck at the Gold Coast on Saturday and the Story Bridge in Brisbane on Sunday.
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My Red Letter Competition
The My Red Letter competition is now open. It is all about positive role models and gives people an opportunity to acknowledge a champion in their life who helps them to embrace their dyslexia. The competition is open to children and adults and includes some great prizes. Entries close on 31 October.
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“Intelligence is more than the sum of the parts.
It’s about creating meaning in one’s life by recognising one’s strengths and weaknesses.”
Robert Sternburg
Do you know the meaning of the word ‘palindrome’?
Definition: a word, line, verse, number, sentence, etc., reading the same backward as forward, as Madam, I’m Adam or Poor Dan is in a droop.
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