Welcome to the May News for the Literacy Foundation for Children
The Foundation helps families by providing financial support to offset some of the costs associated with support services needed to help children with dyslexia learn to read and write.
If you or anyone you know needs financial help to undertake an assessment (to reach a diagnosis) or intervention (following diagnosis) in relation to dyslexia or other diganosable learning disability, then please visit our website for how to access support.
It’s Still Early in the Year, Or Is It?
It’s the end of Term One with students who have literacy difficulties across Australia sitting somewhere across a continuum of success. Students may be diagnosed, recognised and supported. They may be on the way to being diagnosed. Their difficulties may not have been recognised and are consequently unsupported.
 Tip: If you are concerned about your child’s learning, be proactive. Be realistic about your child’s potential and if you feel there is something preventing them from achieving this, look further. |
Diagnosis
It’s complicated. Some students with literacy difficulties have a diagnosis of dyslexia; the diagnosis may be specific learning disorder. Many students do not have a diagnosis. Some children do not even have recognition that they have any reading or spelling difficulties. They have been placed in the ‘everyone develops at their own rate’ basket.
Common Sayings with a Sinister Background
As Pleased as Punch
When you tell someone you’re “as pleased as punch,” it usually means you’re delighted. But this phrase has rather gruesome origins.
In the Punch-and-Judy shows of old, the character Punch is always satisfied with the success of his evil deeds. The plot usually follows violent and offensive themes after Punch loses his temper.
The simile, first recorded in the late 1700s, was in common use for any kind of extreme satisfaction by the mid-nineteenth century. It’s pretty messed up, but the Brits still aren’t tired of Punch and Judy after nearly 400 years.
Volunteering Opportunity
We’re seeking a volunteer with an interest in the marketing industry to work as a social engagement coordinator.
The role requires approximately 5-10 hours per week depending on availability and will include engagement through social media, newsletters and the website. A key part of the role is to reach families of children with learning disabilities and raise their awareness of our support services.
To learn more about this role please click on the link. Position Description, Advertisment
Professional Development for Teachers
Would your child’s school be interested in holding a seminar about literacy and learning disabilities while at the same time helping the Foundation? To find out more, see our School Seminars brochure.
Important Literacy Word Definitions
‘Morphology‘
The study of structure and forms of words including derivation, inflection and compounding.
‘Morpheme‘
The smallest unit of meaing in a word, such as the word ‘book’ or that is a component of a word, such as ‘s’ in ‘books’.
‘Morphophonemics‘
Wise Words for Children with Learning Challenges
Some call dyslexia a gift, to others it’s a burden. However you see it, a good inspirational quote can do wonders to lift the spirit. Here’s some inspiration …
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. “
-Pele: regarded by many as the greatest (soccer) player of all time and who also had dyslexia
Did you know that donations to the Foundation are tax deductible?
Consider making a donation to help a child with a learning disability. As the Foundation is run solely by volunteers the administrative costs are very minimal, so we are glad to say that the vast majority of all donations and funds raised are distributed to the families of children requiring support. Make a donation at GIVENOW.
Containers for Change
The Foundation is listed with Containers for Change. You can be a creator of positive change by donating your unwanted bottles and cans to the Literacy Foundation for Children. Use the code C10240836 when you drop off your bottles and cans at your local recycle location.
Connect with us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with what’s happening, check in from time to time and like, follow and share us with your friends and other interested connections. We would also love to hear from you… we would like to hear your ideas on future newsletter topics, connect with you socially and we welcome any feedback you may have.If you’re not already a subscriber and you found this newsletter helpful, you can subscribe to Literacy Foundation for Children News.
Click here for more news articles.
