This document provides an overview of dyslexia, including what it is, common causes and areas of weakness and strength. It outlines indicators of dyslexia in primary learners for general issues, written work, reading, numeracy and behavior. It describes the role of the Special Needs Officer in providing specialized instruction, screening and supporting students. Teaching suggestions are provided to help dyslexic learners, and examples are given of historically successful people who had dyslexia, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison and Whoopi Goldberg.

1. Overview Introduction What’s Dyslexia Strengths and weaknesses Simulation Test Role and Responsibilities of the SNO Teaching Suggestions Successful Dyslexics

2. An Introduction to Dyslexia Greek term It means difficulty( dys ) with words ( lexis ) Also known as Specific Developmental Dyslexia

3. What’s Dyslexia? A neurological- based specific learning difficulty that is characterised by difficulties in one or more of reading, writing and spelling. Accompanying weaknesses may be identified in areas of language acquisition, phonological processing, working memory, and sequencing . Occur in learners with normal intelligence .

4. What Causes Dyslexia? Many theories but no consensus on the exact cause Research confirms that it can run in the family More common in males than females (4:1)

5. Areas of Weaknesses Language Acquisition There is evidence to suggest that dyslexics have difficulty learning additional languages. Phonological Processing Difficulty Most common difficulty in dyslexics Difficulty in learning the relationship between letters and sounds. Working Memory Poor ability to hold information in their short term memory May affect mental arithmetic, remembering long list of instructions, learning phonics and developing vocabulary Sequencing Problem sequencing letters and sounds

6. Areas of Strengths Good reasoning skills Creative Think in big picture and multi-dimensional way Visual and kinaesthetic learners

7. Indicators of Dyslexia in Primary Learners General Poor processing speed for spoken and/or written language Poor concentration Difficulty following instructions Forgetful of words

8. Indicators of Dyslexia in Primary Learners Written work Poor standard of written work compared to oral ability Poor penmanship Messy work with many cancellations Letter reversals Inconsistent spelling of the same word Letter confusion Unusual sequencing of letters or words

9. Indicators of Dyslexia in Primary Learners Reading Slow, inaccurate or labored oral reading Difficulty in blending letters together Difficulty in establishing syllable division Strange pronunciation of words Expressionless reading Deletion/addition of words Failure to recognise familiar words Poor comprehension of text

10. Indicators of Dyslexia in Primary Learners Numeracy Number order and/or symbols confusion Difficulty with information in sequential order Difficulty in memorising formulae Find mental arithmetic at speed very difficult

11. Indicators of Dyslexia in Primary Learners Time Difficulty learning how to tell time Poor general awareness of time and time-keeping Confuse concept such as yesterday, today or tomorrow Poor personal organisation

12. Indicators of Dyslexia in Primary Learners Behaviour Employ work avoidance tactics Tend to dream in class Easily distracted Disruptive or withdrawn Show excessive tiredness

13. Simulation Test Have a go. The big brown fox had no dinner. Such was the quality of his existence

14. Approach to learning As learners with dyslexia are often “whole picture thinkers” ,they need to know how their new learning fit in with what they already know. They often have excellent visual – spatial skills, and like to attach information to images They learn best through multisensory approach

15. Role and Responsibilities of SNO Provides specialized remediation in withdrawal setting Provides in-class support Screening of at –risk pupils using Dyslexia Screening Kit (Junior) Sets Individualised Education Plan

16. Role and Responsibilities of SNO Remediation Programme Based on Orton-Gillingham principles Language based Cognitive Structured, sequential and cumulative Simultaneously Multisensory Diagnostic and prescriptive Emotionally sound

18. Role and Responsibilities of SNO In-class Support Remind/prompt pupil to stay on-task, pay attention and participate Help pupil to follow class routine Help pupil to understand lesson content Withdraw pupil for time-out if disruptive Communicate pupil’s need to teachers

19. Role and Responsibilities of SNO Screening Test (Dyslexia) Use DST-J (Dyslexia screening toolkit-Junior) Collect supporting documents including work samples, checklist or other informal assessment done Work closely with EP, LSC, teachers involved and level head for special needs

20. Role and Responsibilities of SNO Provision of skill training to pupils Provision of peer training and support Communicate with parents of child’s progress Prepare teaching and learning resources Share/discuss with teachers about strategies, support and creating a special needs friendly environment for the pupils

21. Pre-Screening Procedures Get samples of pupil’s work Issue teacher and parents checklist Issue consent form to parents for approval to conduct screening Dyslexic at risk will be referred to EP

22. Teaching Suggestions Sit the child in front Provide structure of lesson in advance Instructions should be sequenced clearly. Do not give too many instructions at once. Avoid giving instructions while pupils are reading or copying. Get pupils to use highlighters to highlight key points Provide time to think, organise and complete

23. Teaching Suggestions Provide positive feedback encouragement and praise to boost self-esteem Involve peers who are -mature -helpful and sympathetic -willing -able to work within capabilities

24. Successful Dyslexics Leornardo da Vinci Believed to suffer from dyslexia & ADD. He wrote his notes backwards,right to left in mirror image and his manuscript contain many spelling errors characteristic of dyslexia Thomas Edison Was thrown out of school at 12 because he was thought to be dumb. Terrible in maths, words and speech and unable to focus.

25. Successful Dyslexics She remembers being called dumb and stupid because she had a lot of problems reading. She went on to be nominated for an Oscar… Whoopi Goldberg