Resource Room Newsletter - January 2004
< http://www.resourceroom.net >
Click through and see the newly designed site. Same content (always growing), but hopefully a more visually pleasing layout. Your fearless webmastress would greatly appreciate being told about any missing files or bad links. Like typos, I always *think* I've got 'em all...
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Links, articles and lesson plans - assorted stuff for older students
In Progress: Comprehension Companion, Holes
< http://www.resourceroom.net/comprehension/literature/holescomp.asp >
Free preview of a future product: chapter by chapter exercises to accompany Holes by Louis Sachar (winner of Newbery Award).
Speaking To Write/Word for Word: An Overview of Speech Recognition
by Bob Follansbee, Ed. D.
< http://www.resourceroom.net/older/speechrec.asp >
Another invaluable article reprinted with permission from the IDA Perspectives journals; this article outlines the ups and downs of speech recognition software, and how to make it more likely to work for learning disabled students.
Webcast: Schwab Learning Workshops
< http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=763 >
This unique one-day workshop featured speakers Drs. Robert Brooks and Mel Levine — two leading experts in the areas of self-esteem and resilience. 1,300 parents and educators of children with learning and attention problems joined us for this special event. Transcripts are online until the end of January.
LD News (National Center For Learning Disabilities)
< http://www.ld.org/newsltr/0104newsltr/0104index.cfm >
Includes information about SATs and accommodations for LD students.
Angel Cards: Getting everyone involved in literature discussions
< h ttp://litsite.alaska.edu/uaa/workbooks/angelcard.html >
This is a nifty strategy for randomly involving students, but without requiring "on the spot" thinking that's the nemesis to so many.
In the news
Left Behind: Despite the law, schools don't do enough to identify, educate
http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/local/7631344.htm
Dallas Fort Worth News, January 4, 2004
First of three parts about the realities for students with dyslexia in public schools.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/7636157.htm -- War of Words (second of three parts)
http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/local/7643307.htm - Breaking Through (third of three parts, about programs that work)
Finding right program for child takes time, patience, letting go
Mequon Courant, January 8 2004
Excellent article about the challenges of finding the right path after high school for special education students.
Third-annual exhibit honors artists with dyslexia, ADD
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/01/14/entertainment/art/1_14_0412_42_17.txt
North County Times, January 14, 2004
"Shining a Light" art exhibit is an opportunity to see the creative side of dyslexia and ADD.
Despite her dyslexia, student wins Rhodes
< http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2003/12/28/despite_her_dyslexia_student_wins_rhodes/ >
Boston.com News, Dec. 28, 2003.
National Achievement Awards:
http://www.rfbd.org/applications_awards.htm
Deadline for application for scholarships for high schoolers with learning disabilities is February 20, 2004.
Personal stories in the news:
Orlando: I'm Dyslexic
< http://www.teenhollywood.com/d.asp?r=57770&cat=1027 >
British actor Orlando Bloom, of Pirates of the Caribbean fame, talks about dyslexia. (CAUTION: Audio ad will bombard you if your sound is on.)
Peace After the Famine
< http://news.scotsman.com/features.cfm?id=29702004 >
This lady does relief work for severely impoverished peoples, and dyslexia doesn't really matter to them.
Dyslexia, celebrity — and a promise
< http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/democrat/7471999.htm >
Tallahassee Democrat, Dec. 12, 2003
Bill Cosby's not-so-young little brother earns a bachelor's degree in political science despite dyslexia.
Battling the learning disorder - dyslexia
< http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/9_on_education/?ArID=55034&SecID=166 >
Includes a video about a local student with dyslexia.
Author recounts tale of overcoming illiteracy, dyslexia as a young adult
< http://www.thepenn.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/11/19/3fbb9ef59c88e >
THe Penn Online , November 19, 2003
This author's "top two rules" are about courtesy and perseverance.
Hypnotist pleads guilty to fraud
<http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,8205588%255E1702,00.html>
On the other side of the coin, this con man attribues his criminal activities to dyslexia and being "seduced by a partying lifestyle."
Overcoming Adversity: Red Bank's Rigby has worked hard to overcome his dyslexia
< http://www.app.com/app2001/story/0,21133,865256,00.html >
Asbury Park Press, December 6, 2003
Star football player has, indeed, gotten directions confused and run the wrong way with the ball.
You're welcome to come chat with us!
Net Haven
< http://www.net-haven.net >
Net Haven is a small, friendly chat site where parents and teachers can supportively share challenges and ideas.
Chat topics are not strictly enforced -- we've been known to wander!
Some of the educational resources available from the Resource Room Store
Harry Potter Comprehension Compendium
< http://www.resourceroom.net/Products/HarryPotterComprehension.asp >
More than 170 pages of comprehension exercises, chapter by chapter, to accompany Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone . The workbook is sent directly to your computer as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. Introductory price: $12.95.
Drill Bits and Drillable Syllables
< http://www.resourceroom.net/Products/drillbits.asp >
Word lists and flashcard sets based on the syllable patterns as taught in Orton-Gillingham programs. Lists are broken down into problem areas such as individual vowel sounds, blends and common "irregular" spelling patterns.
Tools for the Times Tables
by Dr. Steve Chinn (accompanying workbook by Susan Jones)
< http://www.resourceroom.net/Products/toolstimes.asp >
Who needs a whole book and a workbook about the times tables?
Well, who needs to understand numbers?
Written especially for hands-on learners, this book and workbook are full of strategies and ideas so that students can really master the times tables and come away with a true understanding of numbers and how they work.
If you know someone of any age who finds calculations frustrating, take a look at these books.
Books for New Readers
< http://www.resourceroom.net/Products/literacy.asp > >
These easy, excellent and inexpensive books were written for adults. Romance, adventure and non-fiction are all featured, with diverse characters.
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