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Article
by: Stefan Hochfilzer (ClubXcite Founder)
Dyslexia
About 10% of the population has some form of dyslexia. About 4% are
severely dyslexic, including some 375,000 schoolchildren. Dyslexia
is a reading and related language-based learning disability.
About 60%
of dyslexic people have phonological difficulties, finding it
difficult to sort out the sounds within words which
cause difficulties in learning to read, write and spell. Short-term
memory, mathematics, concentration, personal organization and
sequencing may be affected.
Most frequently displayed signs and symptoms:
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Difficulty with the written language or math
computations
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Substitutes one small sight word for
another: a, I, he, the, there, was
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Slow and painful reader and has trouble with
spelling
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Has problems with decoding, especially with
the order of letters
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Shows wide disparity between listening
comprehension and reading comprehension of some text
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May have difficulty with handwriting and
recalling know words
Strategies to work with Dyslexic children:
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Use multi-sensory teaching methods
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Allow alternative forms for book reports
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Teach students to use logic rather than rote
memory
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Present material in small units
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Provide a quiet area for activities like
reading, answering comprehension questions
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Use books on tape or books with large print
and big spaces between lines
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Don’t count spelling on history, science or
other similar tests
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Allow the use of a laptop or other computer
for in-class essays
The effects of dyslexia can largely be overcome by skilled
specialist teaching and the use of compensatory strategies.
The earlier
the intervention the better the outcome.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia
basically means difficulty performing mathematical calculations;
specifically it means a learning disability which affects math.
Dyscalculia has several underlying causes. One of the most prominent
is a weakness in visual processing therefore students with
dyscalculia have a difficultly visualizing numbers and often
mentally mix up the numbers, resulting in what appear to be "stupid
mistakes."
Most frequently displayed signs and symptoms:
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Has difficulty understanding fractions and
time variations (days, weeks, months)
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Difficulties with organization of long
division, sequence and keeping numbers lined up.
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Making change and handling money can be
demanding
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Shows difficulty understanding concepts of
place value, and quantity, number lines, positive and negative
value, carrying and borrowing
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Has difficulty understanding and doing word
problems
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Exhibits difficulty using steps involved in
math operations
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Pattern recognition difficulties when
adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing
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Has difficulty putting language to math
processes
Strategies to work with Dyslexic children:
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Suggest use of graph paper and work with
manipulatives
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Computer time for drill and practice may be
effective
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Draw pictures of word problems
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Allow use of fingers and scratch paper
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Use diagrams and draw math concepts
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Provide peer or mentor assistance
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Suggest use of colored pencils to
differentiate problems
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Use mnemonic devices to learn steps of a
math concept
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Use rhythm and music to teach math facts and
to set steps to a beat
Dysgraphia
"Dysgraphia" is a
learning disability resulting from the difficulty in expressing
thoughts in writing and graphing. It generally refers to extremely
poor handwriting.
Students with
dysgraphia often tend to intermix letters and numbers in formulas
and have sequencing problems. As a result, the student either needs
to slow down in order to write accurately, or experiences extreme
difficulty with the "mechanics" of writing (spelling, punctuation,
etc.). They usually have difficulty even when they do their work
more slowly. And by slowing down or getting "stuck" with the details
of writing they often lose the thoughts that they are trying to
write about.
The auditory or
language processing weakness can lead to writing difficulty..
Because of their difficulty learning and understanding language in
general, they obviously have difficulty with language expression.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Students may exhibit strong verbal
but particularly poor writing skills
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Cramped or unusual grip, especially
holding the writing instrument very close to the paper, or holding
thumb over two fingers and writing from the wrist.
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Unfinished words or letters, omitted
words. Random (or non-existent) punctuation. Spelling errors
(sometimes same word spelled differently); reversals; phonic
approximations; syllable omissions; errors in common suffixes.
Clumsiness and disordering of syntax; an impression of illiteracy.
Misinterpretation of questions and questionnaire items. Disordered
numbering and written number reversals
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Talking to self while writing, or
carefully watching the hand that is writing
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Inconsistencies : mixtures of print
and cursive, upper and lower case, or irregular sizes, shapes, or
slant of letters
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Inconsistent position on page with
respect to lines and margins and inconsistent spaces between words
and letters
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Slow or labored copying or writing -
even if it is neat and legible
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Generally illegible writing (despite
appropriate time and attention given the task)
Strategies:
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Avoid chastising student for sloppy,
careless work
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Provide alternatives to written assignments
(video-taped reports, audio-taped reports)
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Suggest use of word processor and allow the
use of a note taker
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Allow use of wide rule paper and graph paper
and use oral exams
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Allow use of tape recorder for lectures
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Provide notes or outlines to reduce the
amount of writing required
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Reduce copying aspects of work (pre-printed
math problems)
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Suggest use of pencil grips and /or
specially designed writing aids
.
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What is ClubXcite? |
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Xcite! is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals to
grow as athletes, students, and friends. The “Xcite! Way” is the
philosophy that an enjoyable teaching style translates to
accelerated learning and unmatched performance. With a fun,
non-competitive, and encouraging environment, motivated and
well-rounded students are created who reach their utmost potential.
Personal growth
Xcite! programs offer a way for children to gain valuable social and
team working skills. The “Xcite! Way” inspires students to think
positively and encourages self-motivation. Instructors identify
student’s strengths and weaknesses so that participants can
effectively utilize natural talent while developing weaker areas.
Our approach helps students become well rounded and motivated
individuals.
Making friends
Sports teams and other extracurricular programs provide for
a healthy environment in which students can make friends with
individuals in the same community. It is our goal to provide
students with a strong foundation so that they feel comfortable
interacting with their new neighborhood friends both in and outside
of the Xcite! program. Xcite! encourages its participants to form ad
hoc teams or practice sessions so that they may build upon the
skills that Xcite! has taught them.
Family oriented
Xcite! realizes the importance of building a strong family
network throughout the community. Upon creating an environment where
families are involved in the children’s successes and achievements,
Xcite! strives to create a united and spirited community.
Investing in your
child’s future
Our mentors understand what it takes to optimize
performance. It is our desire for children to take the skills
learned at Xcite! and translate them into measurable successes.
Whether it be joining a high school team, or gaining a college
scholarship, Xcite! mentors individuals who desire to be top
performers.
I encourage you to
contact
me personally if you would like more
information on customizing a program to match your child's
needs.
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