Characteristics  Perceiving words, letters, and numbers inaccurately  Directionality problems in reading and math  May lose place frequently  Visual memory problems  Headaches after reading  Difficulty writing on lines.  Trouble copying from a model  Difficulty perceiving words and numbers as separate units  Struggling with identifying symbols, gaining info from pictures, charts, graphs or using visually presented material.  Poor object recognition  Poor spatial relations  Poor visual discrimination

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Stop & Jot: Based on the characteristics, which students come to mind?

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies  Confusion of similarly shaped letters & numbers (b/d, p/q/g, z/s)  Have student do word and/or letter sorts.  Provide student with word frames where the letter needs to be filled in (i.e., student needs to fill in a “b” or a “d”).  Clearly spaced words and problems, more white space on pages, use teacher made tests with fewer test items per page.  Enlarge print.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies  Frequent word reversals (“was” instead of “saw”)  Use word sorts.  Use colored overlays.  Have students cross check their decoding: Does it look right? Does it sound right? Does it make sense?  Provide student with copy of notes, an outline or a Power Point presentation.  Use cloze activities and frames.  Use darker lines on the paper and more space to write.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies  Difficulty tracking print  Letters appear to wiggle or jump on the page to the student  Enlarge print on paper, or via AV equipment.  Use a line guide or bookmark.  Use visual tool to emphasize text such as a colored overlay, or framed magnifier.  Print worksheets or tests on colored paper.  Try a reading pen that reads aloud.  Read aloud websites.

Turn & Talk: * Which strategies have you tried and found successful? * Name a new strategy that you’d like to try on!

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies  Problems distinguishing between symbols (+,-,, etc.)  Highlight symbol before they start their work.  Color code symbols e.g. blue for addition, yellow for subtraction.  Allow students to work with a study buddy.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies  Difficulty aligning math problems  Use graph paper or turn lined paper sideways.  Use a place value chart or mat to record problems.  Use both visual and auditory directions; break into steps.  Use manipulatives or tactile activities.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies  Difficulty with one to one correspondence  Increase distance between objects/manipulatives for counting.  Model hand over hand.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies  Difficulty copying things from the board  Preferential seating near the board or screen.  Provide a copy of Keynote or Powerpoint slides for note taking.  Use pictures or icons to help students zero in on key information.