EDYSGATE PROJECT

Many people see dyslexia just as a reading and writing difficulty. But the problems that cause these difficulties also impact on many other life skills. The Edysgate project has developed a series of Internet-based training modules to train specific skills for dyslexic persons.

There are a number of games available which can help to train the following skills:

Auditory discrimination - this can be defined as “the ability to identify and distinguish between different sounds.

Auditory memory - involves being able to take in information that is presented orally, to process such information, store it in one’s mind and then recall what one has heard.

Auditory sequence

Visual discrimination - is the ability to recognise similarities and differences between visual images. For example the ability to match a circle or square within a whole series of different forms.

Visual memory - is the ability to recall information that has been presented visually.

Visual sequence- to the ability to see objects in a particular sequential order

Spatial position (e.g. top, bottom, behind, ahead, left, right).

It is geared to young dyslexic adults e.g. after school, at vocational training, at university, at the beginning of their professional career

The principles behind the exercises are not specific for any given language - they will work for all individuals across Europe.
GO TO :
http://www.edysgate.org
On the left side of the home page – click on ‘learning games’. You will need to give a users name and a password – after you can start to play the games

.

DICEY SPELLING

Dicey Spellıng


Dyslexic children find it difficult to learn spellings.Dicey spelling is a useful technique to try out.It works on the idea that after the spelling has been looked at and thought about, another activity is used to occupy the short term memory but which will also involve the use of the spelling. This means that the brain will internalize it in the LONG TERM MEMORY, not just ‘dump’ the spelling because it doesn’t need it any more.

When children play the game at the beginning you can often find them saying,“What was that word again?” This shows just how quickly the brain removes information it considers irrelevant. After a few attempts at the game, pupils begin to remember better.

Because this game involves recalling memories and is repetitive and fun,this will develop the pupils experiences of memory recall. Use a small number of words only (maybe 6) and play the list through at least twice at each session.

How to play:
Write the words on individual cards.
Study the word.
Remove the word.


Throw the dice. The number you get decides which of the tasks you do.
1. write word with eyes shut
2. write word with opposite hand
3. spell word aloud backwards
4. write word in bubble writing
5. write each letter in different colour
6. write a word with a similar meaning.
(Change these numbers/task around when they become too familiar.Add different tasks)

The game can be adapted in many ways. You can use it to learn subject vocabulary and key terminology .You could use it to teach maths facts eg number bonds ( 8+2 .,7+ 3 , 6 + 4) or multiplication.etc.

This idea came from Sally Raymond.She is a qualified teacher of dyslexic children. Dicey Spellings comes from her book 'Dragonfly Games : Supporting and Developing Dyslexic Learning 7-14 David Fulton.

She runs local groups and a website for dyslexic children and their parents.Sally has written a book called Helping Children Cope with Dyslexia (2nd Ed.) Sheldon Press ISBN: 978-0-85969-875-7

Both books can be obtained from Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/

LATTICE MULTIPLICATION

Lattice multiplication

Very often children with dyslexia or learning disabilites may find problems with the traditonal method for long multiplication.This is because it relies heavily on the working memory .

If your child is struggling with multi-digit multiplication then lattice multiplication is a good tool to try out as it will help them to gain confidence.

Lattice multiplication is a method of multiplying large numbers using a grid. This method breaks the multiplication process into smaller steps, which some students find easier. Digits to be carried are written within the grid, making them harder to miss.



Here is an explanation of the lattice multiplication method :


Let's multiply 216 x 32. First write the 216 across the top, and the 32 down the right side of a 3x2 rectangle. ( see above diagram )

Now fill in the lattice by multiplying the two digits found at the head of the column and to the right of the row eg 6x3 .
When the partial product is two digits, the first (10's) digit goes above the diagonal and the second (1's) digit goes on the lower right of the diagonal. If the partial product is only one digit, a zero is placed in the triangle above the diagonal in the square.

At this point, we have the multiplication done. Now we add along the diagonals beginning in the lower right to get the final product. Any "carries" when adding are illustrated outside the rectangle.

(This explanation is from : http://mathforum.org/ )

To watch a demonstration video of Lattice multiplication go to :
Mary Bryan Elementary School : Maths videos
http://mb.msdpt.k12.in.us/Math/Algorithms.html

Also :
http://blog.syracuse.com/video/2008/06/everyday_mathematics.html

For blank lattice grids go to :
http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/lattice.html

http://www.mathwire.com/numbersense/mult.html

http://www.skillsworkshop.org/n/e3l1l2latticepaper.pdf










.

FINGER TABLES

FINGER TABLES - 9 TIMES TABLE

Your child may be struggling with multiplication because he is dyslexic.Here a really neat way to teach your child the 9 times tables using their fingers !!

1. Hold your hands in front of you with your fingers spread out.
2. For 9 X 7 bend your seventh finger down. (9 X 3 would be the third finger etc.)
3. You have 6 fingers in front of the bent finger and 3 after the bent finger
4. Thus the answer must be 63 ( see diagram above )
5. This technique works for the 9 times tables up to 10.

ITS VERY EASY AND YOUR CHILD WILL PICK IT UP QUICKLY!!

A MULTIPLICATION GAME

YOU CAN USE ORDINARY PLAYING CARDS TO HELP PRACTICE MULIPLICATION FACTS !!

Dyslexic children often find difficulty learning their times tables They will however learn their facts much more quickly if you play games with them on a regular basis , as it makes learning more fun. Below is one example of a game you could try using playing cards !!

Remove the Kings and Queens from a deck of cards.

Use a marker pen to write an "11" on each Jack and a "12" on each Ace.

Shuffle the cards and then take it in turns to flip over two cards.

Your goal is to say the two multiplication facts that go with the pair of cards eg a three and and five =‘15’ .You keep the cards if you are the first one to say the answer.

The one with the most cards is the winner.

If you wish, focus on the facts that give your child the most trouble. You could give a small reward if your child gets a certain number of cards.

EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE

Developments in computers can be of great benefit to children with dyslexia.Computer programmes can be used to assist the learning process. While there is no substitute for individual tuition, computer programmes provide valuable reinforcement, variety and can increase motivation.They can be very useful for parents who are trying to help their dyslexic children.

There are now some cd roms available in Turkish which can be used to practice reading, writing and maths.

Below are a few I have used with my child :

Mine'nin Matematik Evi – Logomotif
3- 7 - Millie's Math House includes seven activities where kids explore numbers, shapes, sizes, patterns, addition and subtraction as they build mouse houses, create wacky bugs, count animated critters, make jelly bean cookies and answer math challenges.This has won some awards.

Akıllı Çocuklar- Logomotif
Akıllı Çocuklar 1, 3-7
NB Akıllı Çocuklar 2 ve 3 – for older age groups

Okumayı Çok Seviyorum- Logomotif

Aimed at supporting children who are just learning to read.Contains a variety of stories and games .

BİLBUL 4 İşlem – Kara Korsan’ın Hazinesi- Logomotif

A pirate game which involves correctly answering addition,subtraction multiplication and division questions to reach some buried treasure.

ALFABE – Eurosoft
For 3-7 aged children. It introduces children to all the sounds and letters of the alphabet It is in both Turkish and English.

I haven’t used this one – but it may be useful :
EL YAZISI - Konuşan Harfler - Eurosoft

For more information :

http://www.eurosoft.com.tr/

http://www.logomotif.com.tr/

It's Called Dyslexia

It’s Called Dyslexia

BY Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
IBSN :978-975-403-495-01.
Tübitak

Two reviews from Amazon.com

'A good "feel good" book for dyslexic children

I bought this for my 7 year old dyslexic daughter. She was very excited to hear the story told from the dyslexic main character. The basic summary of the book is that she was excited about school and then got frustrated with school because reading was so hard for her but easy for other kids. Her teacher wanted to talk to her parents, it made her worried but then it turned out that her teacher wanted to tell her parents that she was concerned and wanted to do tests on her. They learned she had dyslexia, they got her help and now she loves reading. It made my daughter feel like she could some day enjoy reading too. If only schools help kids with dyslexia as well as the book says....'

I think the last point is very true and especially in Turkey !!!!!!!

‘Great book to read aloud with a group of children and / or parents. Such a reading gives a great platform for informed discussion and developing further understanding. Also great to use as a family for the same reasons’

There are lots of these types of books available in English but until now none in Turkish - so its great Tübitak have printed this book !!