Because it is difficult to discuss all these approaches in a single blog post, we have addressed them in multiple writeups, like Reggio Emilia vs. Montessori vs. Waldorf and the Montessori method of teaching. In this post, we will discuss in depth HighScope and Creative Curriculum, which are two popular curriculum choices in public and private schools, and learn about their similarities and differences. So, let’s dive into the details!

Understanding the HighScope curriculum

It was in the year 1962 that the HighScope Curriculum came into existence in the form of the Perry Preschool Project. The project was initiated in Ypsilanti to provide early education to children belonging to underprivileged families. Later in 1970, psychologist Dr. David Weikart established the HighScope Educational Research Foundation to share his mission of providing high-quality early education with schools all over.

With active learning at its center, the curriculum is designed in a way to help early learners gain knowledge as they interact playfully with people, events, objects, ideas, and their environment. The framework consists of 58 key developmental indicators (KPIs) around which the curriculum content is designed.

In schools following the HighScope curriculum, teachers create a learning environment that supports exploration and social interaction by providing relevant learning materials. They act as supportive learning partners who communicate, encourage, and employ scaffolding to promote learning in the classroom.

With a consistent daily routine comprising different learning centers and the ‘plan-do-review’ approach along with ongoing assessments, educators ensure that every child is achieving the best educational outcomes according to their abilities.

Benefits of HighScope curriculum

• Offers personalized learning to young learners.
• Promotes social and emotional development.
• Provides a rich academic foundation.
• Fosters independence, cooperation, and decision-making.
• Promotes creativity and problem-solving.
• Children learn to plan their activities and execute them.

Exploring the Creative Curriculum

The founder of Teaching Strategies Inc., Diane Trister Dodge, developed the Creative Curriculum in 1978. It is another popular educational method for early childhood education. It focuses on the ‘whole child’ to create confident young learners.

The curriculum employs multiple project-based hands-on activities to boost confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills in young learners. Teachers create multiple opportunities to learn by planning activities in eleven different areas like art, library, music, blocks, and more.

The Creative Curriculum combines teacher-led and child-led activities to promote creativity and self-control, leading to the development of independent and confident learners. It is built to foster cognitive, language, physical, and social/emotional development. Ever since the curriculum was created, it has undergone several revisions to match the changing needs of early childhood development.

Benefits of creative curriculum

• Encourages creativity and imagination.
• Allows children to interact with one another.
• Allows kids to explore and recognize their emotions.
• Focuses on the holistic development of a child.
• Promotes equity and inclusion in the classroom.

Comparative analysis between HighScope vs. Creative Curriculum

Similarities:

1. Encourage play-based learning to allow children to learn various skills in a natural and engaging manner.

2. Have a child-centered approach, which means they focus on the interests, needs, and developmental stages of individual children.

3. Prioritize the holistic development of children, which not only includes cognitive development but also other aspects like social-emotional learning and physical growth.

4. Use of tools to assess a child’s growth and development. Ongoing assessment via observation and documentation is a key component of both the HighScope and Creative Curriculum.

5. Parents are involved in the educational process of their children through communication and collaboration.

6. Offer individualized learning as they recognize that every child has a different learning style and strengths.

Differences:

Choosing the right curriculum for your child

Choosing an appropriate preschool curriculum for your child is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. Therefore, parents must use this opportunity to find a preschool where their children can get unique learning experiences during these early years of education.

When choosing a preschool curriculum, it is important to consider your child’s individual needs, interests, and learning styles. It can help if you reflect on your educational values to find a curriculum that aligns with your vision for your child’s growth. Think about whether your child will do well in a structured environment or a more flexible learning environment. Analyzing how much-individualized attention your child will need can also help you decide on the best curriculum for your child.

The best way to identify a curriculum that meets your child’s needs is to visit a few preschools in your area to observe how they work and have a discussion with the teachers. Their insights can guide your decision on whether that curriculum will suit your child’s personality and learning preferences. 

Another point to remember when finalizing a preschool curriculum for your child is that preschool is not only about academic readiness. It is also a time for social-emotional development and instilling a love for learning so your child is ready for their educational journey ahead.

In conclusion

Selecting the right preschool curriculum is no easy feat. With so many options available, it can be a little overwhelming for parents to make a decision. When talking about the HighScope and Creative Curriculum, we can infer that both have solid plans in place to make sure no child is deprived of the opportunity to learn through play and receive individualized attention so they can excel in all spheres of development.

If your child is an active learner who loves routine and performs well in a structured environment, the HighScope Curriculum may be a good choice for them. But if your child enjoys a flexible learning environment that nurtures creativity and imagination, the Creative Curriculum could be a better fit.

No matter which curriculum you pick for your child, it is important to remember that it is not just about the approach you choose but how well it is implemented to create a nurturing, engaging, safe, and stimulating learning environment for children.

Priyanka Sonkushre

I am Priyanka Sonkushre, a writer and blogger. I am the person behind “One Loving Mama,” a mom blog. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree along with an MBA, my healthcare background helps me deeply understand learning difficulties. I know how challenging it can be for parents to find the right resources to help their children excel in life. So, here I am to blend my healthcare expertise with my parenting experience to create valuable and helpful resources for parents and teachers supporting children with learning differences. If you wish, you can follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn.

onelovingmama.com

The post High Scope vs. Creative Curriculum: What’s the difference? appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

For these individuals, reading programs come as a hope for building reading proficiency. These strategically designed programs help students build on these skills through a systematic approach and cover concepts like phonology, sound-symbol relation, morphology, etc., that together build reading fluency and comprehension. 

Although several reading programs are available for emergent and struggling readers, not all are backed by scientific evidence. Without research, one cannot be sure about the effectiveness of a particular reading program. Hence, in this article, we have enlisted some research-based reading programs that are known to help struggling readers develop fluency and proficiency in the English language. 

Powerful research-based reading programs for struggling readers 

1. Reading Horizons

Beginner and struggling readers face many challenges as they work their way to build reading proficiency. To help readers overcome these difficulties, Reading Horizons has developed a research- and science-based reading program that meets individual student needs so they can become fluent readers. Its interactive content includes lessons and activities that target areas like fluency, spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. 

Reading Horizons has two separate programs addressing problems students of different grade levels face. The Reading Horizons Discovery program is meant for kindergarten to grade 3 students and concentrates on developing foundational reading skills in these students. It promotes sight recognition, phonological awareness, decoding, and encoding of words so early readers build a strong foundation in reading. 

On the other hand, the Reading Horizons Elevate program helps struggling readers of grade 4 and above. It is designed to fill the gaps in basic decoding skills that older students have trouble with, leading to reading difficulties. Overall, it is a well-designed program aligned with the Structured Literacy approach that helps special needs students and those with reading difficulties become successful and independent readers. 

What research says about Reading Horizons:

A study^[1] was conducted to determine the impact of the Reading Horizons program on the reading achievement of third-grade students. It included regular education students and those receiving intervention for reading fluency through special education services.

The data obtained after a year-long study showed significant growth in students’ reading fluency, and researchers inferred that Reading Horizon’s program could indeed help improve the reading proficiency of students in all grade levels. 

Program Link

2. Strategic Adolescent Reading Intervention (STARI)

STARI, or Strategic Adolescent Reading Intervention, is a Tier II intervention program designed for readers in grades 6-9 who struggle to read at their grade level and whose reading efficiency is two or more years below what it should be. Adolescents who have a tough time reading struggle to decode complex texts, which slows down their overall educational performance. 

Through STARI, struggling readers can work on their reading skills along with skills necessary for deep comprehension. As reading materials are aligned with student interests, it is easier to engage and motivate them to work on their reading stamina. The program also encourages discussions, partner reading, guided reading, and debates so that students get multiple outlooks on a given text, which helps develop complex reasoning. The recommended time to engage in the STARI program is 45-60 minutes 5 days a week. 

What research says about STARI:

An extensive research study^[2] examined if supplemental reading intervention can help struggling readers in middle school. 483 students studying in sixth to eighth grades were included in the study. These students were randomly assigned to a control group and the one receiving STARI as an intervention program.

Data about behavioral engagement and reading engagement was collected through teacher ratings. The study revealed that students receiving STARI outperformed the control group in word recognition, basic reading comprehension, and morphological awareness. And it also reinforced that the behavioral engagement of struggling adolescent readers to reading material helps grow their reading ability. 

Program Link

3. Read Naturally

Read Naturally is a reading program that teachers and parents can use in addition to the core curriculum to improve a student’s reading fluency and comprehension. The program has several sub programs which can be used depending on a reader’s current level. Each sub-program focuses on aspects like fluency, phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension. 

These are based on a common strategy to build reading proficiency in young and adult readers. It includes teacher modeling, repeated reading, and progress monitoring. This strategy has several benefits for developing readers, like enhanced accuracy, better fluency, the ability to decode words, improved vocabulary, and more. As learners go through the material independently at their own pace, they don’t feel the pressure of learning and become better readers with regular engagement. 

What research says about Read Naturally:

Many studies^[3] examined the effectiveness of the Read Naturally intervention program. When a researcher reviewed these studies, he found enough evidence to support the use of Read Naturally for struggling readers. One study showcasing strong proof of the effectiveness of Read Naturally was conducted across six schools. 109 third-grade students with low reading performance participated in the study.

The experiential group received a 10-week intervention, 30 minutes daily for five days a week. Several results indicated that students who received the intervention outperformed in areas of accuracy and fluency. In fact, these students showed 39% greater performance in fluency than those in the control group. In addition, other evidence-based studies also indicate that Read Naturally is effective in helping struggling readers get better. 

Program Link

4. Wilson Reading System

The Wilson Reading System (WRS) is an established reading program based on the science of reading. This Tier III structured literacy program is meant for struggling readers in grades 2-12. It is also a solid resource for students with learning disabilities, which makes reading a difficult task. 

The program is one of the several Orton-Gillingham-based reading programs and is formulated based on phonological-coding research. It is apt for one-on-one intervention or small student groups with a maximum of four students. Each lesson is divided into three blocks of 30 minutes each, and they recommend that in one week, students complete two full lessons. 

All in all, the Wilson Reading System is an intensive and systematic approach to help students with reading difficulties develop skills necessary for decoding and encoding. Its systematic approach to teaching other elements of the language, like morphology, word elements, vocabulary, and comprehension, directs the student to improved reading fluency. 

What research says about the Wilson Reading System:

A host of studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the Wilson Reading Program for improving reading skills in struggling readers and those with learning disabilities like dyslexia. In one study^[4], 51 students from six different schools were involved. All of them were receiving special education, and 62% of them had language impairment or a learning disability. Researchers inferred that WRS helped students achieve significant growth in reading over the course of the study period. 

Another study^[5] included 20 fourth and fifth-grade students with reading difficulties. The study went on for two years. Pre and post-intervention reading scores indicated better reading and comprehension skills in the study group. 

Program Link

5. Lindamood-Bell Seeing Stars and LiPS program 

Lindamood Bell programs are a bit different from other reading programs. They focus more on developing sensory and cognitive processes that underlie the reading and comprehension process. As reading is a cognitive action, Lindamood Bell programs strengthen sensory-cognitive functions such as phoneme awareness, symbol imagery, and concept imagery that aim at improving a child’s reading abilities. 

Two programs that are of particular interest to struggling readers are the Seeing Stars program and the LiPS program. Seeing Stars focuses on helping readers develop symbol imagery necessary for phonological and orthographic processing while reading. It allows readers to process information quickly and correct themselves immediately, enhancing their fluency. 

The LiPS or Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing program targets the areas of poor reading, spelling, and speech due to weak phonemic awareness in individuals. Such individuals have trouble spelling, word attacks, blending sounds, and understanding the differences between phonemes. Through this program, students work on their phonemic awareness. Readers are taught to identify oral-motor movements associated with different phonemes, which helps them verify various aspects of word sounds and assists in increasing their reading fluency.

What research says about Lindamood programs:

The Seeing Stars program was used for a research study^[6] to establish if intensive summer intervention can help struggling readers grow their reading skills. 31 children between 6-12 years of age and having reading difficulties were given 160 hours of intervention during their 8-week summer vacation. Students showed significant growth in their reading skills after the intervention period. 

Another report^[7] studied the effectiveness of LiPS in improving the reading proficiency of elementary students. It was found to be effective in building reading comprehension and had mixed results in the alphabetic domain. 

Program Link

6. Barton Reading and Spelling System

This reading program is suitable for people of all age groups who have a hard time reading and writing. It is also one of the structured literacy approach programs based on the Orton Gillingham methodology. It takes the tutor-student approach to build a student’s reading skills. Tutors are trained at different levels before they can help a student. They receive DVDs, manuals, letter tiles, and manipulatives to conduct the program successfully. 

Students with learning disabilities having difficulties in spelling and sounding out unknown words can particularly benefit from this program. However, there are a few prerequisites, like the student must be able to speak and understand spoken English as a second-grade student, their IQ must be 71 or higher, and they should pass the Barton Student Screening. 

What research says about Barton Reading and Spelling System:

A host of studies^[8] have proved the usefulness of the Barton Spelling and Reading System for struggling readers. One such study^[9] named “Significant Gains in Reading Made by Students with Dyslexia” was conducted in a Christian School in Pennsylvania. Participating students were first to sixth-grade students.

Each received one-on-one tutoring for three 40-minute sessions every week. Most of them received intervention from 2010 to 2013. Reading tests revealed that students participating in the program showed outstanding growth in reading abilities. Another study^[10] also revealed similar results. 

Program Link

Concluding thoughts

In conclusion, research-based reading programs have proven invaluable in addressing struggling readers’ needs through targeted, individualized instruction and support. Their approach ensures that instructional methods are backed by rigorous scientific evidence, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes for struggling readers.

These programs are designed in a way that helps students strengthen their fundamentals of reading and meet their IEP reading goals of reading fluency if they have one in place. By implementing evidence-based strategies, these programs demonstrate positive outcomes in improving reading proficiency and overall academic performance. 

References

1. Allee, J. L. (2015). Does Reading Horizons Improve the Reading Fluency of Struggling Readers? Northwest Missouri State University.
2. Kim, J. S., Hemphill, L., Troyer, M. T., Thomson, J. M., Jones, S. J., LaRusso, M. & Donovan, S. (2016). “Engaging Struggling Adolescent Readers to Improve Reading Skills.” Reading Research Quarterly, DOI: 10.1002/rrq.171
3. Christ, T. J., & Davie, J. (2009, May 7). Empirical Evaluation of Read Naturally Effects: A Randomized Control Trial (RCT). University of Minnesota.
4. Duff, David & Stebbins, Molly & Stormont, Melissa & Lembke, Erica & Wilson, David. (2015). Using curriculum-based measurement data to monitor the effectiveness of the Wilson Reading System for students with disabilities: An exploratory study. International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 15. 10.1515/ijdhd-2015-0007.
5. Stebbins, Molly & Stormont, Melissa & Lembke, Erica & Wilson, David & Clippard, Dana. (2012). Monitoring the Effectiveness of the Wilson Reading System for Students with Disabilities: One District’s Example. Exceptionality. 20. 58-70. 10.1080/09362835.2012.640908. 
6. Donnelly, P. M., Huber, E., & Yeatman, J. D. (2019). Intensive Summer Intervention Drives Linear Growth of Reading Skill in Struggling Readers. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01900
7. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse. (2015, November). Beginning Reading intervention report: Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing® (LiPS®). Retrieved from http://whatworks.ed.gov
8. Barton. (2022, May 11). The Barton system is . . . | Barton. Barton | Reading & Spelling System Since 1998. https://bartonreading.com/the-barton-system-is/#eve
9. Dodds, C., & McCarrier, R. Significant Gains in Reading made by students with dyslexia using the Barton Reading & Spelling System at Penn Christian Academy in Butler, Pennsylvania from 2010 to 2013
10. Campbell, D. R., M.A., CCC-SLP, & Nosbisch, T., M.S., CCC-SLP. (2009, June). Significant Gains Demonstrated in Reading After Utilizing the Barton Reading and Spelling Program

Priyanka Sonkushre

I am Priyanka Sonkushre, a writer and blogger. I am the person behind “One Loving Mama,” a mom blog. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree along with an MBA, my healthcare background helps me deeply understand learning difficulties. I know how challenging it can be for parents to find the right resources to help their children excel in life. So, here I am to blend my healthcare expertise with my parenting experience to create valuable and helpful resources for parents and teachers supporting children with learning differences. If you wish, you can follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn.

onelovingmama.com

The post 6 Most Successful Research-Based Reading Programs for Struggling Readers appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

Well, a summer math program tailored specifically for middle school students can be a way out by providing enriching and rewarding experiences, igniting a passion for mathematics, and fostering academic growth.

These programs go beyond the traditional classroom setting, offering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. By participating in a summer math program, middle school students will not only strengthen their mathematical foundation but also enhance their analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills along with a chance to learn from experienced instructors who are passionate about mathematics and dedicated to inspiring young minds.

As summers are here, presented below is a list of comprehensive summer math programs for middle school students to help them gain confidence in tackling complex mathematical problems, develop a growth mindset, and nurture a lifelong love for mathematics.

Fun and fascinating summer math programs for middle school students

1. MathPath

Date: June 25 – July 23, 2023
Deadline: Applications open
Eligibility: Middle school students of age 11-14
Mode of instruction: Offline (University of Portland in Portland, OR)
Fee: $5650
Financial aid: Financial aid is available to families on a scale based on reported income

MathPath is a residential program that takes place over the course of several weeks during the summer. It provides an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience for middle school students who are passionate about mathematics and eager to further develop their mathematical abilities.

It offers a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of advanced mathematical topics, including number theory, algebra, geometry, and combinatorics. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and problem-solving sessions, students are encouraged to explore and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. Students interact with experienced mathematicians, educators, and fellow participants, creating a stimulating environment that encourages intellectual growth and fosters a love for mathematics.

Official link

2. Canada/USA Mathcamp

Date: July 2 – August 6, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in mid-January and close by March end.
Eligibility: Middle school & high school students of age 13-18
Mode of instruction: Offline (Champlain College in Burlington)
Fee: $5,000
Financial aid: Need-based scholarships are available

Mathcamp is a summer program designed for talented students who are passionate about mathematics. Mathcamp is held at different college campuses each summer, allowing students to experience life on a college campus and gain exposure to the academic environment. During the program, students engage in a wide range of mathematical activities, including problem-solving sessions, advanced math courses, interactive workshops, and research projects. 

In addition to the rigorous academic component, Mathcamp offers a variety of recreational activities, including sports, arts, and social events. These activities provide students with opportunities to relax, connect with their peers, and form lasting friendships. The program offers a unique and enriching summer experience for mathematically talented students, helping them develop their mathematical skills, expand their knowledge, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.

Please note: In order to benefit from the mathcamp, students are required to be comfortable with high-school algebra, geometry, trig, exponents, and logarithms. If a student is familiar with precalculus, then it will be a plus point!

Official link

3. Epsilon Camp

Date: July 9 – August 23, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in December and close by January. The applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the month of May
Eligibility: Students of age 7-12
Mode of instruction: Offline (Miami University in Oxford, OH. )
Fee: $2,900 and $150 registration fee
Financial aid: Need-based scholarships are available

Epsilon Camp is a summer program designed to challenge and inspire mathematically gifted middle school students. The program offers a three-week residential experience filled with engaging and challenging activities. The camp emphasizes collaborative learning and fosters a sense of community among the participants. The curriculum is designed keeping in mind the requirements of every age group. 

The classes are designed in such a way that students can enjoy learning as well as indulge in play. The schedule set allows time for self-directed learning along with fun activities like puzzles, math games, and hands-on activities. The program promotes critical thinking, creativity, and independent exploration of mathematical concepts. Outside of the classroom, Epsilon Camp provides recreational activities and social events to create a well-rounded experience. 

Official link

4. AwesomeMath

Date: Going to be in three sessions. Session 1 – June 5 – June 23, 2023, Session 2 – June 26 – July 14, 2023., and Session 3 – July 17 – August 4, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in January and close by May
Eligibility: Students of age 12 – 18. 
Mode of instruction: Online
Fee: Ranges between $1,075 to $1,375
Financial aid: No financial aid is available but you can avail discount on tuition fees if you apply early and enroll for multiple courses.

Awesome Math is a comprehensive online platform that offers a wide range of programs and resources for middle school and high school students. Upon getting accepted for this summer program, students can choose and select courses they want to enroll in for each session. These programs are designed to deepen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and foster a love for mathematics.

With its comprehensive offerings, Awesome Math provides students with a supportive and stimulating environment to further their mathematical abilities and develop a strong foundation in math. The platform empowers students to embrace math as an exciting and rewarding subject, encouraging them to excel in their math studies and future pursuits.

Official link

5. Alphastar Academy summer math camp

Date: Going to be in three sessions. Session 1 – June 5 – June 23, 2023, Session 2 – June 26 – July 14, 2023., and Session 3 – July 17 – August 4, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in March and close by May
Eligibility: Grade 4 – 12
Mode of instruction: Online as well as Offline (Mission College)
Fee: $2,400
Financial aid: There are discounts for early registration, sibling discount, and USAJMO/USAMO qualifiers

Alphastar Academy Summer Camp is an engaging and educational program designed to help students enhance their math skills in four fundamental areas: Algebra, Counting, Geometry, and Number Theory. The camp basically trains students for the competitions and exams such as Math Counts, American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 8/10/12, American Invitational Math Exam (AIME), and USA Math Olympiads (USA(J)MO), and the curriculum is designed considering the syllabus of these competitions.

The camp provides a dynamic learning environment where students can explore various math concepts, problem-solving techniques, and logical reasoning. One of the major features of this program is that live sessions will be recorded and both offline and online students will be having access to the recorded sessions to review later. At alpha star academy summer camp, students have the opportunity to participate in interactive lessons, hands-on activities, general review sessions, quizzes, and final exams to help students get a stronghold of concepts and prepare for the competitive exams.

Official link

6. Bard Math Circle Summer Camp

Date: June 26 – June 30, 2023
Deadline: NA
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 – 9
Mode of instruction: Offline (Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY)
Fee: $450
Financial aid: Need-based scholarships are available

A five-day summer camp for mathematically talented middle school students aims to teach mathematics in a creative way. The program focuses on igniting the natural curiosity of students helping them approach the subject with love and fun. It covers topics that are not covered in the school curriculum offering a relaxing environment. 

Through a combination of warm-up activities, tips and tricks lectures, and collaborative group work, students engage in deep mathematical thinking and exploration. They are encouraged to think critically about the problems, conduct research and bring their math to life through art. The program fosters collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and a love for the beauty of mathematics. It offers an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience for middle school students who are eager to delve deeper into mathematics and engage in advanced mathematical exploration.

Official Link

7. IDEA MATH Summer Program

Date: July 4 – June 16, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally begin in March and close by May
Eligibility: Students entering grades 4 – 12
Mode of instruction: Offline (The greater Boston area (MA/NH): Rivier University, 420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060)
Fee: Program fee varies according to the registration date and type of program chosen
Financial aid: 2022 or 2023 MATHCOUNTS National Round Participant,  2022 or 2023 USAJMO qualifier, 2022 or 2023 USAMO qualifier are eligible for a $100 tuition scholarship/discount

IDEA MATH Summer Program is an intensive summer program for students who are passionate about mathematics. The program aims to cultivate students’ mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills through a rigorous and immersive experience. The program is designed to promote mathematical exploration, discovery, and independent thinking.

During the two-week residential program, students participate in a challenging curriculum that covers topics from which contest problems are drawn such as algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. The program fosters collaboration, encouraging students to work together on challenging mathematical problems and projects. IDEA MATH believes that students learn better by discovering rather than just memorizing. Applying seminar-style teaching, the class size is small enough so that every student can get the required individual attention.

Official link

8. Young Scholars Program by The University of Chicago

Date: July 5 – June 28, 2023
Deadline: Applications generally close by April
Eligibility: Grades 7 – 12
Mode of instruction: Offline (University of Chicago)
Fee: Program fee varies according to the family income
Financial aid: Financial assistance is available for qualifying students

The Young Scholars Program is a highly regarded summer program for mathematically talented and enthusiastic students looking to further their math skills and understanding. The University of Chicago offers a rigorous and immersive environment where students engage in a variety of mathematical activities, including lectures, problem sessions, research projects, and mathematical explorations. 

Students have the opportunity to dive deep into topics like number theory, geometry, and more while developing their problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking. Founded in 1988, YSP is renowned for its challenging curriculum, exceptional faculty, and vibrant mathematical community. It provides a unique opportunity for students to further their mathematical abilities and explore their passion for mathematics in a stimulating and immersive summer program.

Official link

9. Russian School of Mathematics Summer Program

Date: Courses open in June and are mostly 6-week sessions with 2 classes per week
Deadline: NA
Eligibility: Programs are available from grades K-12
Mode of instruction: Online as well as Offline (Can apply to nearby RSM locations)
Fee: Program fee varies according to the program chosen
Financial aid: NA

The Russian School of Mathematics offers a diverse range of academic programs for grades K-12 students looking to work on their math skills and conceptual understanding. Students can choose from a wide selection of courses available for all grade levels according to their level and area of improvement. The program provides an immersive and challenging learning environment, allowing students to solve challenging problems that deepen their understanding and prepare them for tests and math competitions.

The program focuses on building abstract thinking, mental flexibility, and problem-solving skills by providing challenging problems and working on non-standard interesting problems. With an average of only 12 students in a class, the program lays a strong emphasis on interactive sessions and individual attention with expert faculty. Based on elite math schools in the Soviet Union, adapted to the U.S. environment, RSM not only builds mathematical excellence but also develops intellect and character.

Official link

10. Random Math Summer Camp

Date: Camp dates vary according to the course chosen
Deadline: NA
Eligibility: Programs are available from grades 5 – 11
Mode of instruction: Online as well as Offline
Fee: Program fee varies according to the program chosen
Financial aid: Need-based financial aid is available

Random Math offers a wide range of math enrichment programs and resources for students of all ages. Students can access a variety of math courses depending on their current understanding level which is determined by the assessment designed by Random Math. These programs are designed to deepen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and foster a love for mathematics.

With its comprehensive offerings, Random Math provides students with a supportive and stimulating environment to further their mathematical abilities and develop a strong foundation in math. The platform empowers students to embrace math as an exciting and rewarding subject, encouraging them to excel in their math studies and future pursuits.

Official link

What to look out for in a summer math program?

When choosing a summer math program, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some things to look out for:

• Curriculum and Content: Assess the program’s curriculum to ensure it aligns with your child’s math level and interests. Look for programs that cover a range of math topics, offer challenging problem-solving activities, and provide opportunities for exploration and critical thinking.

• Qualified Instructors: Check the qualifications and experience of the instructors leading the program. They should have expertise in mathematics education and a passion for teaching. 

• Classroom size: Look for programs that have a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure individual attention and support. Also, check if the other students grouped under one classroom are at the same level so that the child is not left behind and can learn with the class.

• Enrichment and Engagement: A good summer math program should go beyond regular classroom learning. It should provide enrichment activities, hands-on projects, math games, and real-world applications to make math fun and engaging for students.

• Flexibility and Customization: Consider whether the program offers flexibility in terms of scheduling and duration. It’s also beneficial if the program allows students to work at their own pace and offers personalized instruction tailored to individual learning needs.

• Reviews and Reputation: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous participants or their parents. Positive feedback and a strong reputation indicate the program’s quality and effectiveness.

• Opportunities for Collaboration: Collaborative learning enhance the overall learning experience and work on team-building skills. Check if the program offers group activities, teamwork exercises, or competitions that encourage students to work together and learn from one another.

• Long-Term Impact: Consider how the program supports long-term math skills development. Look for programs that aim to foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities that can be applied beyond the summer program.

Conclusion

Summer math programs bridge the gap by ensuring that students not only continue to learn but also work on developing their math skills. These programs are designed in such a way that it foster a love for learning and a passion for mathematics and students do not feel pressure at all.

They provide a supportive community of like-minded students and passionate instructors who inspire and encourage students to embrace the beauty and power of mathematics. So, choose the one that fulfills your requirements from the list above and let the adventure begin as students embark on a summer filled with mathematical exploration, growth, and discovery.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 10 Summer Math Programs For Middle School Students appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

Just like you, many teachers in the country offer their services for extended school year programs to help students with special needs. We know how crucial it is to provide a continuous learning environment to these students so that they do not lose track and regress from what they have already learned.

The last few days of the school year can get very busy and leave you with little time to plan for the extended school year. To make your task a tiny bit easier, we have compiled a list to give you an idea of which activities you can conduct in your extended school year class. You can modify these ideas as per your liking to suit your needs and that of your students. 

So, let’s get started.

Ideas for a fun and engaging extended school year

In addition to reinforcing the knowledge, children have acquired during the school year, fun extended school year activities can be employed in order to engage children to utilize their maximum potential in learning and growing.

Since summer is the time when most students are enjoying their holidays, it is nice to have fun and entertaining activities lined up for special education students too, who come to school during summers. 

So, let’s look at some enjoyable activities that you can add to your list. 

1. Escape rooms

The idea behind escape rooms is to get the students into action and try to solve puzzles to unlock a box in the end. You can fill the box with something related to the activity or treats for everyone for completing the task successfully. 

The beauty of an escape room is that it is a highly engaging activity. You can design escape rooms to encourage students to use a particular skill like math, art, or English or use multiple skills for the activity. Hide clues at various places for the students to push their thinking potential to work and find the answers in order to escape the room.

2. Task cards

Task cards are nothing but cards with a task written or printed on them. They are a great way to substitute worksheets that students often find boring. 

Take some time to read the IEPs of your students and arrange task cards for each student depending on the skills they need to work on. Task cards are very effective for reinforcing and assessing learning in the classroom.

3. Social skills practice

The extended school year is a good time to improve social skills in students who find it a bit challenging. Since the extended school year program may not be as busy as regular school, you will probably have more time at hand to work with students who need extra help.

To make social skills fun, you can use task cards for emotion identification. Mini books with different emotions come in handy to explain the idea to students. You can also provide coloring sheets so students can identify emotions and draw or write things that create the specific emotion.

4. Summer recipes to try

Another great idea to bring in the summer to your classroom is summer recipes. No-kitchen recipes like S’mores and Greek yogurt popsicles are fun to make and delicious too. You can use visual recipes to prompt students on how to go about it.

5. Sensory activities

Activities that alert your senses are great for special education students as they are more comfortable learning through play. You can plan a few sensory activities for all students in your classroom once a week or distribute them throughout the week. You will find numerous sensory activities on the internet, but here we are sharing a few of our favorites.

• Making shadow puppets
• Use fingers to make numbers
• Sensory bottles
• Bubbles
• Glitter and confetti
• Play dough fun
• Popping bubble wraps
• Shaving foam activities

6. Water play for gross motor activities

Summer is all about relaxing and having fun. So why not allow your students to indulge in exciting water play to get them moving and work those muscles?

To conduct this activity, all you need is two buckets and a sponge. Fill one bucket with water and keep the other empty at a distance of around 10 or 20 feet. Now ask the students to soak the sponge in water and run to fill the other bucket by squeezing the sponge in it. 

It’s a nice activity to do on a hot summer day when kids can have some fun time together.

7. Science experiments

Children have curious minds, and what better way to get them thinking than an interesting science experiment? Ice cream in a bag, walking water rainbow, and mini volcanoes are a few awesome science experiments to conduct in your extended school year class. You will see those eyes lit up with excitement while doing these experiments hands-on.

8. Adapted books

Any book that is modified to meet the needs of a student is known as an adapted book. Adapted books are a great learning resource for students. These books are available for use in special education classrooms. However, some teachers also prefer using printed digital versions of a book along with its interactive pieces.

9. Summer-themed writing prompts

Writing is an important skill to have. To keep your students in the habit of writing short texts, you can use summer-themed writing prompts to get kids to write on a particular topic. You can be as creative as you can get for preparing these prompts for students. Some ideas for writing prompts are – 

• What do you wish to do this summer vacation?
• Write a short story about Going on a beach vacation.
• Write a paragraph on the 4th of July.
• Create a list of summer activities you like to do.
• When is national sugar cookie day?

10. Life skill activities

Life skills are necessary for every person so that they can live a life with ease. The extended school year is a good time to learn and practice life skills. So make sure you incorporate a few activities in your schedule to help students learn necessary life skills. Some skills your students can work on include –

• Grocery shopping 
• Counting money
• How to be safe in the kitchen
• Gardening
• Learning emergency numbers
• Setting up a table for dinner
• Baking a cupcake

A few more ideas to help you plan your extended school year

Planning activities for your special education students can be tedious but fun at the same time. There are so many lovely ideas out there that you can use to plan out activities for students. Below are a couple more ideas you can incorporate into your extended school year program.

• Interesting weekly themes 
• Tracing and fine motor practice
• Simple comprehension
• Fry sight words with play dough
• Summer-themed math practice pages
• National day journal
• Reading comprehension with symbols
• Communication board activities 
• Matching activities
• Tie and dye
• Paint rocks
• Woodworking project
• Make slime

Wrapping up

Your extended school year class may have a couple of new students whose strengths and weaknesses you may not be aware of. This would call for a little more effort from your side to help the students refine their skills.

If you have everything planned out, it will take the last-minute stress out of your life. Feel free to use some of the ideas mentioned above to make your job manageable. All these activities are fun and easy to conduct. You may even take the help of your subs to direct these tasks in class.

The contribution of special education teachers is worth appreciating. Without your sound expertise and continuous support, students with special needs may find it hard to meet their educational goals. We hope the write-up has given you enough ideas to plan your extended school year successfully.

Shweta Sharma

I am Shweta Sharma. I am a final year Masters student of Clinical Psychology and have been working closely in the field of psycho-education and child development. I have served in various organisations and NGOs with the purpose of helping children with disabilities learn and adapt better to both, academic and social challenges. I am keen on writing about learning difficulties, the science behind them and potential strategies to deal with them. My areas of expertise include putting forward the cognitive and behavioural aspects of disabilities for better awareness, as well as efficient intervention. Follow me on LinkedIn

The post 10 Interesting Extended School Year Program Ideas appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

It is described as one of the most effective approaches for students who experience learning difficulties, whether to read, learn, or write. Therefore, addressing this, we will discuss some structured literacy programs in this post that will prove helpful for students with dyslexia. 

What is a structured literacy approach?

Structured literacy is a comparatively new term created by the International Dyslexia Association to unify many different names for this research-based approach. Orton–Gillingham, phonics-based reading instruction, and systematic teaching are just some of its other aliases.

This approach was nearly a century old when Dr. Samuel T. Orton and Anna Gillingham partnered to help individuals who struggled with reading. They believed such difficulties weren’t brain-based and were not supported by the popular rote memorization method that was popularly used to teach reading back then.

Orton and Gillingham devised phonics-based, systematic, explicit, and highly structured methods with multisensory components to help students retain the concepts that evaded them. This is the same method we call Structured Literacy today.

How does a structured literacy program work?

Structured Literacy instruction is a systematic way of teaching students how to read and spell by first teaching them the smallest units of sound. Structured Literacy teachers are forthright about how English is predictable and an unpredictable subject because of its linguistic rules behind spelling and pronunciation.

Teachers work on the various verbiage approaches to imbibe a proper sense of reading in students. This includes:

• phonemic awareness
• decoding skills
• encoding skills 
• sight words, and
• reading fluency

Teachers follow the scope and sequence by

• Covering one syllable at a time
• Until all six syllable types are taught which include Closed, Open, Vowel-consonant-e, R-controlled, Vowel pair/diphthong, and Consonant-le

Characteristics of structured literacy programs

Just like any other activity or program that comes to help an individual to speak, write, and read, Structured Literacy programs also cover multifaceted aspects. Therefore, 6 pillars of structured literacy programs are being taught under this vast umbrella. They are:

1. Phonological awareness

Research suggests that phonological awareness is a foundational skill for knowing how to read and write well. It allows the learners to divide and manipulate the sounds in spoken language. This may involve many things like words in a sentence, syllables, and individual sounds in a word concerning phonetics.

2. Phonics & Word Recognition

Under phonics and word recognition, skills like decoding and spelling are taught, which include alphabetic principles, morphology, and techniques for reading phonetic terms that are multi-syllable in nature. The usage of decodable texts backs these instructions. Spelling instruction, just like decoding texts, also includes explicit instruction of spelling rules and guidelines.

3. Reading Fluency

Reading fluency is the capability to read words quickly enough to make them sound like collective sentences with accurate, meaningful phrasing. Reading techniques such as repeated fluency drills help improve an individual’s reading pace, rate, and understanding.

4. Vocabulary

Vocabulary knowledge is essential and is of utmost value in reading and writing skills. Instructions that fall under this category should be taught and practiced in a language-rich atmosphere. Some vocabulary instruction exercises include

• morphology
• classroom conversation
• reading loudly
• autonomous reading, and
• wordplay

5. Listening & Reading Comprehension

Instruction under this category handles many patrons of language comprehension, like vocabulary, syntax, semantics, verbal reasoning, sentence processing, understanding of literacy structures, and skills for reading text. 

6. Written Expression

Written expression instruction possesses writing mechanics, like handwriting, spelling, punctuation, and syntax. At the same time, semantics in this technique involves the phases of the writing process, like composition, revision, editing, and evaluating the corrected text.

Structured literacy programs

If you have recently discovered your kid’s difficulty with reading, you may want to consider structured literacy programs. They are essential in giving your kid the additional reading, spelling, and writing assistance they need. This systematic approach is a way of teaching language that stresses the five basic parts of literacy. Here are they: 

1. Reading and spelling program

A one-on-one tutoring program called the Barton Reading & Spelling system helps students with spelling, reading, and writing. It benefits children, teens, and adults with dyslexia or other learning difficulties.

This program proves to build positive reading skills in people who have dyslexia. It is a direct approach that allows a deep focus on reading difficulties. The problem also focuses on diagnosing and implementing different techniques to solve the issues. The assessment tests are highly beneficial in establishing a connection in the development of literacy skills in students.

Program Link

2. The Family Fluency Fun Kit

This guidebook, created by the Neuhaus Education Center, has several paragraphs with numbers after every 100 words. So while a parent may track how long it takes and monitor the kid’s development, the youngster can read the paragraph to the 100th word.

This literacy program helps parents and teachers inculcate the efficacy of reading in the learner. The program provides manual and rapid word recognition charts to enhance the learning experience. It includes skilled reading, essential skills for fluency, spoken language, repeated reading, and different activities to improve reading skills.

Program Link

3. The Comprehensive Literacy Curriculum: Language

This curriculum includes multisensory and reading, writing, spelling, and grammar training. Additionally, it provides an English as a Second Language (ESL) element to help users who are having trouble learning the language.

It is an effective literacy program that integrates different aspects of reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. The program also focuses on sharpening foundation skills and spoken English. Children also access interactive writing, independent writing, and word study in such a program.

Program Link

4. Program Linda mood-Bell (Lips)

This application promotes phonemic awareness by teaching users how lip motions relate to vocal sounds. Children can then use this knowledge to enhance their reading, spelling, and pronunciation. 

The program is directed to make individuals read and comprehend their understanding to their full potential. It leads to the development of an oral-motor and auditory aspect for students. In addition, the program aims to provide phonemic awareness through the identity and sequence of sounds in words.

Program Link

5. Nessy

Students who use Nessy learn the fundamentals of reading. This program’s framework is methodical, data reports are laid out and simple to grasp, and it is created to fulfill Common Core and the strictest state criteria.

Nessy is a fantastic platform to explore different topics for students. It covers the science of reading, spelling, and phonics and also offers programs for dyslexia. Nessy is broadly used for students across the world. Programs are designed with proven research through effective learning solutions.

Program Link

What makes this approach efficient in special education?

This method proves to be highly incremental for all readers and benefits pupils with dyslexia. Moreover, it is easily measurable and diagnostic and helps the teacher in assessing ‘concept mastery’ per lesson through reading observation and written dictation. Teachers respond to a student’s progress by moving at a certain pace led by the student’s improvement and not by the curriculum.

1. Moving forward

When addressing the requirements of kids with dyslexia and other literacy issues, structured literacy approaches are far more effective than many standard literacy techniques. 

• In SL, teacher-led, explicit teaching in all significant literacy aspects is prioritized. 
• A phoneme-grapheme (encoding) and grapheme-phoneme (decoding) level method is used in the initial phonics teaching. 
• The phonics curriculum is effectively connected with texts and other materials.
  

2. Helps in a systematic approach to learn

Create organized, cumulative learning paths that move from foundational abilities to more advanced ones.

• Give students several chances to use their knowledge while reading materials they can understand and decode.
• Use the feedback from the students to modify the presentation, tempo, and quantity of practice.
• Both informal (observation) and formal (standardized) methods should be used to monitor the development closely.  
  

3. Gives confidence to the kids

It is important to understand that the kids must have confidence in what they are being taught; if they are not interested in learning, it is also equally difficult for the teachers to make them understand the subjects. 

• Structured learning programs can give a proper layout to the teacher to teach the kids and make them feel familiar and comfortable with their subjects.  
  

4. Quick learning

The next thing that makes this a great way of teaching the kids is that it offers quick learning, making them grasp lessons and concepts easily. Then, if the structured literacy program is followed correctly, the kids can inculcate the things taught to them and show surprising results. 

Conclusion

Students with dyslexia often struggle to read and spell, but structured literacy programs have helped them tremendously. First, the students become more efficient at speaking English; this makes it easier for them when they are trying out new words or having conversations in everyday situations later on down the road. It also helps with developing a strong vocabulary, and enhanced spell-check, and makes learning, understanding, and gasping skills prompt and effective.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 5 Programs Involving Structured Literacy Approach appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

While a lot of programs are introduced for children with dyslexia at the schooling level, one point that should not be missed is that a lot of individuals with learning difficulties struggle in their adulthood too. Now when it comes to adults with dyslexia, there are a handful of programs that may prove life-changing to command and control dyslexic traits. This is where the role of programs for dyslexia comes in. 

Therefore, in this post, we will explore some options for adults with learning disorder like dyslexia, which have already helped a number of people before, and is thriving to help more grown individuals in the current day. 

Potential gaps in the adult diagnosis and compensatory accommodations

Dyslexia in adults is often related to cognitive inadequacies. Some of the challenges they face are related to working memory, visual and auditory processing, and problem-solving. Out of these, One of the core cognitive processes is phonological processing which causes reading and writing difficulties among dyslexic people^[1]. 

These cognitive deficits can be compensated through rigorous but customized training plans and resources according to the needs of the adult. Other inadequacies can only be accommodated after understanding the gap it builds between an adult’s current functioning and their ideal functioning potential. A few of the overlooked challenges in the workplace and public settings that create functional gaps for adults with dyslexia include: 

• Inability to remember information without looking at their notes.
• Poor working memory is the inability to hold information of multiple genres or multilevel information simultaneously. 
• Automation of skills is difficult for adults with dyslexia, as the new training or information that enters their minds does not become an automized skill on its own. It requires tons of effort to ensure that the skill is learned and can be used without excessive effort, just like “learning how to eat” eventually becomes a skill for us.
• Difficulty with time management or keeping track of recurring tasks or to-do lists. 
• Misunderstandings or misinterpretations during oral exchanges. 
• Difficulty in following navigation or directions 
• Failure to interpret the consequences of their speech or actions, etc.

While these are certain overlooked challenges, the level of challenge they face depends on the intensity of the skills they lack. For example, while some might lack only word recognition skills, others might face difficulty managing time, imperative for daily functioning.

Upon acknowledging the treatment gaps, it is important that these adults are provided with the resources and programs to help them develop these skills and grow into more self-reliant individuals. 

Skill-enhancing programs for adults with dyslexia

Some of the programs that have been considered significant in the growth and development of adults with misdiagnosed/undiagnosed dyslexia in childhood; however, these programs are accessible to all who struggle to maintain a steady and skill-based lifestyle against dyslexia otherwise 

1. Wilson Reading system

This intensive intervention program covers individuals in grades 2-12, as well as adults who face word-level deficits and aren’t able to make sufficient progress through their current intervention or any other teaching strategies. This program is based on phonological coding research and aims to systematically teach the structure of the English language. The group size under these programs is comparatively smaller and helps students in fluent decoding words and encoding the strategies for the same. Some of the skills it focuses on are: 

• Word Structure: automatic decoding and spelling
• Word recognition and spelling of high-frequency words
• Sentence level text reading and more. 

Official link

2. Davis dyslexia correction program

This comprehensive program aims to reduce the symptoms of dyslexia in an adult and eventually help improve reading, spelling, and handwriting skills. This program serves individuals of ages 8 and above (adulthood). 

Their vision is achieved by stabilizing perception and controlling its disorientation and teaching specific techniques to gain reading fluency and comprehension skills. The course stretches to a duration of 30 hours, and the individual learns the following skills:

• Alphabet mastery
• Davis reading exercises 
• Punctuation mastery
• Pronunciation mastery 
• Davis symbol mastery 
• Handwriting exercises 
• Support training, etc. 

Official link

3. Adult Dyslexic Programme 

This program was launched in 1999 by David Schenck, who aspired to teach adults with dyslexia how to read. With its phonics-based instructions, this program uses a multisensory approach as well, where they associate the usage of various human senses to the sounds, words, and letters to retain them in the best possible way. 

This program is designed for those who have difficulty reading, writing, and spelling, all those who feel limited in achieving their true potential due to dyslexia and its consequences, and also who look forward to reducing the symptoms of their disorder by beginning from square one. 

Official Link

4. Orton Gillingham Reading Programme for dyslexia

The purpose of the Orton-Gillingham Reading program is to teach phonemic awareness through the usage of explicit and direct instructions. There are differing reading programs under the Orton-Gillingham technique, and it requires an in-depth understanding of the needs of the individual to be able to choose the correct program that helps them compensate for the lack of skills. 

Knowing the individual’s learning style can also be merit in choosing the program that offers the easiest way to learn the skills. 

Official link

5. Slingerland Approach

Intending to promote excellence in literacy for all, Slingerland Literacy institute offers a program for dyslexic adults that uses the 5 inclusive pillars, scientifically required to improve 

• Phonological awareness
• Phonics
• Word recognition
• Reading fluency 
• Vocabulary and comprehension 

It provides these services using comprehensive, multisensory, and structured language programs, with the added benefit of handwriting instructions. 

Official link

6. Lindamood Bell programme 

Lindamood-bell is a teaching program that offers multisensory interventions for adult individuals suffering from the learning deficit of dyslexia. It uses the individual’s different senses to develop brain associations with words, letters, and sounds. It is a useful approach for individuals with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorders. 

In this program, individuals work one-on-one with instructors, and each session can last from one to four hours. This program offers a unique approach, including research-validated and sensory-cognitive instruction.

Official link

7. Training program for adults with dyslexia by Sydney dyslexia

This year-long program offers services to adults who struggle with dyslexia or haven haven’t had the best of experiences during school or at the workplace. 

Their focus is to ensure that the learner does not associate their potential with what they cannot do but how they can do it differently. They promise the following changes and developments in an individual who enrolls with them in a span of a year:

• Increased and maintained focus 
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• No involvement of boring repetition in the reading regime
• Reading and learning without having to spell out loud. 

The program showcases its credibility through various testaments of individuals mentioning significant improvement in literary as well as social skills like self-esteem and confidence through this program. 

Official link

8. Barton Reading and spelling system 

This system was developed in 1998 by Susan Barton after she started tutoring in a library-based adult literacy program. It is multi-sensory evidence and research-based program aiming to provide sequential and intense interventions that are explicit and directed toward the individual seeking help through it. It consists of 10 levels devoted to various gaps in the language development of any individual with dyslexia, like 

LEVEL1: Phonemic awareness

LEVEL 2: Consonants and short vowels

LEVEL 3: Closed syllables and units

LEVEL 4: Syllable division and vowel teams

LEVEL 5: Prefixes and Suffixes 

LEVEL 6: Six reasons for silent E

LEVEL 7: Vowel R syllables

LEVEL 8: Advanced Vowel teams

LEVEL 9: Influences of foreign languages

LEVEL 10: Greek words and Latin roots

The program allows individuals to learn at their own pace and hence choose the time frame they complete.

Official link

9. LTK Dyslexia programs for adults  

Language Tune-up Kit is an online program for adults with dyslexia that promises an interaction of 30 minutes per day that can significantly develop their reading proficiencies, increase their decoding skills, improve their spelling skills, build their confidence and self-esteem, and offers 87 engaging lessons with the vision to achieve these skills with time tested techniques and strategies.

The program is customizable and adjusts to the learner’s needs anytime. It also focuses on repetition to reinforce learning and adhere to a well-structured curriculum.

Official link

10. Fast Forward Programme 

This software-based program is based on more than 30 years of research around neuroplasticity. It works on the root cause of learning delays instead of simply reducing symptoms. It aims to help individuals with reading fluency and comprehension, in individuals of all age groups, with learning difficulties like dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, ADD, and even autism. 

The exercises incorporated in this program allow the individual to rewire their brain and achieve higher neural functioning through the development of newer connections and consequent learning of new abilities and skills. With intense monitoring provisions, they promise to produce 1-2 year-long results in 3-4 months. 

Official link

Conclusion

Being an adult with dyslexia in a society that’s unapologetically scrutinizing individuals who work day and night can be excruciatingly painful. While government provisions like ADA are being brought to action, some workplaces are evolving by incorporating the use of accommodations for individuals to feel seen at workplaces as well. 

With that being said, this article offers insight into certain programs that can help adult individuals learn the skills they lack through rigorous practice and monitoring and ensure that the services provided to them in general life are brought to effective and efficient usage. 

It also shares insight into the struggles and treatment gaps when it comes to adults with dyslexia and aims to bridge that through the given information. 

References:

1. Common Cognitive Deficits in Dyslexic Students – Implications for Differentiated Instruction. (2009). LINCS | Adult Education and Literacy | U.S. Department of Education. https://lincs.ed.gov/lincs/discussions/learningdisabilities/09Cognitive.html

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 10 Helpful Programs For Adults With Dyslexia appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

Abacus is a handy reckoner adorned with beads to aid easy estimation of not just numbers, but also a cut above mathematical notions. Kumon is a specialized home-based educational system. While these inceptive words are scanty to distinguish them, here in this post we will look into relevant insights.

Abacus & Kumon – Comprehending crucial features

Abacus and Kumon may ensure to help students develop their critical thinking skills, interest, and a better understanding of their effective learning methods. It is one of the most crucial decisions to check out before you make a call to join the program – 

“Abacus or Kumon.” Parents or teachers always wish that their students be proficient in math and its concepts. And if you want a program to boost your kid’s learning from an early age, you first need to understand the requirements of your kids and then pick a suitable program for them. Here we’ll help you to understand these two – the Abacus and Kumon thoroughly to give you an idea to make the best decision for your child’s enrichment.

Here are some crucial features to infer:

• Abacus and Kumon both are after-school tools, and they are important to gain enrichment to understand the math concepts with multiple techniques.
• Abacus helps students develop their ability to do speedy calculations with accuracy by using simple techniques. As a result, abacus students can solve the problem and get correct answers almost 4-5 times faster than a calculator. 
• On the other hand, Kumon is a math program that makes students practice math problems extensively. In Kumon, they assign practice worksheets in every session for students and expect them to get the solution independently.
• So yes, ideally, both the tools have their benefits and are pivotal, and for that reason, your decision also primarily depends upon your child’s needs.

Abacus: Here is how it adds value to learning

Being an ancient reckoner, the abacus can have a number of edges. Here are those benefiting attributes that may entice you towards the abacus.

1. Improved concentration: Abacus is a tool that helps students develop their concentration levels to focus on learning. Being great for the brain, the abacus helps students to boost their concentration levels as this tool highly depends on the visualization technique that helps them imagine the abacus in their mind and carry out calculations. 

2. Observations and listening skills: The abacus helps students strengthen their observation and listening skills which help them further in multiple aspects of their growth. Through the abacus training, the student enhances their observation skill as they get trained to hear the number only once and solve the problem in an instant. 

3. Enhanced visualization and imagination: Abacus makes students help them get skilled in visualizing the images in their brains. After that, the further process of calculating the problem happens mentally.

4. Helps in memory strengthening: The Abacus helps improve memory as it makes the students think logically and does the math calculations in their brains. Therefore, by practising abacus methods, students’ capacity to memorize something improves and strengthens their memory.

5. Boosted speed and accuracy: Most of the exams and tests are time-based, and students need to give accurate answers within a specified time. Abacus helps them to learn how to optimize their time with accuracy.

6. Better academic foundation: All the focused points of learning get embedded into a student’s brain to lay a strong academic foundation to make their performance excellent.

Kumon: Here is how it adds value to learning

Being a modern-day strategical pedagogy, Kumon has a separate set of pros. Here are those intriguing traits that may entice you towards Kumon learning.

1. An Independent approach: Kumon is a program that unlocks the students’ true potential by making them solve the problems independently.

2. Ensures Solid command over the subject: The methods of Kumon include an approach to develop a solid command over math skills. Daily practice and mastery of the topics make students more confident.

3. Unique pedagogy: In Kumon, they have their own teaching. Typically, they decide what topic to start with that may or may not match the school syllabus. Students can learn a particular topic; they can score good if they practice continuously to achieve the desired result.

4 Worksheet assignments: In Kumon, students are given a practice worksheet, and they need to solve it by themselves; a facilitator is there to give guidance if they have any questions or doubts.

Learning with kumon: What are the catches?

While we explore through probable advantages, comprehending possible catches can aid in a better decision of choice. Here are some such cons which may not be a concern for every student.

• Kumon’s lesson sheets are repetitive.
• Students repeat the similar worksheet at least six times. It’s good to practice, but this continuous repetition makes it quite boring for the students.

• Instructors are not teaching, just guiding.
• There are class instructors, but they do not teach the topic. They just provide an answer if students have any questions. 
• Kumon doesn’t follow the school syllabus. Covering other topics is good to gain more knowledge, but the school syllabus has its importance, but Kumon doesn’t follow the school syllabus.

Abacus vs. Kumon: Which one to opt for?

Abacus is an ancient tool to calculate quickly and accurately, originally developed in China. In Abacus, learning happens in a small gathering, and students can work together. It helps students learn techniques to improve problem-solving through mental calculations and enhances focus and concentration.

On the flip side, Kumon was developed in 1950 by a Japanese educator, Toru Kumon. In Kumon, learning happens on an individual basis, and it emphasizes an independent learning approach. Kumon requires parents’ involvement. Kumon helps in memorization^[1]. Daily practice sheets are there to make students learn the topics. Kumon does not teach methods of mental calculations. Kumon’s main focus is on math, reading, and writing.

Abacus is a handy tool we use to learn math that has a sheer number of benefits such as analytical skills enhancement, improved focus, concentration, etc that students gain without even noticing. As a parent, if you wonder what is the minimum age to start learning Abacus? Then you must know that your kid can start learning it as early as four years of age. This is because, in the early years, a child’s brain processes the information in the right way. Therefore, they can grasp early at this age.

On the contrary, Kumon is a program for students between 3 to 16 years of age. Kumon focuses on certain topics and a continuous practice approach. Children have to solve many but similar types of questions. Kumon doesn’t give practice for students’ topics in school.

Abacus Vs. Kumon

Comprehending various insights and edges of Abacus and kumon, here we look into comparison highlighting where they can assist for pupils:

Conclusion

Both Abacus and Kumon are programmed to help students to build math concepts. Moreover, the emphasis of the Abacus is not limited just to the practice of concepts and has a wide spectrum with various advantages. Kumon makes students practice certain topics until they get a good score with great understanding.

Abacus and Kumon both have their benefits, and it’s up to learners which methodology to use for their excellent academic performance. We have described both Abacus and Kumon and their key differences. As a parent, deciding on picking one from these should not solely depend upon their features, but you need to make a call by considering your child’s needs as well.

References:

1. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AUDIOLINGUAL KUMON EFL METHOD IN TEACHING ENGLISH AT THE VII GRADE OF SMPN 5 KISARAN. (2018). Cecep Maulana.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post Abacus Or Kumon Math Program: Which One To Go For? appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

Even if compromised neurologically, learners can now keep up with their learning persuasively. To ensure this, you may have to choose those specific learning programs that follow the Orton-Gillingham approach.

In this post, we will mull what the Orton-Gillingham program is, how to choose the best program, and finally, our best picks for your young learner. 

Orton Gillingham program- What actually it do?

If you are looking for an approach that is probably tailor-made for a child with a learning disability, Orton Gillingham Programs can be your best pick. This approach is direct, clear, and multi-sensory, and is accompanied by a sequential style of teaching, reading, writing, and spelling to pupils who have personal challenges in learning. The program guides these children to align with the pace of traditional learning.

Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham initiated the Orton-Gillingham approach. Samuel Orton was an American neuropsychiatrist and a pathologist who focused on reading failure and other language learning difficulties. To resolve this, he brought neuroscientific information and principles of remediation together.

He encouraged Anna Gillingham, an educator, to compile and publish appropriate educational materials. The first version of this Orton-Gillingham material was seen in the early 1930s and soon became popular as the Orton-Gillingham approach. In our previous posts, we have also talked about how effective this approach can be. 

Choosing the best-suited program

Several programs are available today that follow the Orton-Gillingham approach. But you might be in a bewildering situation where you cannot decide which one would be the best for them! You can choose an appropriate program when you exactly know what the young learners need. When an appropriate style is chosen, their comprehension of concepts will be better, and thus they will enjoy it more. 

There are a number of learning styles that you can opt for. For tactile learners, programs with activities would work. While for visual learners, teaching with colorful images would come in handy. 

Broadly, you can avail two types of Orton-Gillingham programs:

Direct teaching Programs 

Some students need undeviating supervision from teachers for better grasping of notions. Direct teaching programs ensure the same, where instructors use straightforward techniques to enlighten their skills. This method is evidently traditional but is impactful most of the time.

Software-based Programs

Also known as Computer-based learning (CBL), it is an approach to instruction where aids are provided by the computer. This method ensures a number of interactive elements using software to improve the interactivity levels. 

Orton Gillingham program- Top direct teaching programs

The direct teaching approach ensures the pupils are taught and guided by teachers directly. This warrants minimal communication gaps and effective learning. Most of these programs are inexpensive and are quite easily formatted for ease of communication. 

Here are some top programs:

1. Barton Reading and Spelling

This is a premium-priced yet effective program that parents often like. May it be clear instructions or great reading techniques, most of its attributes make it direct and effective. Thus, it stands as one of the most potent programs for children who have challenges in learning and grasping. This program makes non-professionals teach efficiently which is the factor that makes it distinctive. It is most effective for pupils who toil in spelling, writing, reading, and other language-related concepts.  

Each level of this approach ensures quality through Tutor Training on DVD/Online videos, tutor manuals, colour-coded letter tiles, manipulatives, and customer support too. The DVDs consist of approximately five to six hours of instructions. The pupil can halt and practice skills for ten to fifteen minutes. The tutor manual consists of everything you may need to instruct. The wide column in it contains full scripting, while the narrow columns contain just summary information. 

2. All About Reading

All About Reading (AAR) is a cost-effective program that briefs what to do and what not to do. Being a complete program in phonics, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, it has four levels along with a pre-reading program. The scripted lessons are fun and engaging due to their easy formats. Being a research-based multisensory program, it is timidly scripted; thus, it can give fruitful results in just a 20-minute session a day. This makes it a fitting choice for over-ornate parents and tutors too.

It consists of two parts: the Pre-reading program and the Reading Program. The Pre Reading Program consists of a teacher’s manual, a student packet, two read-aloud books, the letter sounds A to Z app, and a few other essential manipulatives. This account is a great starter. The Reading Program consists of four levels: 1 to 4. The five components of this program include phonological awareness, phonics/decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

3. Lindamood-Bell

Being in the market for more than 3 decades, this evidence-based program develops the skills necessary for reading and comprehension, especially for students needing support. The program starts with identifying strengths and weaknesses, based on which instruction is decided.

The learning disability evaluation ensures this and it results in a real-time difference in performance. Offers by the institute are another distinguished aspect; parents can avail themselves of good discounts occasionally; this school also welcomes international students.

4. Wilson Reading

A tried and proven program from Wilson Reading (WR) ensures quality with its experience of more than 3 decades. Used by many private schools, this program is not heavily scripted. It focuses on the education of teachers, ensuring it with certifications. It collaborates with districts and universities for school implementation, science and literacy development, graduation programs, and graduate credits. The research-based discipline incorporated with COMPASS (COMprehensive Plans for Achieving Success and Sustainability)and literacy specialists guides the discharge of programs with assured constancy. 

WR starts with very basic skills like letters and their sounds and then gradually dives into needed skills. Thus, it is age-appropriate; students of every age get materials designed for them. For instance, if the eighth-grader wants to learn fourth grade, the materials are designed for their level with advanced vocabulary and exemplars. This can be your pick if you are looking for a popular and proven scheme that possesses brand value.

5. ABeCeDarian Reading Program

The next option for parents and teachers who are looking for a direct teaching program for their child is the ABeCeDarian reading program. It is a comprehensive decoding program that uses a multisensory approach to help students gain the ability and confidence to read fluently.

Children in kindergarten through grade 2 receive explicit phonics instruction, so they develop a stronghold in phonemic awareness and decoding. For older students in grades 3-6, the program offers word study materials, which must be combined with appropriate reading materials so they can keep making progress in reading.

Some time ago, the program rolled out levels A, B1, and B2 in a digital format. This makes learning more convenient, as learners can now access the reading material anytime, anywhere, enhancing their overall experience.

Orton Gillingham Program- Top Software-based Programs

A software-based program along with a direct-teaching program can lead to ameliorated results. Software-based programs have a lot of value additions like convenience and flexibility. Additionally, this approach circumvents the need for repetitive teaching. Evidently, it is rare to find a patient-practitioner as well.  

Here are some of our picks:

1. Lexia Reading

With five levels of learning, Lexia reading is a thorough course that begins with basic sounds and continues teaching through concepts like roots, syllabication, suffixes, and prefixes. The program meets the Common Core standards and now has timed drills; thus, it becomes a great pick for daily training. 

This computer-based reading program provides phonics instructions ensuring independent student practice in basic reading skills. Being designed to supplement regular classroom instructions, it amplifies skill development in five different areas of reading instruction identified by the National Reading Panel.

This program usually consists of two to five 30 minute-sessions each. The Internet-based reports from developers allow instructors to access and monitor the progress of the pupils at all levels. Unfortunately, the limited time span constrains educators from repeated lectures. 

2. Fast ForWord Program

Fast ForWord is a unique software-based program developed by neuroscientists. It helps in building a learning foundation, followed by training for reading fluency and comprehension. To begin with, learners complete 5 to 7 exercises of early programs to strengthen their foundational skills and then move on to programs that focus on reading and comprehension.

While most reading programs are either conducted at a dedicated center or offer software to be used at home, this program has the best of both worlds by offering the convenience of learning to read at home and the guidance of professionals who coach and mentor parents and their kids to derive the best possible outcomes from this program. They even conduct virtual sessions if need be.

The Fast ForWord program is perfect for learners of all ages and those with different learning difficulties. Just 30 minutes a day, 3 to 5 days a week, brings significant progress in children and adults when the program is used consistently for 4–6 months.

3. HearBuilder

HearBuilder focuses on building a strong foundation of literacy and reading by improving listening and memory retrieval skills. The research-based online interactive programs offer a set of multi-level activities with reports for parents and educators to track the progress. It offers multiple plans ensuring tailor-made training. These include:

• Home (for one student and one parent)
• Home + ( doe one parent and 2-4 students)
• Educator (for one instructor and up to 20 students)
• Educator + (for one instructor with up to 40 students)
• Administrator (for multiple educators with over 40 students)

Summing up

The Orton-Gillingham approach is focused on individual learning needs. Concentrating on the early needs of pupils would boost them in sorting, recognising, and organizing the lessons helping them to ponder and apply what they learned. As much as these programs help children with learning disabilities, they can also be a boon for others who wish to learn with ease. 

Being validated for more than 80 years, this approach has created enough evidence of being effective. Having a professional instructor can make it a tool with extraordinary depth and flexibility. Mull into the above picks to check if any of them fits your young learner. 

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 7 Best Orton Gillingham Based Reading Programs appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This teaching method works out great for students as, unlike traditional methods, it emphasizes technology and merges subjects in a way in which students can relate with each other.

Elementary schools that promote STEM education focus on practical knowledge and applying technology with science as its companion. They focus on coding, engineering basics, mechanics, robotics, and other related concepts and subjects, which actually helps students gain practical knowledge, rather than just memorizing their curriculum and then never applying it in actual life.

Let us now look at some benefits of STEM education in Elementary schools.

Benefits of stem education in elementary school

1. STEM Teaches Critical Thinking And Innovation

STEM education primarily focuses on problem-solving and logical thinking, which helps elementary students develop habits and derive the best education that can help them succeed in their adult life. This is wholly and solely because STEM education helps students by challenging them to think more critically. When students find their own solutions, they learn better and retain them for a lifetime.

2. Leadership & Team Work

STEM Education emphasizes teamwork to solve problems, which help elementary student to understand what teamwork is. This way, the student also learns to work and abide in teams from the very beginning. STEM education plays a massive role in teaching students the importance of leadership, collaboration, and communication, which genuinely help in their adult and work lives. When students are prepared to be leaders from the very beginning, they will carry that mindset and attitude further to their future. Therefore, it is not wrong to say that STEM education creates the leaders of the future.

3. STEM Education Teaches Students To Take Failures Sportingly

STEM Education motivates children to find the solutions to certain problems themselves. Contrary to the traditional style of teaching where students are always spoon-fed and just expected to mug it up, elementary schools which focus on STEM Education expect children to learn by their own experiences with the belief that failures and mistakes would make them a better students, and a better individual in the future.

4. STEM Education Creates Problem Solvers For The Future

Students who study in elementary schools which follow STEM Education tend to think more smartly, practically, and critically. This is because children are made to conceptualize, analyze and evaluate information that is given to them. They need to solve situations and get the answers using skills like observation, reasoning, communication, and much more.

5. Benefits Students Who Suffer From ADHD

Students who have ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) find it extremely tough to focus. If taught by the STEM learning model, such students tend to perform tasks efficiently and more quickly by thinking rationally and practically in search of answers. This practice forces them to learn more avidly by focusing on the question to get the answer. At the same time, they solve the problem without losing any interest or attention.

6. Boosts Self-Confidence And Cognitive Skills

Elementary schools that follow the STEM model of teaching and learning make the child more self-confident. This helps with their overall development and builds and improves their cognitive skills. Cognitive skills like thinking, listening, understanding, and questioning are strengthened as students are more aware of themselves and what they are learning in school. Students brace their skills as they tend to develop a habit of listening carefully, understanding, justifying, and then answering. They even tend to ask questions if they do not understand something, as the load of solving the problem depends on all these factors.

7. Makes Children Future Entrepreneurs

STEM Education pays keen attention to making sure that students study to learn, not just to score well. While there is no guarantee scoring good will take you further in life, there is quite a chance that gaining knowledge might make you a future entrepreneur. We are living in a world where we need to closely understand globalization and the world economy. STEM Education helps and motivates children to understand such concepts, which help them become the country’s future.

Transitioning From STEM To STEAM Education

Now that we know the benefits of STEM education in Elementary schools and the kind of development it does for the students, it is also essential to know that STEM education is now converting to STEAM Education in many elementary schools. Besides Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, some elementary schools have also added ARTS to this module. This is primarily for the reason that art is also a subject and concept that should be given the utmost priority.

Educators now agree that art also plays a massive role in a child’s development, as it enhances the child’s creativity, and this indeed acts in favor of the child, especially when focused right from the elementary school level.

Stem Education & Innovation

Gone are the times when students only used to learn through rote learning and memorizing. With the world and economies growing and drifting towards being more technologically advanced, the job market to has changed a lot. Organizations are now looking to hire candidates who are innovative, love experimenting, and are problem solvers. STEM education is one method of learning and educating that promotes all these branches. If these qualities are inculcated in the student from elementary days, it becomes a conscious practice of the child, which truly benefits them in the future as an adult.

Conclusion

STEM education always provides students the ground to learn better and retain. As soon as students enter Elementary School, they are persuaded to solve problems by logical thinking and critically analyzing, which helps them polish their cognitive skills and build their overall personality in a way that reflects in their adult life. On this account, many elementary schools are shifting their focus toward STEM Education from conventional and traditional teaching and learning methods. 

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post Benefits Of Stem Education In Elementary School appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

Language fluency has been observed as relatively low in dyslexics, especially in those having English as a second language^[3]. So, one thing that can be inferred from this is that students with dyslexia do find it difficult to construct coherent sentences, retain an expansive vocabulary and spell words correctly along with the contextual application of new words.

Imagine the frustration and despair a child would have to see a notebook filled with red ink blatantly highlighting their spelling mistakes! More often than not, dyslexic children would falter over seemingly ‘simple’ words that other kids in her/his peer group master in a breeze.

Need for online spelling programs

Children with learning disabilities need to be incorporated into the formal teaching-learning process with sensitivity and a unique method adapted to their strengths and weaknesses. You may want to choose an appropriate spelling program, whether your child/student attends a good school or is home-tutored. In either case, the spelling program should encompass the following attributes:

• The program should be based on the Orton-Gillingham approach.
• It should teach spelling concepts logically and sequentially, enabling students to decompose words into meaningful units. 
• It should strengthen phonological awareness for a student. The basis of all spelling is the way each letter or syllable in the word is pronounced.
• It should train the student to identify word patterns.

Rather than making a dyslexic child memorize lists of words (which may bring a highly undesirable mechanical, rote learning approach in students), the right way is to expose her/him to similar word patterns, and predictable spelling rules that s/he can apply in all situations.

• The curriculum should be mastery-based with a provision for inbuilt review. An effective program is flexibly paced to allow a student to master a previous learning unit fully. 

• It should stimulate multiple sensory pathways to enable holistic learning by a student. The use of magnetic tiles, keyboards with sounds, colored blocks, highlighted segments, etc., helps a child to interact with words and focus on spelling better.
• An excellent approach to teaching new words is to introduce word origins. Loanwords and spellings borrowed from Latin or Greek, for example, could be taught through exciting stories from the mythologies, allowing more significant interaction.

Engaging online spelling programs for kids with dyslexia

1. All About Learning Press

The program is a building-block-based program with seven mastery levels. The Orton-Gillingham approach is used for a complete, comprehensive spelling curriculum. Each tier reinforces the previous one. Typically, Most students start with foundational Level 1. A placement test helps to determine which level(s) is/are suitable for your student. 

The program toolkit contains an interactive spelling kit used for training at all levels of the program. Interactive, multisensory items like Letter Tiles, Magnets, Phonogram Sounds App, and Divider Cards provide a fun approach for easy learning.

Official Website

2. Barton Reading & Spelling System

Highly influenced by the Orton-Gillingham approach, it’s a highly versatile method to teach a dyslexic student. It consists of 10 levels, which help your ward to master various aspects of spelling, root words, phonemics, and spelling rules block by block.

One USP of this program is that each level comes with an instructional DVD that demonstrates how to teach spelling with the Barton System. The material for each level comes with a comprehensive Tutor Manual with Complete Lesson Plans. The kit also comes with Color-coded Letter Tiles that demarcate syllable types and simplify syllable division.

Official Website

3. Expanding Expression

This program uses a multisensory teaching approach to enable your ward to express her/himself freely and with confidence. The Expanding Expression Tool (EET) helps a student write long-form articles, with mastery in language skills such as Oral & written expression, Vocabulary building, Defining, describing, and categorizing objects, Making associations, and noting similarities and differences. The toolkit consists of a training manual, object cards for descriptions, stickers for writing, a dice game, and prompt cards for descriptive writing.

Official Website

4. Nessy Reading and Spelling

Nessy is a vast resource for assisting the literacy development of dyslexic children. While it has been designed for 6-11 years old children, the toolkit has proven to be useful for older students as well. The Nessy products focus on “Structured Literacy based upon the Science of Reading”.

For early readers, the program trains them in systematic phonics as a foundational skill. At advanced levels, they are taught spelling, morphology, vocabulary, and comprehension. The program follows a mastery-based, multisensory methodology suitable for all children, especially those with dyslexia.

The most significant advantage of the Nessy programs is that you can directly stream the instructional material over a stable Internet connection. Thus you always have access to the latest, improved teaching aids at all times and on all devices of your choosing. For spelling curriculum, these products may be suitable:

Official Website

5. Spell-Links

This program aims to better a child’s reading & writing by keeping spoken language to develop these additional skills. Its trademarked formula employs a speech-to-print approach, helping a child stimulate her/his brain’s neurological circuitry adapted for oral language. It focuses on systematic word study tailor-made for students with LDs like dyslexia. 

The main aim of this app is to enhance the encoding and decoding capabilities of learners. It helps the learners improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills. Oral communication skills have also been improved significantly among the users.

Official Website

6. REWARDS

REWARDS is a teacher support material designed for kids at the intermediate (grades 4-6) and secondary (grades 6-12) levels. It aims to help students break down new multisyllabic words into identifiable chunks, recognizing common prefixes and suffixes so that they can master word and long-form text comprehension rapidly. It is rapid-paced, engaging, and systematic, and the way it is designed, you can expect your child to engage actively rather than passively memorizing words and glossing over difficult words.

Official Website

7. Touch-Type Read & Spell

This research-based spelling and typing program uses touch, auditory and visual feedback to strengthen sound-letter correspondence. This modular program has 24 levels with 31 modules per level. Rapid learning and advancement are guaranteed through a positive reinforcement mechanism that rewards kids based on their completion rate and accuracy rather than speed or duration for completing each module.

These programs help build skill, accuracy, and the mental coordination required to read and spell new words. We hope this comprehensive list can guide you to choose a program suited to your child’s specific and unique needs!

Official Website

8. Family Fun with Fluency

This product, developed by Neuhaus Education Center, recognizes the need for parents to be a part of their children’s learning process. The kit comprises a manual, a student reader, charts for sharpening word recognition, and a CD with video lessons.

It is the perfect product for parents to lead their kids to fluent spelling and reading through Reading, seeing and observing, and auditory cues. This kit helps parents increase their child’s accuracy and fluency.

Official Website

9. Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

This program focuses on an empathetic instruction medium for bridging the gap that dyslexic kids incur in ordinary school courses.

The online, individualized, one-to-one learning program strengthens the phonemic foundation of spelling. It uses feedback from the ear, eye, and mouth to help learners judge the sequencing of phonemes in syllables and words, which builds on the concepts learned earlier.

Official Website

Conclusion

These programs are designed to be easily absorbed into any learning program, whether traditional schools or home-schooling. They are flexible and intersperse both plays and learn excitingly. There are many other programs available solely for immersion in school curricula, but the above programs are worth trying once considering even parents can be involved in the development of their kids. But what you need to remember is that you are not alone. There have been several notable people who have had dyslexia. Moreover, technology has advanced so much that there are several apps available online that can make dyslexia much more hassle-free than it was a decade ago!

References

1. Nadelson, Louis & Beavers, April & Eppes, Brittany & Rogers, Aubree & Sergeant, Kanechia & Turner, Susan & Winkle, Alexis. (2019). A Comparison of Teachers Perceptions, Misconceptions, and Teaching of Students with Dyslexia. World Journal of Educational Research. 6. p442. 10.22158/wjer.v6n4p442.
2. Vijayaletchumy Subramaniam, Kavenia Kunasegran. (2020). Dyslexia: Communication Problems in Interaction. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(4s), 3480-3485. Retrieved from http://sersc.org/journals/index.php/IJAST/article/view/23490
3. Helland, Turid & Kaasa, Randi. (2005). Dyslexia in English as a second language. Dyslexia (Chichester, England). 11. 41-60. 10.1002/dys.286.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 9 Spelling Programs for Kids with Dyslexia appeared first on Number Dyslexia.