Posts tagged learning disabilities

October is Learning Disabilities Month

Oct04
2010 Written by Becky H.

Since 1985, teachers, parents and other individuals who make a difference in the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities, have taken the month of October to educate the public about dyslexia, ADHD and more.  This month, help spread awareness about learning disabilities by sending an article, interesting fact, or story to a friend, colleague or family member.

For more information about Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, including articles, book recommendations, and even a children’s art gallery, check out: http://www.ldonline.org.

Posted in Books & Reading, General, Literacy, Literacy Links and Articles - Tagged ,

Happy LD Awareness Month

Oct06
2009 Written by Liana Heitin

Guest blogger Liana Heitin has taught students with special needs for the past five years as a public school teacher, reading specialist, and private tutor. She has a master’s degree in cross-categorical special education and is a freelance Web editor for LD OnLine, the leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD. LD OnLine offers research-based information and expert advice for parents, students, and educators. Liana’s writing has been featured in such publications as Education Week, teachermagazine.org, and the recent book, The Ultimate Teacher (HCI Books, May 2009).

While most kids (and many adults) are eagerly awaiting the 31st of the month, we here at LD OnLine are enjoying every day of October or — as we know it — LD Awareness Month! In Canada and the U.S., this month is dedicated to educating the public about learning disabilities in order to build acceptance and understanding.

If you’re in the know about LD, spreading your knowledge may seem like a daunting task. But LD Awareness Month isn’t necessarily about setting out on a campaign to inform the world. It’s about starting in your world and watching the knowledge proliferate beyond.

As usual, the best place to start is in your own home. READ MORE »

Posted in Books & Reading, Guest Blog Posts, Literacy - Tagged , ,

The Book You Can’t Outgrow

Jun16
2009 Written by Liana Heitin

Guest blogger Liana Heitin has taught students with special needs for the past five years as a public school teacher, reading specialist, and private tutor. She has a master’s degree in cross-categorical special education and is a freelance Web editor for LD OnLine, the leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD. LD OnLine offers research-based information and expert advice for parents, students, and educators. Liana’s writing has been featured in such publications as Education Week, teachermagazine.org, and the recent book, The Ultimate Teacher (HCI Books, May 2009).

Last week, on a whim, I began to re-read my favorite book from middle school: Lois Lowry’s The Giver.  As I turned the pages, I kept expecting to have a new adult reaction to the story—to see the allegory as simple or recognize the protagonist’s dilemma as trite.

Instead, I experienced just what I had as a 6th grader. I felt the excitement of entering the science fiction world and exploring its rules. The main character’s curiosity and loss of innocence became my own once again.  And upon reaching the abrupt ending, I had a familiar emotional rush—shock, a twinge of frustration, and ultimately satisfaction.

Lowry is an adept storyteller, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the only reason I reverted to my 6th grade self. When I first read The Giver, it changed me. It made me think and feel in a way words on pages never had—and guided me toward many other books, many more ideas and feelings.  It made me into a reader. I will never outgrow The Giver because it was part of such a formative moment in my life.

A few years ago, I was teaching a gifted 9th grader with a learning disability in reading. Demetri had never finished a chapter book on his own. READ MORE »

Posted in Books & Reading, Guest Blog Posts, Literacy - Tagged , , , , ,

First Books are Never Forgotten

Dec16
2008 Written by Dale Brown

Guest Blogger Dale Brown is the Manager of LD OnLine, a website designed to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities. LD OnLine features expert advice on learning disabilities and ADHD and a library of research-based information on learning disabilities. Dale is also a well-known author in the learning disability world and her work includes Job Hunting for the So-Called Handicapped as well as hundreds of articles.

Books are on my gift list and as I do my holiday shopping, memories of my own first book flood my mind.

I have severe learning disabilities—and had a hard time reading at school. At home, my Mom would read to me while I spoke the words out loud and pretended to read.  She would point to the words, and show me the letters and sounds.  Mostly we just read.

My parents were always reading, providing a good model for me and doing things at home long before research suggested ways parents can help their children with reading. I noticed that they valued books and enjoyed them.  So, I wanted my OWN book.  One I could take to my OWN bed and look at the pictures and “read” it.

I didn’t think I would get a book of my own, because money was tight in our house. One day my Dad came home. He had a bag.  In the bag were several wrapped gifts. READ MORE »

Posted in Books & Reading, Guest Blog Posts, Literacy Links and Articles - Tagged ,

Summertime: A Season for Readers of All Abilities

Jun17
2008 Written by Dale Brown

Guest Blogger Dale Brown is the Manager of LD OnLine, a website designed to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities. LD OnLine features expert advice on learning disabilities and ADHD and a library of research-based information on learning disabilities. Dale is also a well-known author in the learning disability world and her work includes Steps to Independence for People with Learning Disabilities and Job Hunting for the So-Called Handicapped as well as hundreds of articles.

Like most writers, I love reading. I am blogging from the home of my niece and nephew, Jessica and Jason, who are fellow book lovers. Jessica told me that she goes to the library almost every day. I shared with her my childhood memory of going to the library and coming home with twelve books or more–and having a hard time carrying them all!

The summer is a great time to enjoy your children and expose them to reading. I thought I would share some ideas with you about encouraging reading this summer with some particular emphasis on supporting children who have a hard time in the classroom during the school year.

Posted in Books & Reading, Guest Blog Posts, Literacy - Tagged , ,

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