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What is dyslexia? What are the warning signs? Where can I get help for my child?
Dyslexia is a language processing disorder that affects the ability to memorize random facts and interpret direction. It is an inherited neurological condition that makes it extremely difficult to learn reading, spelling and writing using standard teaching methods. In preschool, these children may have delayed speech, mix up the sounds and syllables in long words (like 'pasketti' instead of 'spaghetti'), confusion with left and right and can’t create words that rhyme.
By the time these children reach elementary school, teachers and parents are noticing difficulty reading and dysgraphia (slow, forced handwriting that is difficult to read). The students also have difficulty with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, telling time on a clock with hands, poor spelling, trouble with math, and letter and number reversals continuing past the end of first grade.
A child with dyslexia may not experience all of the above symptoms, but if he exhibits three or more of these, please encourage the family to learn more about dyslexia. Ms. Barton’s website is a wonderful source of information at www.BrightSolutions.US.
If you are interested in having your child tested for dyslexia, our administrator and principal, Mrs. Cindy Dodds, is one of only two certified dyslexia testers in western Pennsylvania. Also, dyslexia tutoring is available for our students during the school day with our reading specialist and certified dyslexia tutor, Mrs. Jean Smith. Referred students receive one-on-one instruction as they progress through a multisensory, explicit and systematic program. The program was designed to improve reading and spelling skills. Mrs. Smith states, “We are fortunate to be able to offer this service to our students. Numerous teachers have commented they are noticing that the students using this program seem to have more self-confidence and volunteer more than they did previously.”
Parents have also commented: “We feel our child has improved in his reading, and we are seeing a slow but sure improvement in spelling,” and “I appreciate the program being offered during the school day! I think having help three times a week is a real plus also!”
For more information regarding testing and tutoring, please call Mrs. Dodds at ext. 12.
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