Teachers~please share!

[turning40withMickey]

I am an elementary teacher. I have taught hundreds of students to read and love reading. I have just learned that my son has dyslexia, and researching it,, now realize that I have had many students who fit the "symptoms" of it.

I desperately want to help my son and my students. I need some guidance in methodology and "what works".

Any teachers versed in any alterative methods over phonics or sight words? The research is telling me things like Hooked on Phonics and traditional "Learning Centers" (like Sylvan) do not work for dyslexic kids.

Obviously, I now have a vested interest, but I can see that I can reach the needs of many students as I broaden my horizons and learn best practices for helping dyslexic children.

I do not have a special ed degree, but I have taught reading for 14 years, kindergarten through fourth grade.

Thanks for any hints or nudges in the google world as to where to find help.

 

[kjs1976]

I'm sorry I don't have anything specific at the moment but I know that we have a couple of internet-based courses that come around each year as well as conferences on various topics that address such specifcs as dyslexia for regular classroom teachers. I'll do some checking and let you know...

I taught 10th grade English for 2 years and am in my 6th year of teaching 7the grade English. I wish that secondary ed teachers were more versed in teaching reading so as to catch the kids who "get by" with reading issues until middle school. We are currently working to get more specialized in reading techniques such as ones used in the elem level. Good luck with your search and I'll keep you posted on mine!!!!!

 

[maxtomsmom]

I'm a special education teacher and now teach younger kids (birth - 5), but I taught many years in the public schools. First, look into what the school will be using so you can reinforce it at home. I highly recommend The Wilson Reading Method. I have used it for a while and have seen dramatic results in my students. Any Orton-Gillingham approach will benefit your son. Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) is a good one.

Here are some sights.

http://www.wilsonlanguage.com/default.asp

http://www.dys-add.com/teach.html

http://pafprogram.com/


Sylvan and other tutoring places are usually not equipped to handle children with dyslexia which is a medical neurological diagnosis. Therefore, I would suggest going with a program that has been tested and has evidence of helping both children and adults with dyslexia. Both programs mentioned above have been researched. I have used both and it is incredible the difference it can make in a child's life. Since dyslexia cannot be outgrown (compensated yes, outgrown no), a program that helps children as well as adults is something you should keep in mind.

HTH- good luck, the main thing to keep in mind is you are not alone, teaching needs to be different for your son, but many adults have gone through school and lead high power jobs with this. The key is getting the right kind of support at an early age and maintaining that support.

 

[gower525]

I went to a workshop once that showed us how to give the children colored overlays. It is essentially a see-through transparency that comes in different colors. They place it on top of the text that they are reading. Apparently, for some dislexic children, it helps make the letters easier to read. I tried it with a 2nd grader that I had years ago that was really struggling. She said "the letters aren't moving anymore!!". Different colors work differently for different children. They told us to give them all the colors and let them pick which they perferred. I need to get my hands on some of those and try it with some of my students. I had forgotten all about that until your post.

 

[wtpntigger2]

I'm a special education teacher and now teach younger kids (birth - 5), but I taught many years in the public schools. First, look into what the school will be using so you can reinforce it at home. I highly recommend The Wilson Reading Method. I have used it for a while and have seen dramatic results in my students. Any Orton-Gillingham approach will benefit your son. Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) is a good one.

Here are some sights.

http://www.wilsonlanguage.com/default.asp

http://www.dys-add.com/teach.html

http://pafprogram.com/


Sylvan and other tutoring places are usually not equipped to handle children with dyslexia which is a medical neurological diagnosis. Therefore, I would suggest going with a program that has been tested and has evidence of helping both children and adults with dyslexia. Both programs mentioned above have been researched. I have used both and it is incredible the difference it can make in a child's life. Since dyslexia cannot be outgrown (compensated yes, outgrown no), a program that helps children as well as adults is something you should keep in mind.

HTH- good luck, the main thing to keep in mind is you are not alone, teaching needs to be different for your son, but many adults have gone through school and lead high power jobs with this. The key is getting the right kind of support at an early age and maintaining that support.

I second the Wilson Reading Program. I am a middle school special education teacher and have seen kids go from barely being able to read to reading fairly well within three years.

I have also just started reading the book Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, MD and it offers a lot of insightful, scientifically backed information.

I wish your son and students the best of luck in their future reading endeavors.

 

[turning40withMickey]

I second the Wilson Reading Program. I am a middle school special education teacher and have seen kids go from barely being able to read to reading fairly well within three years.

I have also just started reading the book Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, MD and it offers a lot of insightful, scientifically backed information.

I wish your son and students the best of luck in their future reading endeavors.

Thank you both for your help!
I am seeing the most immediate way for me to begin is with Susan Barton's training on the Orton-Gillingham approach. SHe has ten levels of instruction with video tapes and worksheets, and while costly, at least they are readily available for me to start learning and tutoring immediately. Since I am a teacher, I sent out a lot of "feelers" today in my district, pleas for help, guidance on getting started, etc. I am not confident that my district will help pay for my training (which is inconsequential to me at this point, I just want to get started with my son). I may be able to get some methodology in his IEP to get his district to pay for some of it if they dont have a certified teacher in the Wilson or Orton-Gillingham approaches.
I have gone from overwhelmed to having a plan, and that feels good!
Thanks!

 

[turning40withMickey]

I'm a special education teacher and now teach younger kids (birth - 5), but I taught many years in the public schools. First, look into what the school will be using so you can reinforce it at home. I highly recommend The Wilson Reading Method. I have used it for a while and have seen dramatic results in my students. Any Orton-Gillingham approach will benefit your son. Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) is a good one.

Here are some sights.

http://www.wilsonlanguage.com/default.asp

http://www.dys-add.com/teach.html

http://pafprogram.com/


Sylvan and other tutoring places are usually not equipped to handle children with dyslexia which is a medical neurological diagnosis. Therefore, I would suggest going with a program that has been tested and has evidence of helping both children and adults with dyslexia. Both programs mentioned above have been researched. I have used both and it is incredible the difference it can make in a child's life. Since dyslexia cannot be outgrown (compensated yes, outgrown no), a program that helps children as well as adults is something you should keep in mind.

HTH- good luck, the main thing to keep in mind is you are not alone, teaching needs to be different for your son, but many adults have gone through school and lead high power jobs with this. The key is getting the right kind of support at an early age and maintaining that support.

The second site you referenced above has been tremendously helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! The Barton program was developed for adults and teens, which is why I am leaning toward it over the Wilson method. My son is 14. I am not expecting any overnight miracles, we have been struggling for quite a while with this, but I feel at least we are finally headed in a positive direction, finally have a grip on what needs to be done.
Thanks!

 

[K and K's Mommy]

Ten years ago I was trained in Orton Gillingham. It is very, very phonics based. It was a two weeks intense course. We had to memorize a lot! I can't remember exact numbers, but she knew the percentage of English language words that are phonetically based, and it is more than you think especially when you learn every single rule. She said whole language has been terribly detrimental to dyslexics because they cannot remember/see in chunks. Anyway, it incorporates more than one sense when learning each sound. I think they say it, "draw" it, hear it. I took pieces of the program and used in my second grade classroom. They wanted me to tutor, but I was pregnant with my first and just didn't have the time. I am now staying home for awhile, and just don't think I remember enough to be much more help. BUT, the reason I took the class was because one of my kiddos was being tutored using the approach, and it worked great for him! Good luck!

 

[turning40withMickey]

Ten years ago I was trained in Orton Gillingham. It is very, very phonics based. It was a two weeks intense course. We had to memorize a lot! I can't remember exact numbers, but she knew the percentage of English language words that are phonetically based, and it is more than you think especially when you learn every single rule. She said whole language has been terribly detrimental to dyslexics because they cannot remember/see in chunks. Anyway, it incorporates more than one sense when learning each sound. I think they say it, "draw" it, hear it. I took pieces of the program and used in my second grade classroom. They wanted me to tutor, but I was pregnant with my first and just didn't have the time. I am now staying home for awhile, and just don't think I remember enough to be much more help. BUT, the reason I took the class was because one of my kiddos was being tutored using the approach, and it worked great for him! Good luck!

Was your course at a college? I have been looking into the "units" prepared by Susan Barton which seem both accessible and quick to implement. I would be willing to take an intensive course, however. Thank you for your good wishes and I hope you will eventually rejoin the ranks as a tutor because there is definitely the need! If you remember anything about who ran the course, please PM me or post here! THanks!

 

[tmatthews]

I am Orton Trained.....I have seen it work with children but I have had one or two that by time they sounded out all the letters ..... they can't combine or remember what the first letter sound was! For each letter you would letter name, a word, then the sound....so it would be A-APPLE-/a/ B- BOY- /b/ etc this program goes from individual sounds to blends to the different vowel sounds until you are reading not sound by sound but syllable by syllable....
If your son is 14 he may find this to be babylike to start...Wilson is similar but meant for older students. Seeing Stars I believe (not trained) is meant for comprehension.

Also reading aloud to your child is soooo important! Share story time together! you read a page or paragraph and vice/versa. Books on tape is a good way for children to listen to the same stories as their peers. In addition, all texts should be on tape as I believe that is mandated. It would be helpful to get his texts/novels on tape so he can be independent and listen to information.

Check with your local child study team for individual help. They can lead you in the right path.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

I just got through reading your other thread, and I want you to know how impressed I am with everything you have done/researched in such a short time! You seem so positive, energetic, and determined. Your son is so lucky to have you!!!

I took my class at Butler University (Indianapolis) while I was working on my masters. It was one of my electives because I am not special ed, but I was just interested in it after one of my students was tutored using the O-T method. I do remember the teacher was flown in because she was staying at a hotel for two weeks.

Good luck!

 

[turning40withMickey]

I am Orton Trained.....I have seen it work with children but I have had one or two that by time they sounded out all the letters ..... they can't combine or remember what the first letter sound was! For each letter you would letter name, a word, then the sound....so it would be A-APPLE-/a/ B- BOY- /b/ etc this program goes from individual sounds to blends to the different vowel sounds until you are reading not sound by sound but syllable by syllable....
If your son is 14 he may find this to be babylike to start...Wilson is similar but meant for older students. Seeing Stars I believe (not trained) is meant for comprehension.

Also reading aloud to your child is soooo important! Share story time together! you read a page or paragraph and vice/versa. Books on tape is a good way for children to listen to the same stories as their peers. In addition, all texts should be on tape as I believe that is mandated. It would be helpful to get his texts/novels on tape so he can be independent and listen to information.

Check with your local child study team for individual help. They can lead you in the right path.

I guess I still need to do more research, I thought Wilson was geared toward K-3, I will have to investigate it more.
My son has great listening skills (a compensation), and does fantastic on oral things and presentations. Typically, when they are doing a novel at school, I will read most of a chapter aloud to him, so he gets the comprehension, and just have him read a paragraph here and there.
He takes notes in class, but they are not elaborated on, so we are supposed to start getting notes from the teacher which should give us more information to study for tests on. He compensates very well, and is making honor roll. The bottom line for me, he needs to become a better reader so he can be independently successful. I have taught him and modeled the things I know for years now, and realize he needs a different approach than the one I am familiar with. My next step tonight is to find out what the school can offer us in reading instruction and work out a methodology plan for his IEP to make sure his needs are met.

 

[turning40withMickey]

I just got through reading your other thread, and I want you to know how impressed I am with everything you have done/researched in such a short time! You seem so positive, energetic, and determined. Your son is so lucky to have you!!!

I took my class at Butler University (Indianapolis) while I was working on my masters. It was one of my electives because I am not special ed, but I was just interested in it after one of my students was tutored using the O-T method. I do remember the teacher was flown in because she was staying at a hotel for two weeks.

Good luck!

Thank you! I feel like I finally have some direction as to what to do to help him. We have been floundering and struggling for years, and it is like a new door has just opened. HE is a good kid, and a hard worker. I am very confident he will improve as we improve on our methods of instruction for him.

 

[maxtomsmom]

The second site you referenced above has been tremendously helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! The Barton program was developed for adults and teens, which is why I am leaning toward it over the Wilson method. My son is 14. I am not expecting any overnight miracles, we have been struggling for quite a while with this, but I feel at least we are finally headed in a positive direction, finally have a grip on what needs to be done.
Thanks!

The Wilson Reading Method was originally developed by Barbara Wilson and she designed it for adults who had severe dyslexia. There are two programs one designed for older students and one for a more general population. I've been through the training and it is intense and you learn to work with one student. I only suggest just in case the other program doesn't help or if you feel you need to do more.

Another suggestion is looking into local colleges that offer education particularly special education. Many of their students need to do practicum which is something I had to do. They are looking to work with kids and it is usually free to the parents. My Graduate school offered reading workshops for kids at a very small fee for parents. As you probably already know, graduate students are sometimes teachers or teaching assistants and tend to be more mature than college students. I used to tutor on the weekends to make extra money in school and earn credits.

 

[tmatthews]

I guess I still need to do more research, I thought Wilson was geared toward K-3, I will have to investigate it more.
My son has great listening skills (a compensation), and does fantastic on oral things and presentations. Typically, when they are doing a novel at school, I will read most of a chapter aloud to him, so he gets the comprehension, and just have him read a paragraph here and there.
He takes notes in class, but they are not elaborated on, so we are supposed to start getting notes from the teacher which should give us more information to study for tests on. He compensates very well, and is making honor roll. The bottom line for me, he needs to become a better reader so he can be independently successful. I have taught him and modeled the things I know for years now, and realize he needs a different approach than the one I am familiar with. My next step tonight is to find out what the school can offer us in reading instruction and work out a methodology plan for his IEP to make sure his needs are met.

you sound like a great supportive mom and I am sure your son will succeed in life with all the love/support he has!!!!!!!!! I have a DS4 with an IEP and also a teacher....I can relate.

 

[turning40withMickey]

Another suggestion is looking into local colleges that offer education particularly special education. Many of their students need to do practicum which is something I had to do. They are looking to work with kids and it is usually free to the parents. My Graduate school offered reading workshops for kids at a very small fee for parents. As you probably already know, graduate students are sometimes teachers or teaching assistants and tend to be more mature than college students. I used to tutor on the weekends to make extra money in school and earn credits.

Thanks for the suggestion, I just sent an email to the special ed chairperson of a local college (the one I attended, figured being an alum might lend to attention rather than delete) and there are several more colleges in the vicinity if this one doesn't pan out. Great idea!! I have another discussion thread going on this board and I am going to suggest it to some of the other frustrated moms out there who aren't teachers.

 

[turning40withMickey]

I just found out the Masonic lodge provides tutoring in the Orton Gillingham method, and I applied to become a trainer, and submitted info for my son to hopefully become a student.

I am discouraged by the lack of help at the public school, though. They seem to agree that he needs specialized instruction, but don't seem to be able to give it.

 

[famofsix]

there are some technology helps that may benefit your son. This involves books that are on the computer that can be "read" by the student where it actually reads the text but the student follows along. I don't know if it is color coded. Sorry I can't remember the name of the program. I would think that if you could contact the special education department you could fish around for ideas that are on student's IEP's with similiar challenges so that your son gets the same resources that the district may already have in place.

My son is younger (2nd) grade and the consultant teacher and reading teacher reinforce the Orton method in a small group pull-out. He also has a push-in time with the consultant teacher during the day.He also recently started receiving OT for visual tracking and eye movements.

One of the best things we did was to get an outside evaluation for him and many of the methods on his IEP are a direct result of the outside evaluation because it identified specific methods that have been helpful with students with a LD.

I didn't realize there were two threads
I am a certified teacher though and it is hard to see my son struggle with something that normally I could teach him on my own. In fact I did homeschool him for awhile and that was very helpful in boosting his confidence.

 

[maxtomsmom]

I just found out the Masonic lodge provides tutoring in the Orton Gillingham method, and I applied to become a trainer, and submitted info for my son to hopefully become a student.

I am discouraged by the lack of help at the public school, though. They seem to agree that he needs specialized instruction, but don't seem to be able to give it.

That appears to be the truth no matter where you live. A new friend is going through a battle with our school district trying to get the right support for her ADD/OHI (other health impaired) son. She's asked me to be a parent advocate since the one the district provided her never asked any questions. If you know any educational lawyers, now would be a good time to having that person attend any meetings. The school will know you mean business.

 

[jmchone0830]

I am not a teacher but my son was tested and found to have learing difficulties in the 1st grade. He could not learn his letters or sounds at that time. They started his IEP towards the end of 1st grade and beginning 2nd grade his special education teacher began the Wilson Reading Program with him. He is now in 4th grade and has been taken out of the special education program as he is now reading better than most in his class. His special education teacher that began this program with him has a son who is dyslexic and she uses this program with her son as well. I cannot say enough good things about the Wilson Reading Program. It was a prayer answered for us. Good luck to you!