Dyslexia Awareness Week October 7 – 13, 2024
I would like to share some information and resources about Dyslexia from the International Dyslexia Association, Ontario.
Definition
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a
deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
Characteristics of Dyslexia in Oral Language
Children learn to speak before they learn to read. If you notice a delay in some of these characteristics, consider talking your family physician, a pediatrician or a speech and language pathologist.
*Late learning to talk
*Difficulty pronouncing words
*Difficulty acquiring vocabulary or using age appropriate grammar
*Difficulty following directions
*Confusion with before/after, right/left, etc.
*Difficulty learning the alphabet. nursery rhymes or songs
*Difficulty understanding concepts and relationships
*Difficulty with word retrieval or naming problems
Effective Instruction – Structured Literacy
Instruction that is supported by research is explicit, systematic, and cumulative. In other words, there is a plan; the instruction is structured.
This evidence-based approach integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing. That is, the instruction incorporates all aspects of literacy.
This instruction embodies and defines Structured Literacy.
Structured Literacy emphasizes the structure of language, including the speech sound system (phonology), the writing system (orthography), the structure of sentences (syntax), the meaningful parts of words (morphology) and the relationships among words (semantics), and the organization of spoken and written discourse. The integration of listening, speaking, reading, and writing makes this instruction multisensory.
The ultimate goal of Structured Literacy is the development of deep levels of comprehension and expression and lifelong reading and writing habits. Although all aspects of this instruction are essential for students with dyslexia, this instruction also enhances the reading and academic achievement of all students.
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World Teachers’ Day
I was so fortunate to have many wonderful teachers when I went to school in the 1970s and 1980s (Yes, I was born way back in the 1900s.) My favourites were Mrs. Ruplen in Grade 3 as well as Mrs. Fleming and Ms. Axford in high school. I attended high school in a K-13 education centre, which held many, many great experiences for me but o, including to have some teachers 4 or 5 years during grades 9 to 13. My high school was not set up on a semester system. We took had 9 subjects,. Teaching was my career choice from as early as grade 3, so I usually enjoyed school, most of the time.
In the early 1990s I began working as an educational assistant. From that time on, I was blessed to work with some wonderful colleagues, many of whom are now friends. I learned from principals, teachers, educational assistants, early childhood educators, office administrators and caretakers. Every year and every classroom helped me grow as an educator.
During World Teachers’ Day we celebrate and acknowledge teachers. Thank you for everything you have done, are doing and will do!
Learning With Derek Tutoring Services
I am excited to be launching my tutoring services- Learning with Derek.
After teaching for 25 years in the public school system, I have learned that students, staff and families have been incredibly impacted by consistent cuts to education. These cuts, combined with the challenges of the pandemic, have made it very difficult for students to learn the fundamentals of literacy, which are so important in the early grades.
Teaching is my passion and I’m excited to be offering online tutoring for students from kindergarten to grade 6 with a focus on literacy.
Please explore this website with more detailed information about me and the services I offer.
You can also email me at admin@learningwithderek.com
Below is a page with the basics about my business.