.Resource Room Newsletter - March 2003
< http://www.resourceroom.net >
This Month's Feature: Technology
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
<http://www.wati.org/athandbook.htm >
This is an excellent overview of laws regarding assistive technology and the ways it can be used in different areas of the curriculum.
Tools for Living With Learning Disabilities
< http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/technology/ccld_assistive_technology.html >
The Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities put this pamphlet together that makes a great handout to parents & teachers.LD OnLine's LD In Depth: Technology
http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/technology/technology.html
Many specific articles about developments and applications in technology for people with learning disabilities.Don Johnston
<http://www.donjohnston.com>
Don Johnston has been developing technology for people with special needs since "back in the day" when you could only get educational software for Apple computers (remember the Apple IIE?) The company now carries many other product that help students overcome barriers and challenges. I recommmend _Simon Spells_ and _Simon Sounds It Out_ which are now available in both WIndows and Mac platforms.Accommodations and Modifications for Students with Handwriting Problems and/or Dysgraphia
<http://www.resourceroom.net/myarticles/Jones_dysgraphia.HTM>
Another good handout for parents and teachers, this article summarizes the signs of dysgraphia (versus expected challenges faced by all writers) and options for modifications and accommodations in teaching and learning.
In the news
Rutgers Researcher: Brains In Dyslexic Children Can Be 'Rewired' To Improve Reading Skills
< http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/03/030305080653.htm >
Science News, March 5, 2003
Research (by the developers of the product) demonstrates that brain activity can be changed by intensive training to hear sounds.
Dyslexic Students Facing Problems with F-CAT
<http://www.wcjb.com/news.asp?id=6373 >
WCJB, Gainesville, FLA March 3, 2003
Parents continue to fight to keep their children with dyslexia from being held back by arbitrary standards based on high-stakes testing.Unusual Bee Teaches Spelling, Confidence
< http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=7340976&BRD=1429&PAG=461&dept_id=185489&rfi=6 >
Colony Courier-Leader, March 12, 2003
More than 200 students took first place in the third annual Multisensory Teaching Approach Spelling Bee for dyslexic students last Saturday at Briarhill Middle School. So, how come there were so many winners?Dyslexia Struggle Benefits Others
< http://www.modbee.com/local/story/6358510p-7307160c.html >
Modesto Bee, March 13, 2003
A man whose dyslexia was diagnosed at age 70 established Merced College's program, designed to help students with dyslexia and other educational disadvantages learn skills to overcome those problems and eventually head into mainstream college courses.
Personal stories in the news:
Dyslexic Wins Against Odds
< http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?reportID=16&storyID=3198574 >
The New Zealand Herald, March 3, 2003
Engineer wins court case against company who fired him for failing to disclose his dyslexia. The court found that he had not committed "serious misconduct" since his dyslexia did not affect his job performance.
Not Sheepish About Livestock
< http://www.presstelegram.com/Stories/0,1413,204~23170~1240042,00.html >
Press-Telegram, March 12, 2003
Doctors didn't think this girl would even be able to go grocery shopping - but 4-H is a path for building confidence and skills.
Writer Tells Story of Family
< http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/news/stories/20030319/localnews/1208340.html >
Visalia Times-Daily, March 19, 2003
Author Victor Villaseor talks to elementary school class about life in war-torn Mexico and the challenges of being a dyslexic writer.
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 -- now you can order online from our secure shopping cart!
Stone Fox Comprehension Companion
< http://www.resourceroom.net/products/StoneFoxComprehension.asp >
- 27 pages of chapter-by-chapter exercises sent directly to your computer for the ridiculously reasonable price of $2.95.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.
Tandem Reading
<http://www.resourceroom.net/Products/tandem.asp >
Help new and not-so-new readers make the connection between phonics and good literature. This guide to reading with a child is designed for parents or tutors to support phonics programs with guided practice and reinforcement -- but without losing the fun of reading! Strategies include "penciling" (a simplified version of Alice Ansara's technique) and practicing words and patterns before oral reading.
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 older readers. Romance, adventure and non-fiction are all featured.