Helpful Essay Strategies

If you haven't began already, many of you are going to be assigned more and more essays.  Here are some strategies I think will really help you out.  The first thing you will want to do is organize your ideas. Once you have your ideas organized in your head, you can choose to either organize them on paper in outline form, or diagram form, whatever works best for you. We will go over each of these organization strategies in class.  You can find step by step instructions for creating your outline or diagram at http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/outline.html.  The next step is writing your thesis statement, which essentially tells the reader what your essay is about.  There are two parts of the thesis, first you will state your topic, and then you will state your point.  For more help with formulating a thesis statement, check out http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/thesis.html.  Next, you will want to write the body, first write out the main points, then the subpoints, and then elaborate on the subpoints.  Here will show you exactly what you should be including in the body of your essay http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/body.html.  After that, you will start to form the introduction and the conclusion.  Beginning with an attention grabber and then summarizing your essay is a good place to start.  The conclusion does need to have some strong summarizing sentences, and usually doesn't follow a structure.  We will go over both of these in class.  And the last step is add the finishing touches. Don't forget to read your paper aloud to catch mistakes spell-check can't!  It's easy as that, don't let an essay intimidate you before you start.

The Real Deal About Dyslexia

I'm sure each of you have a good understanding background knowledge of dyslexia, but there are many misconceptions others have about the learning disability.  Here are some interesting facts I thought you all might like to read about from http://www.readingresource.net/causesofdyslexia.html.  Dyslexia can be caused by genetics, meaning one can inherit it from family members.  Did you know 23-65% of children diagnosed with dyslexia, have a parent who also is dyslexic.  Many people think dyslexia is the flipping of letters backwards, but reversals are said to be irrelevant to diagnosis.  Also, did you know there are two main causes of dyslexia?  The first is neurological meaning a child is born with some sort of glitch in posterior reading system.  This means there is some sort of problem in the brain preventing the child to easily learn how to read.  The second cause is environmental which means that the child develops into a poor reader as a result of his or her experiences.  This means that the neurological system is fine, but was not activated appropriately causing it to function improperly.  The two causes are neurological or environmental, easy as that.  So now that you know some more about the basic facts I hope, you found this helpful in being able to explain dyslexia to others.  Here's another good site to visit for more information http://www.medicinenet.com/dyslexia/article.htm.

College: Finding the Right Fit

Just like I mentioned in my earlier post about scholarship searching right around the corner, so is comparing colleges and universities you may be interested in attending.  Did you know that almost all colleges and universities provide some level of accommodations and services for students with learning disabilities as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act?  Did you know there are also numerous colleges and universities that go a step further?  I encourage each of you to look into these schools. Here is a list of schools throughout the country which provide such programs for their students http://www.college-scholarships.com/learning_disabilities.htm.  Did you know that there are also many schools which do not require the normal testing procedures such as ACT and SAT?  Here is a link to a list of schools which accept alternate forms of testing for admissions  http://www.dyslexia-test.com/university.html I know it may seem early to start thinking about higher education, but the time will go by faster than you think.

Scholarship Searching is Right Around the Corner

Many of you will be looking into colleges and universities soon, which is why i think it's important for you to start thinking about scholarships.  There are many colleges and universities that accomodate students with dyslexia, and even some specialize in dyslexic students.  Whichever school you decide on, chances are it will be expensive and that's where scholarships help a great deal.  You can find scholarships online, through your guidance office, the college or university of your choice, and many other external organizations.  Once you have found some scholarships you are eligible to apply for, here are some things you can do to make the process easier.  First, be sure to read the information carefully, there are some requirements for most, and you may also want to investigate things like if the scholarship is national, state, or county wide.  Also, be sure you are applying within the deadline otherwise you are just wasting your time.  Staying organized will be a great deal of help throughout the process.  Be sure to make copies of what your are submitting and get them in the mail on time.  You also must be honest. Don't exaggerate your grades or activities, there are plenty of scholarships so just focus on the ones which apply to you. And finally, follow all instructions.  Some scholarships may ask you to write an essay or submit letters of recommendation.  Be sure all the requirements are completed and check for spelling and grammar errors. One typo or missing page could cost you your chances at the scholarship.  If you need more help ask a teacher, we are here to help you. Check out http://www.collegeanswer.com/paying-for-college/free-money-for-college/college-scholarships/scholarship-application-tips.aspx and http://www.scholarshipworkshop.com/the-scholarship-toolbox/scholarship-tips.html for more information.

Become a Better Test Taker

Studying for tests is only part of getting the grade you want on a test.  Here are some tips to follow in order to ensure you are taking your test to the best of your ability.
Preparation Tips:
1.Start preparing for the test as soon as you find out when it is, meaning taking good notes and paying attention in class.  Also, if you don't understand something, asking sooner is way better than asking later!  2. Budget your time accordingly.  Be sure to predict and plan out when you will study and how you are going to study while giving yourself enough time.
3. Attend any review sessions, and make sure you know what you are going to be tested on.
4.  Be sure you are attend your classes especially ones closer to the exam since your teacher will probably hint at test questions and give you more information about the test.
5. Make sure you eat before your test and get enough sleep the night before so you don't feel groggy.  8 hours is the recommended amount.
6. Try to get to class early and use the restroom before.
During the Test Tips:
1. Make sure to have 2 pencils and erasers on hand.
2.  Wear a watch to help you keep track of time.
3. Keep a positive attitude and try to focus.
4. When thinking, be sure not to let your eyes wonder since this may look like you could be cheating.
5. Look over the test as soon as you get it so you can budget your time accordingly.
6. Skip and go back to the problems you do not know.  Come back to them at the end.  Doing the problems you already know how to do will save you time and work to your advantage.
7. Always read the whole question.  Don't assume anything.
8.  Be sure to ask your teacher if you do not understand anything.
9. Pace yourself, and try not to rush.  Don't be discouraged if others finish before you.
10. Double check your answers if you have time and don't forget to check if your name is on your test before you hand it in.
For more test taking tips visit http://www.testtakingtips.com/test/index.htm and for some great post test tips, visit: http://www.testtakingtips.com/test/genpost.htm

More Helpful Tips

Hi everyone, I found some more tips and strategies I believe will help you from other kids with dyslexia.  Here are some of the things they do to get the most out of school.  After you have written a paper, read it aloud and record it.  Reading it aloud and hearing it over again can help you to pin point any errors or changes you want to make.  It can also help you to get a better understanding of what you have written or read as well as remember what you have learned.  When assignments are due on books, try reading along with a CD or tape of the book.  This really will help improve your understanding and boost your confidence!  You also can sign up for recorded books and other literature online.  There is an organization called Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic which has large amounts of audio recordings of books, references, textbooks, magazines, newspapers and more.  You can find out more about this by checking out their website at http://www.rfbd.org/.  Some students suggest doing written work at home and taking notes in class on a computer or word processing keyboard such as alphasmart.  Many also suggest using a computer software which can read to you.  I hope you find these tips helpful, for more information and where I got these tips, visit http://dyslexia.yale.edu/DYS_Student2Student.html.

The Davis Theory

I was just introduced to a breakthrough strategy called the Davis Dyslexia Correction.  This is a creative and meaning based theory used for acquisition of basic reading skills.  Children and adults use clay to model concepts associated with word meaning while modeling the letters of each word in clay. According to the website, at the primary level, these methods provide a route to learning to read that seems easier for students with dyslexic tendencies instead of traditional instruction.  These methods are also used with older children and adults who have dyslexia and often leads to rapid progress in their reading abilities.  I was very intrigued after reading this and hope we can use this strategy for anyone wishing to improve on their reading abilities.  Let me know what your thoughts are.  Here is the link I found this at  http://www.dyslexia.com/science/different_pathways.htm and  http://www.davisdyslexia.com/faqs.html for more information.

Becoming a Better Reader

Hi again, here are some tips I think everyone could use and try to keep in mind when reading.  Annotate- it will help you to become more of an active reader instead of just passively reading.  Take notes on important things in the text such as ideas, facts, elements, etc.  Don't be afraid to do some research.  If you don't understand something in a text, seeing what credible sources have to say about the book can really help you get a good background on the story, and help you to better understand.  This also shows initiative, which really impresses us teachers!  Use a dictionary when you need to.  Make sure you look up words you don't know or don't understand in order to get the most out of what the author is saying.  You will increase both your comprehension and build your vocabulary!  Make a list of questions.  Keeping a list of questions and things you don't understand.  Sometimes you will understand more as you keep reading, and then you can cross them off.  But if you don't, you can always ask a teacher or even try using credible sources as mentioned above.  Improving your reading comprehension is key to gain important knowledge as well as make the most out of your education.  So if you ever feel like your reading skills need a boost, keep these things in mind to help you out.  Here are more sights for you to check out to help with reading: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/189995.html and http://www.overbooked.org/ can help you find the perfect book to interest you.

Time Matters

I have a simple, yet amazing assignment strategy for you all to try.  This strategy focuses on time management and has been recommended by Abbie, a fourteen year old student with dyslexia.  She recommends using a large wall or desk calendar in order to keep track of time and assignments.  Abbie marks not only the date things are due, but the dates she should have certain steps of her assignments finished.  Here are some tips I found to managing time the most efficiently when working on assignments.
1. Breaking up projects and even homework into smaller pieces automatically allows them to become less intimidating. You can also get help from a parent or a teacher for setting dates for working on little tasks related to the big assignments, like picking a topic, doing research, and writing a first draft for example. 
2.This is an easy one- do whats due first!  Making a list of your assignment helps, but it is very important to prioritize so you don't feel overwhelmed. Take a minute to prioritize your work, not only by what’s due, but also by what you think you might need more or less time to finish. 
3. This one may be easier said than done.  Don’t fall into the “no homework tonight” trap.  Look ahead to see what’s coming up and use some free time to make a start on the work you will eventually have to start on anyway. It's a great way to make up and coming assignments easier, if you've already taken some time to get a head start on them.
4. Outlining a task before you even start can help you get a grip on how you will handle the assignment.  Thinking it through in your head and figuring out what steps you’ll have to take lets you assess what you have to do and how much time it will take you to get it done.  Before you know it, you'll be on your way!


Here is the webpage I found the time management strategy on along with another to help you manage your time!  Check them out http://dyslexia.yale.edu/DYS_Student2Student.html http://frank.mtsu.edu/~studskl/tmths.html

Don't Get Discouraged!

As you probably know, dyslexia is a very common syndrome with many different symptoms.  Approximately 40 million American adults and children are effected by it. Everyone gets discouraged sometimes, but when it comes to dyslexia, you're not alone!  I encourage each of you to take the time to read about some very successful and famous individuals with dyslexia who have made tremendous contributions to society.  Some of these stories I believe you will find truly inspiring.  Thomas Edison, Leonardo DaVinci, Picasso, Tom Cruise, Jay Leno, Walt Disney, and Whoopie Goldberg just to name a few of some of the most famous.  It's important to keep in mind these people have faced the same problems you are facing right now.  So when it gets hard, remember the extremely successful people who overcame their learning disability.  Jay Leno says he credits his dyslexia for his successful career in comedy as well as the drive and perseverance essential to succeed in his career field and life. Here are some really good links to find more information http://www.dyslexiaonline.com/famous/famous.htm and http://www.dyslexia.com/famous.htm are great places to start!

Hi Students

Hello Everyone! This blog is for my students with dyslexia and will offer help and resources relating to class throughout the year.  I hope you all take the time to use this as resource as needed, so stay tuned for more!