Jeanne Hodgkins' Portfolio



CONTENTS PAGEDYSLEXIA………………………………………………………………………………………….2DYSGRAPHIA………………………………………………………………………………..12ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY……………………………………………………….19LOW-TECH DEVICES………………………………………………………………….23MID-TECH DEVICES………………………………………………………………….30HIGH-TEC DEVICES………………………………………………………………….3250 GREAT iPad APPS ……………………………………………………………….37BEST WEBSITES……………………………………………………………………….43REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………….44Handbook of information compiled by: Jeanne Hodgkins (2013)DYSLEXIAWHAT IS DYSLEXIA?Dyslexia is a learning disability. This means it affects one’s ability to adequately learn, process, and retain information. Dyslexia causes problems in spelling, reading, and writing by affecting word recognition, reading comprehension, phonological awareness and recognition, and decoding of words. This inhibits a child’s ability to learn to read, even with normal intelligence and classroom instruction. Dyslexia affects 15-20% of the population and occurs twice as often in males.HOW DOES A PERSON WITH DYSLEXIA SEE TEXT?A person with dyslexia might see letters and words move around on a page, or words might change colours or they may see text in a highly disjointed manner.WHAT CAUSES DYSLEXIA?The causes of dyslexia are usually genetic in nature; however, a much less common cause is head injury or trauma. Some children with dyslexia appear to process information using a different area of the brain than children without a learning disability: however, this is not characteristic of all children?diagnosed with dyslexia. Some types of dyslexia may decrease in severity as a child ages.WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DYSLEXIA?Identification of dyslexia may be difficult to make as a classroom teacher. Teachers can become aware of some signs and symptoms of dyslexia, possibly warranting an evaluation by a health professional. In preschool and elementary school children, some signs of dyslexia include difficulty with:learning to talkpronouncing longer wordsrhyminglearning the alphabet sequence, days of the week, colors, shapes, and numberslearning letter names and soundslearning to read and write his or her namelearning to identify syllables (cow-boy in cowboy) and speech sounds (phonemes: b-a-t in bat) in wordssounding out simple wordsreading and spelling words with the correct letter sequence ("top" versus "pot")handwriting and fine-motor coordinationassociating a letter with its sound reading single words spelling single words copying letters/words from the board or a book understanding what they hear (auditory) organizing work, materials, and time retaining content of new and familiar materialreversals of letters (dig for big) or words ?(tac for cat)awkward fine motor skills (difficulty holding writing utensil)incoordination/awkwardness?behavioral problems and/or a dislike for readingOlder kids, teenagers, and adults might have these same signs of dyslexia and probably also will:read and spell far below grade levelavoid reading and writingwork slowly on reading and writing assignments and testsstruggle with learning a foreign languageThe problems with writing that students with dyslexia experience may be accompanied by difficulty with spelling and handwriting (dysgraphia).? Students may try to choose words they can spell rather than those they want to use.? Those with short-term memory problems may have difficulty transcribing a mentally composed sentence, thus much back-tracking is required which disrupts the flow of thought.?WHO IS QUALIFIED TO DIAGNOSE DYSLEXIA?Dyslexia can only be formally diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a reading specialist or psychologist, either at school or in the community. Pediatricians often know the signs of dyslexia and can guide families to proper help. It's important that the person who evaluates a child be properly trained and have experience with dyslexia.CAN DYSLEXIA BE TREATED?Fortunately, with the proper assistance and help, most children with dyslexia are able to learn to read and develop strategies that allow them to stay in the regular classroom. They usually work with a specially trained teacher, tutor, or reading specialist to learn how to read, spell, and manage the condition. A psychologist or pediatrician may recommend an academic therapist — also called an education therapist or an academic language therapist — who is trained to work with children with dyslexia.HOW CAN I HELP A STUDENT WITH DYSLEXIA?Students with dyslexia may avoid reading because it can be stressful. As a result, they can end up missing valuable reading practice and fall behind their classmates. This can hurt their self-esteem. Recognizing and appreciating their strengths — in math, sports, drama, art, creative problem solving, etc. — can provide critical emotional support. There are many ways to help a student with dyslexia. Below is a list of accommodations, modifications and strategies: Provide books on tape, CDs, or on an electronic reader or textbook that a child can listen to rather than readCreate opportunities for oral reading on a one-on-one basis and only ask the student to read aloud in class if he feels comfortable doing so and volunteers to readProvide outlines, summaries of chapters, vocabulary words and preview questions before readingAllow students to use a highlighter to mark important parts of the textUsed shared reading or reading buddiesAllow the student to discuss, one-on-one, material after reading with a classroom aide, a partner student or the teacherProvide a set of books/textbooks for student to keep at homeProvide reading books that are appropriate to the student’s reading levelSpellingReduce spelling testsGive spelling tests orallyDon't take off points for spelling errors on written workReduce spelling wordsWritingAllow student to dictate work to a parent or aideProvide speech-to-text softwareOffer alternative projects instead of written reportsPhotocopy another child's notes or designate a note-taker who will share notes at the end of classMinimize the amount of copying from the boardAllow student to use a keyboard to take notesLet student respond to questions orally rather than writing each answerReduce written workTestingAllow student to take tests orallyAllow for extra timeReview directions to test orallyProvide alternatives to testing, such as projects, oral or video presentationsRead test questions to student and write down answers as the student speaks the answerAllow tests to be taken outside of the classroom, in a quiet area with minimal distractionsHave students state answers into a tape recorderHomeworkReduce homework, especially assignments requiring readingAllow student to dictate answers to homework to a parent, sibling or tutorAllow typewritten homeworkUse worksheets with minimal writingLimit time spent on homeworkDo not take off points for homework handed in lateGiving Instructions or DirectionsBreak large tasks into stepsGive directions in small stepsRead written directions or instructions to the studentProvide alternatives to writing assignments, use an online calendar, provide student with a written list of assignments each morning, have a buddy student write assignments, email list of assignments to student or parentGive examples or model behavior when giving instructionsMake eye-contact with student when giving directionsTechnologyProvide computers that have speech recognition softwareAllow the use of electronic spell-checkersProvide software that enlarges images on a computer screenProvide student with a computer to complete class workAllow students to tape record lessonsClassroomHave student sit near the teacherWrite schedules on boardWrite classroom rules on boardWrite homework assignments on the board in the morning and leave up throughout the dayBlack print on buff (ivory) or light grey coloured paperUse Sans Serif font such as Comic Sans and Verdana; min. size 14; mix upper and lower case letters; use left-justified with ragged right edgeUse blue markers on the whiteboard (avoid red or green as those colours tend to ‘disappear’ into the background)Change the background colour of SmartBoard (white is too dazzling; use cream, pastel or grey)Use dark print on a pale background (PowerPoints, etc.; minimum font size 24)Use color-coding to organize desk, classroom and student's booksUse multi-sensory activities to further understanding of topicsUse a positive reinforcement program with rewards and consequencesCreate private signals for a student to indicate high frustration or for teacher to bring a child back on trackIncrease communication with parents, using daily or weekly emails or phone calls and increase meetings with parentsAssign classroom jobs that will help to increase self-esteemWork with student to create achievable goalsSHOULD STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA USE CURSIVE WRITING INSTEAD OF PRINTING?Typically, when first learning to write, children ‘print’ their letters. They then move on to ‘joined up’ writing at a later stage. For children with dyslexia, learning two styles of handwriting can add an extra layer of difficulty and cause confusion. It is, therefore, much more helpful if a young child can learn to use a single system of handwriting right from the start.The most widely recommended handwriting style is called continuous cursive. Its most important feature is that each letter is formed without taking the pencil off the paper – and consequently, each word is formed in one, flowing movement.The key advantages to this system are:By making each letter in one movement, children’s hands develop a ‘physical memory’ of it, making it easier to produce the correct shape.Because letters and words flow from left to right, children are less likely to reverse letters that are typically difficult (like b/d or p/q).There is a clearer distinction between capital letters and lower case.The continuous flow of writing ultimately improves speed and spelling.DYSGRAPHIAWHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA?Writing is a hard task for many students. Students with poor?handwriting and difficulty expressing themselves through writing?may have a learning disability called dysgraphia. These students?may avoid writing tasks or become frustrated during writing?activities. They also have trouble writing clearly because they?don’t understand the information as they put it on the page.?Students with poor handwriting may have inconsistent spacing?between letters and words, inconsistent letter formation, and/or a?mixture of lowercase and uppercase letters. Students with dysgraphia may become overwhelmed with the writing process. There are three main types of dysgraphia:Dyslexic dysgraphia - Normal fine-motor speed and students are able to draw or copy material but spontaneous writing is often illegible and spelling is poor.Motor dysgraphia - Impaired fine motor speed, problems with both spontaneous and copied writing, oral spelling is not impaired but spelling when writing can be poor.Spatial dysgraphia - Fine motor speed is normal but handwriting is illegible, whether copied or spontaneous. Students can spell when asked to do so orally but spelling is poor when writing.WHAT CAUSES DYSGRAPHIA?A few people with dysgraphia lack only the fine-motor coordination to produce legible handwriting, but some may have a physical tremor that interferes with writing. In most cases, however, several brain systems interact to produce dysgraphia. Some experts believe that dysgraphia involves a dysfunction in the interaction between the two main brain systems that allows a person to translate mental into written language (phoneme-to-grapheme translation, i.e. Sound to symbol, and lexicon-to-grapheme translation, i.e. mental to written word). Other studies have shown that split attention, memory load, and familiarity of graphic material affect writing ability. Typically, a person with illegible handwriting has a combination of fine-motor difficulty, inability to re-visualize letters, and inability to remember the motor patterns of letter forms.WHAT DOES DYSGRAPHIA LOOK LIKE?Some people with dysgraphia have handwriting that is often illegible and shows irregular and inconsistent letter formations. Others write legibly, but very slowly and/or very small. When these individuals revert to printing, as they often do, their writing is often a random mixture of upper and lower case letters. In all cases of dysgraphia, writing requires inordinate amounts of energy, stamina and time. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DYSGRAPHIA?Simply having poor handwriting does not mean that someone has a diagnosis of dysgraphia. Along with poor handwriting, additional signs and symptoms of dysgraphia include: Cramped or awkward pencil grip and body position. Mixing printed and cursive letters within the same word. Mixing lower- and uppercase letters within the same word. Difficulty with syntax (forming sentences or phrases) and grammar (using rules to write sentences). Difficulty thinking and writing at the same time. Unfinished or omitted words. WHO IS QUALIFIED TO DIAGNOSE DYSGRAPHIA?Dysgraphia cannot be diagnosed solely by looking at a handwriting sample. A qualified clinician must directly test the individual. Such a test includes writing self-generated sentences and paragraphs and copying age-appropriate text. The examiner assesses not only the finished product, but also the process, including posture, position, pencil grip, fatigue, cramping or tremor of the writing hand, eyedness and handedness, and other factors. The examiner may assess fine-motor speed with finger-tapping and wrist turning.WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR DYSGRAPHIA?Prevention, remediation and accommodation are all important elements in the treatment of dysgraphia. Many problems can be prevented by early training. Young children in preschool and primary/year one should learn to form letters correctly; kinesthetic memory is powerful and incorrect habits are very difficult to eradicate.Muscle training and over-learning good techniques are both critical for the remediation of dysgraphia. Specifically designed exercises are needed to increase strength and dexterity. A specialist can recommend the most appropriate plan of exercises. For all students, kinesthetic writing, that is writing with eyes closed or averted, is a powerful reinforcer. Work needs always to begin with the formation of individual letters written in isolation. Alphabets need to be practiced daily, often for months.Finally, individuals can benefit from a variety of modifications and accommodations. One effective method is to teach the use of a word processor, bypassing the complex motor demands of handwriting. Many students may find learning the keyboard by the alphabet method easier than beginning with the home keys. For many, touch typing offers a whole new opportunity to learn to spell through a different kinesthetic mode. Students should also experiment with different writing tools; some people with dysgraphia may find pencil grips helpful. Other methods include allowing a student to answer questions orally or into a tape recorder instead of writing, modifying written assignments so that less writing is required, and allowing extended time to complete tests and assignments. Copying from the board is an especially difficult task. Teachers need to provide notes. Photocopying the notes of another student is one possibility. Providing an outline, with spaces left for the student to fill in information, is another. Writing on a slightly inclined plane may be helpful. HOW CAN I HELP A STUDENT WITH DYSGRAPHIA?There are many more ways to help a student with dysgraphia in your classroom. Below is a list of accommodations, modifications, and techniques to assist the student with dysgraphia. Be patient and positive when practicing handwriting. Encourage proper grip, posture, and paper positioning. Allow the use of a word processor. Use oral exams and allow students to dictate assignments to a scribe. Avoid criticisms for sloppiness or illegibility. Provide additional time for writing tasks. Use writing paper with raised lines. Allow students to use a line width that is most comfortable for them. Reduce the amount of copying needed to complete an assignment. Encourage the use of visual organizers to assist in outlining and brainstorming for extended writing assignments. Encourage the student to use hand exercises when he/she becomes fatigued. Have students complete writing activities in small steps. SHOULD STUDENTS WITH DYSGRAPHIA USE CURSIVE WRITING INSTEAD OF PRINTING?For many children with dysgraphia, cursive writing has several advantages. It eliminates the necessity of picking up a pencil and deciding where to replace it after each letter. Each letter starts on the line, thus eliminating another potentially confusing decision for the writer. Cursive also has very few reversible letters, a typical source of trouble for people with dysgraphia. It eliminates word-spacing problems and gives words a flow and rhythm that enhances learning. For children who find it difficult to remember the motor patterns of letter forms, starting with cursive eliminates the traumatic transition from manuscript to cursive writing. Writers in cursive also have more opportunity to distinguish b, d, p, and q because the cursive letter formations for writing each of these letters is so different.ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGYWHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?Assistive Technology (AT) is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. AT promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to, or changing methods of interacting with, the technology needed to accomplish such tasks.WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LOW-TECH, MID-TECH, AND HIGH TECH AT DEVICE?Low-Tech AT are devices or equipment that don't require much training, may be less expensive and do not have complex or mechanical features. Examples:Raised-line, colored, or grid paperCorrection tape or pensHighlighter tape or pensManual communication boardsLarge print booksMagnifiersLine guidesPencil gripsColoured overlaysRulersWord SpacersMid-Tech AT devices may have some complex features, may be electronic or battery operated, may require some training to learn how to use and are moderately priced. Examples:Tape or digital recordersElectronic dictionaries or organizersAudio booksSpecial lighting or acoustical treatmentsAdapted keyboardsAudible word scanning devicesTalking spell checkersAlternate mouse or keyboardHigh Tech AT refers to the most complex devices or equipment, that have digital or electronic components, may be computerized, will likely require training and effort to learn how to use and cost the most. Examples:Talking calculators or word processorsWord prediction, graphic organizer, or flowchart softwareOn–screen math, computer calculationsCommunications device/softwareWHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO USE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR PEOPLE WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES? LOW-TECH DEVICESFor DYSLEXIA:Highlighters & Highlighter Sticks – highlighter pens and highlighter sticks helps students focus on individual words or sentences while cutting the glare from the black-on-white print. ?To make a highlighter stick, simply glue a square that has been cut from a file divider (or other tinted transparency) to a popsicle stick. Coloured Writing/Copy Paper – white paper produces glare, therefore, use buff/ivory, grey or pastel paper in a matte (not glossy) finish. Coloured eyeglasses, overlays and rulers- can mitigate a range of visual perceptual problems while reading (often collectively referred to as Meares-Irlen Syndrome which is particularly prevalent in people with dyslexia). Kid Glove & keyboard stickers – the Kid Glove is a clear plastic keyboard cover that is available in black on yellow that makes the characters distinct and clear for students who are visually impaired or dyslexic. Alternatively, stickers can be placed on each key to improve visibility. Graphic Organizers - helps students classify ideas and communicate more effectively. Use graphic organizers to structure writing projects, to help in problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research and brainstorming. Flashcards - with fun picture cues and images that help children read, spell & understand sight words. For DYSGRAPHIA:Writing Paper - with raised or highlighted lines. Great for teaching line orientation, and cueing correct letter and word spacing. Also used for teaching numeracy and basic addition and subtraction. Spacers - These clever writing tools tactilely and visually cue children on how much space to leave between letters and words. To make a cute spacer, simply colour a popsicle stick with a marker and glue on wiggly eyes. The HandiWriter? - is designed to facilitate the correct positioning and holding of a writing tool. Weighted Universal Grip & Weighted Pencil - provides a means to hold a wide variety of writing or marking devices. They stabilize the hand, providing added weight for those having difficulty in "bearing down" with a writing device. To make a weighted pencil, simply wrap a rubber band around a pencil to prevent the hex nuts from falling off. Then place the hex nuts on the pencil to create the desired weight. Wrap another rubber band around the pencil at the end of the hex nuts. The Pencil Grip - has a pear-shaped body made of a pliable, non-toxic material. It holds the fingers in a relaxed position by supporting the first knuckle of the thumb and index finger. The Writing C.L.A.W. is a grip that's so universal you just might toss the others away! Easy-Grip scissors - easy to use because they have a continuous loop plastic handle that automatically opens the scissors after pressure is released. Fingergrip Rulers - made of clear plastic with a raised bar along the central spine, making it easier to hold, giving added control. Some rulers also have a magnification line for reading. My First Ruler - a ruler with a large easy-grip crocodile handle. Sloped Writing Surface - the use of a sloping writing surface promotes good posture and positioning whilst writing and drawing (a binder works well!). For many children it makes writing a far more comfortable activity and there is a noticeable improvement in their work. MID-TECH DEVICES For DYSLEXIA & DYSGRAPHIA:Spellchecker - allows users to type in a word the way it sounds and the user then receives a correction list. Speaking spellcheckers pronounce words and definitions. InfoPen hand-held pen scanner - enables users to scan and transfer printed text directly into a PC . CD Player & headphones – allows students with dyslexia to listen and/or follow along with a story on a CD High Visibility Keyboards - ideal for visually impaired users, young children, the elderly and those with learning difficulties. May have extra large letters, yellow letters on black background or reverse. The lower case keyboard is particularly helpful for students with dyslexia. HIGH-TECH DEVICESFor DYSLEXIA:E-Reader – recent studies have shown that students find it easier to read by iPod than paper, and for the e-reader population?there is a slight increase in the speed with which students read and an improvement in comprehension.For DYSLEXIA & DYSGRAPHIA:Word processors - word processing programmes can be?useful because they have a spellchecker, and an auto-correct facility that can help to highlight mistakes in a student’s writing. Most web browsers and word processing software also have "text-to-speech" functions, or available "plug-ins", where the computer reads the text as it appears on the screen. Onscreen Display Options – students with dyslexia usually benefit from alternate screen settings. These settings can be changed at any time in the Control Panels – Display Properties on MAC OS or in MS Windows. The font style and size, foreground and background colour, resolution and even desktop theme will have an impact on readability and access.Visual Guides -a handy utility program that acts as an onscreen ‘ruler’ that reveals text in a window is called VuBar. It is available in AccessApps and in MyStudyBar or as a standalone program installed on a Windows computer. The size can be altered, both width and height as well as colour options. The reader can position it anywhere on screen so that just the text (one or more lines) is revealed. “Livescribe” Smartpen - captures everything that the user writes and everything that is spoken. Inside the pen is a camera that takes a picture of the notes as they are written. It also has a built-in microphone that can record what is being said. The notes can be transferred to a computer through Livescribe Desktop software and appear just as they were written. Dragon Dictation / Dragon Naturally Speaking – turns the student’s thoughts into written words. Dragon generates new confidence – and excitement for learning -- among students who were previously frustrated by written assignments and unable to demonstrate their true potential. Ghotit Real Writer & Reader - includes advanced writing and reading assistive technologies tailor-made for people with dyslexia and dysgraphia. It includes a context and phonetic spell checker, a grammar and punctuation checker, a proofreader, a reader that can read out any document, word prediction, and an integrated word dictionary. Inspiration K-12 Software - a visual learning tool that inspires students to develop and organize their ideas. It supports visual thinking techniques and includes creating graphic organizers, diagramming, mind mapping, outlining and more. Wordshark Spelling Software - an important teaching resource for improving spelling, reading and motivation. Based on 'Alpha to Omega' and compatible with the National Literacy Scheme, it uses over 55 games to reinforce reading and spelling using 9,000 pre-recorded words. It is ideal for children with dyslexia who may have become disillusion with the learning process and require additional motivation with these fun and confidence building games.????? Nessy Learning Software - developed at the Bristol Dyslexia Centre and designed for pupils of all ages and abilities to learn how to read, write and spell confidently. It is also ideal for teachers who need to provide a complete literacy scheme for dyslexic students.?Nessy's humorous approach combines structured incremental phonics linked with language, writing skills and vocabulary development, to create an highly effective multisensory learning environment; which is both fun and effective.??Students take on more responsibility for their own learning with encouragement to mark their own work. They quickly get involved in monitoring their own record-keeping and progress. Their efforts are rewarded with Nessy Nuggets, which can be spent at an interactive Fairground. This game-based learning approach has proved extremely effective for motivating learners and building self-esteem. Typing Tutors Software?- Confident use of the keyboard is an important IT skill and also improves literacy and efficiency. Nessy Fingers include games to make learning fun..????? ? 50 GREAT iPad APPS These tools are useful for both educators and students with reading disabilities alike, aiding in everything from looking up a correct spelling to reading text out loud.Speak It!:?Speak It! is a great text-to-speech solution that can allow students with reading disabilities to get a little help with reading when they need it.Talk to Me:?Talk to Me is another text to speech application. It can be used to read words out loud as they are typed, which can help students to better correlate the letters and words with how they’re pronounced.Dragon Dictation:?Dragon Dictation works in reverse of the two apps we just listed. Instead of reading text out loud, the application writes down spoken text. For students who struggle with writing, it can be a great way for them to jot down ideas or get help learning.Dyslexic Like Me:?Explaining dyslexia to a child can be hard, but this application can make it a little easier. It’s an interactive children’s book that helps students to understand dyslexia and become empowered to overcome their learning disability.Merriam-Webster Dictionary:?If spelling is a problem, it’s always a good idea to have a really great dictionary on hand. This app from Merriam-Webster can provide that.:?If is your go-to place for definitions and spelling help, this app can be a great way to bring that functionality to your iPad or iPhone.Prizmo:?With Prizmo, users can scan in any kind of text document and have the program read it out loud, which can be a big help to those who struggle with reading.Flashcards for iPad:?This app makes it easy to study words, spelling, and other things that young and LD readers might need help with.Soundnote:?Using Soundnote, you can record drawings, notes, and audio all at once, balancing reading-based skills with those that are auditory and visual.FundamentalsThese apps help teach the fundamentals of reading, writing, and spelling to any young learner, but can be especially helpful for those who are struggling.Alphabet Zoo:?Alphabet Zoo is a great tool for helping young readers to recognize letter sounds. Using text and pictures of animals, kids can build their reading skills while having fun.Find the Letters HD:?A favorite of special education teachers and psychologists, this app asks learners to find letters and numbers in a coloring grid. It helps build skills in spatial positioning, depth orientation, form discrimination, and concentration and attention.First Words Sampler:?Preschoolers with a reading disability can get a head start on improving their skills with this app that teaches them about letters and words using fun graphics and sounds.Montessori Crosswords:?Embrace the Montessori method by using this app to help youngsters improve their spelling and reading skills through engaging phonics-based exercises.Read & Write?:Students can practice reading and writing letters using this application. Users can trace letters, learn letter sounds, and get illustrations to go along with each part of the alphabet.Sound Literacy:?With a portion of the proceeds from this app going to the Dyslexia Association, there’s no reason not to sign on. Even better, the app is incredibly useful, employing the Orton-Gillingham method to help students recognize the spellings of English phonemes.weesay ABC:?Using pictures, words, and sounds, this application makes it easy for young students to practice and learn their ABCs.abc PocketPhonics:?This app is a great tool for teaching reading disabled students the fundamentals of letter sounds and shapes.The Writing Machine:?By correlating pictures and words, reading text, sounding out letters, this tool helps students develop early literacy abilities with greater ease.WordSort:?One of the top educational apps out there, this game helps kids to learn how to identify parts of speech, like nouns, adverbs, and verbs, as well as emphasizing grammar skills.ABC Phonics Word Families:?Using analogy phonics (or word families) this application teaches young learners to see and hear the patterns of commonality in a set of words. With flashcards, spelling words, scrambled words, and games, this app is a must-have for helping students.ReadingThese excellent iPad apps can be a big help to reading disabled students who need a little extra support when trying to read.Blio:?Blio offers all the same features of any basic e-reader, and also a few things that make it unique. Through synchronized highlighting and a serial presentation view, the app helps those with reading disabilities make sense of the text, something many other similar apps don’t offer.Read 2 Me:?For those who have difficulty reading, apps like Read 2 Me can be a godsend. The app comes complete with an entire library of texts, all of which can be read out loud.Read2Go:?If you use DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) books in your classroom, Read2Go is one of the best and most accessible ways to read those books on iOS.AppWriter:?Designed with reading and writing disabilities in mind, this text editor for iPad integrates numerous accessibility features into standard text editing functionality.Audiobooks:?Sometimes students with reading disabilities might just want a break from reading books the old fashioned way. That’s why this amazing collection of free audiobooks can come in handy, offering access to classics like?Romeo and Juliet?and?Treasure Island.Bob’s Books:?Bob’s Books uses phonics-based interactive games to help kids learn how to read. Activities will help young learners to sound out words, spell, and make connections between letters and sounds.iStoryTime:?There are numerous titles to choose from in the iStoryTime series, all of which allow kids to have the book read to them or to get help reading it themselves.MeeGenius! Kids’ Books:?MeeGenius is another series that’s perfect for practicing reading skills. Those with trouble reading can use illustrations and helpful word highlighting to get help, or just have the book read to them until they’re confident enough to do it on their own.Reading Trainer:?While this app is designed to help average readers boost their reading speed and ability, it can be useful to those who struggle as well, as many of the skills taught can help just about anyone become a more confident reader.See Read Say:?This application will help to ensure that young learners are familiar with all of the Dolch sight words (the most common words), using games, activities, and tons of practice.Stories2Learn:?Why use existing stories to help troubled readers when you can build your own? This application lets you develop your own text and audio stories, including messages, topics, and other things that can help keep kids interested.eReading series:?The eReading series from Brain Integration LLC, helps young readers at all levels of proficiency learn about topics like Greek Mythology and?Gulliver’s Travels. Users can have the book read to them, or practice reading without the help, too.WritingFor those with reading disabilities, writing can also be a trying task. Here are some apps that can help teach, assist, and make writing more fun.iWrite Words:?Named by?The Washington Post?as one of the best apps for special needs kids, this game-based program helps youngsters learn to write their letters through a fun and engaging setup that uses illustrations and animations to keep things interesting.AlphaWriter:?Using Montessori-based learning methods, this application helps kids to learn how to read, write, and spell phonetically. It also teaches lessons on consonants and vowels, letter sounds, writing stories, and much more.Sentence Builder:?Through this application, elementary school children will learn how to build grammatically correct sentences, with a special focus on using connector words.Story Builder:?After kids are done learning how to build sentences, they can move onto this app which combines those sentences into one coherent story, complete with illustrations.Writing Prompts:?Having trouble thinking of things for students to write about? This app removes that roadblock and offers up numerous ideas for short writing assignments.Idea Sketch:?This mind-mapping app can help learning disabled students make sense of their ideas and organize them in ways that they can easily translate into written work.Storyrobe:?Teachers and students can build and share their own unique stories through this application. Integration with YouTube and email makes it easy to share and revise, too.SpellingThese applications can be excellent tools for improving spelling skills.American Wordspeller:?Looking up a word in a dictionary isn’t that simple if you have no idea how to spell it. This app removes that problem and employs a method that lets you much more easily pinpoint how to spell just about any word.Word Magic:?Created by the parents of a five-year-old, this app for young learners help kids learn words and how to spell them correctly. It uses lots of positive reinforcement, rewards, and fun pictures to keep things interesting to learners.Typ-O:?Poor spellers can rejoice over this great application that help you spell words correctly in any typing-related program on your iPhone or iPad.A1 Spelling App:?This application is a great way to help poor spellers begin to learn the correct spelling of common words, increasing difficulty as kids master words.iSpell Word:?iSpell Word is designed to help kids learn the spellings of simple English words. It uses games to teach, with each level of the game employing more difficult words so kids are always challenged.Jumbline:?If you’re looking to make reading, writing, and spelling into a game, this app can help. It’s full of word games that ask players to use speed, smarts, pattern recognition, and spelling skills to win.Spelling Bee Challenge:?Kids can have fun taking part in a mock spelling bee using this application that boosts both spelling and vocab skills.Word Fall:?In this educational game, words fall from the sky and players must collect letters to form basic words.WordLadder:?This highly challenging word game will get older readers thinking about how words are spelled and how they can be connected and changed to form new words.ACT Spell:?Developed especially for learners with disabilities and special needs, this tool helps develop motor control, word recognition, spelling, and reading skills.Word Wizard:?Lauded by?The New York Times, this word-focused app lets kids hear the sounds of letters and words through a movable alphabet while also engaging them in spelling practice and games.BEST WEBSITES FOR DYSLEXIA:National Center for Learning Disabilities---Dyslexia International Dyslexia Association Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity at the University of Michigan WEBSITES FOR DYSGRAPHIA:National Center for Learning Disabilities---Dysgraphia Online---Dysgraphia Disabilities Association of America---Dysgraphia Problem Solutions, LLC information on customizable reading tools: Tools for struggling readers of all ages! Info & support for struggling readers314-892-3897REFERENCES:50 Best iPad Apps for Users with Reading Disabilities Technology Accommodations for Students with Dyslexia : The Handwriting Learning Disability : A Common Childhood Learning Disability “Friendly” Fonts Style Guide to Assist a Student with Dysgraphia in the Classroom the Dyslexic Dyslexia ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download