2. Children with Reading Disorders By Monifa Jones

3. Table of Contents What is a Reading Disorder? Students who suffer from reading disorders What reading disorders are associated with What is Dyslexia? What should you look for? What If I Suspect My child has Dyslexia? What can I do to help my child? Ten Ways to Improve Reading Skills and Self Esteem Links and References

4. What is a Reading Disorder? It is a problem with a childs reading skills. What signs are associated with a reading disorder? Poor recognition of the written word Very slow oral reading Many mistakes in oral reading Very poor comprehension of what has been read.

5. Students who suffer from reading disorders frequently have: Low self esteem Social problems Increased dropout rate at school

6. Reading disorders may also be associated with: Conduct disorder Attention deficit disorder Depression Other learning disorders

7. What is Dyslexia? It is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. Reading is the primary problem, some definitions also include difficulties with: Spelling Listening Speaking Math

8. What Should I look for? Ages 6-11 Has difficulty pronouncing words, may reverse or substitute of words Has difficulty carrying out a sequence of directions Doesnt hear fine differences in words Has problems stating thoughts in an organized way Confuses the order of letters in words Doesnt recognize words previously learned Spells a word several different ways;doesnt recognize correct version Has poor reading comprehension

9. Ages 12-Adult Has difficulty remembering what he just read Has difficulty concentrating when reading or writing Is unable to tell important information from unimportant Spells poorly; misspelling is not phonetic Has problems taking notes accurately Has difficulty organizing and completing written projects

10. What if I Suspect My Child Has Dyslexia? Take notes on the types of errors you child makes, how often, and where you noticed Keep copies of work and group test results. Conference with the teacher Check to see if the school offers any special instructional programs. Request a meeting of your schools student/teacher support teams. Ask the teacher if he/she thinks your child might have a learning disability.

11. What Can I do to Help my Child? Ask them how they feel about school and what they feel they need. Tell them you know they try hard. But you and their teachers are trying to help them find ways to succeed. Work in collaboration with school staff Look into private tutoring through community agencies or private tutors you can afford. Encourage them to use their strengths and talents Be patient with them and support their efforts.

12. Ten Ways to Improve Reading and Self Esteem. 1.Set aside a regular time to read to your children everyday. 2. Surround your children with reading material. 3. Have a family reading time. 4. Encourage a wide variety of reading activities 5. Develop the library habit. 6. Be knowledgeable about your childrens progress. 7. Look for reading problems. 8. Get help promptly for reading problems. 9. Use a variety of aids to help your children. 10. Show enthusiasm for your childrens reading.

13. Links and References http://www.athealth.com/Consumer/disorders/Reading.html http://www.dyslexia-teacher.com/ http://www.familyeducation.com/article/print/0,1303,66- 24428,00.html?obj_gra http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=43&g=1