Mind Mapping!

Mind maps are diagrams used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items centered around a central key word or idea.  They are great for brainstorming, staying on topic and starting and developing ideas for papers and projects.  For a more in depth definition of mind map, you can find more information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map.  Mind mapping is also a great way to look at how you think on paper.  I think many of you will find this visual tool helpful in structuring information, analyzing ideas, comprehend and synthesize new ideas and much more!  I found a website that gives you simple step by step instructions on how to create a mind map.  I would like each of you to look over the steps and come up with an idea of something you would like to use for a mind map tomorrow in class.  You can find the complete and simple steps at http://www.mapyourmind.com/howto.htm.  I really hope all of you give it a try, as I think many of you will find this helpful and even enjoy it!  Below I've included an example to help all of you get started.

Lots of Learning Disabilities

Although this blog does focus on one learning disability in specific, dyslexia, there are many other types of learning disabilities that are unknown to some degree to the general public.  Dyslexia tends to be a more well known learning disability but I think you all might find some of the other types of learning disabilities interesting.
Dyscalculia is a type of learning disability in performing mathematical equations, organizing and memorizing numbers, operations/operation signs, and math facts.  Children with dyscalculia often have difficulty telling time, and counting.  Depending on the child's strengths and weaknesses, the types of symptoms displayed will vary.
Dysgraphia is a type of learning disability in writing.  This can manifest in the physical act of writing letters, or comprehending written language and synthesizing information.  Some symptoms of dysgraphia include difficulty with neatness and consistency in writing and spelling, difficulty accurately copying words and letters, as well as difficulty organizing writing and coherence.
Dyspraxia is a learning disability regarding motor skills.  This means a child has difficulty with movement, coordination, and/or fine motor skills.  The motor skill deficiency is caused by the brain communicating incorrectly/inefficiently with certain limbs to create specific actions.
Dysphasia (or aphasia) is a learning disability in language.  This means a child has trouble with producing spoken language and/or understanding it.  Some signs of a language disorder include problems with verbal language skills (like telling a story or speech fluency), and difficulty understanding directions, meaning of words or parts of speech.
Learning disabilities are considered a high incidence disability according to the federal government, which means there are many people with all different types of learning disabilities.  Although dyslexia a common learning disability, there are many other types (even more than the few I've shared with you) so if you're ever feeling discouraged, remember there are lots of people with all types of learning disabilities out there, some you may never even heard of.  For more information visit http://www.helpguide.org/mental/learning_disabilities.htm and http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/teachers/understanding/types.asp

More Tips to Keep in Mind

Hey everyone, as I was looking over the Family Education webpage, I found an awesome article regarding aspects of high school students with dyslexia. I think this article will send a positive message and offer you guys some great tips and possibly a new outlook.  Here are some key points I've outlined for you all, I think these are some valuable things to keep in mind.
Having good communication with any teacher can be a challenge all high school students face.  Sometimes talking to your teacher about your learning problem can relieve some big issues and be much easier than you may think.   Speaking up can really pay off in terms of getting the help you need, you must remember teachers are by no means mind readers! :)  Your teachers will do their best to accomodate you in order to help you to learn the best way possible.
Don't get stressed out with information overload.  Think outside the box of ways you can get the information without getting stressed such as ask your teacher for a written copy of notes, access to lectures online, or if you could bring a recorder to class.  Some teachers may not be thinking about how stressful lectures can be in class especially if you have a little bit if trouble note taking.  Having a hard copy and/or alternative access can take the pressure off the clock and getting each and every detail correct in class.
Focus on your strong qualities, don't let dyslexia get you down!!  There are tons of sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities offered, so go ahead and try something new, you never know what you'll be great at until you try!  And if you're still worried about being dyslexic, remember it's estimated that 10% of the population has dyslexia so remember you're not alone.  You can find the article and more information here http://school.familyeducation.com/learning-disabilities/reading/37594.html http://ldawa.org/LDAdrupal/node/60