Calder Dyslexia Services

23/07/2023

Does your child confuse 'b''s for 'd''s 'g's for 'j's, 'u's for 'y's? Can they sequence the letters of the alphabet accurately if you give them a set of letters or ask them to write them out? Do they know how many letters are in the alphabet? What are vowels and consonants?
Teach the letter names and their sounds using the alphabet arc- have fun with each of these marvellous characters in the alphabet. Did you know there are the words, 'hi' and 'no' in the alphabet as well as so many more cues... even a car. Visually, if children can see, say and record these letters in sequence, it will help their recall for reading and spelling.😁

09/04/2023

A dyslexia assessment can only be carried out by an educational psychologist or an appropriately qualified specialist dyslexia teacher.
A screener in schools is designed to indicate whether dyslexia could be contributing the learner's barriers to learning or not- it does not diagnose, nor does it clearly identify the learner's specific needs.
A diagnostic dyslexia assessment is a legally binding document that specifically identifies whether difficulties are due to dyslexia or not; and if diagnosed with dyslexia, it determines what factors are causing the learning difficulties- whether it be short-term or working memory, phonological memory or phonological awareness, orthographical and/or processing difficulties etc so that advised appropriate interventions can be put in place at home and school to help the learner overcome these barriers.

31/03/2023

I now have availability- two Friday mornings in May for dyslexia assessments. Please share, or if interested, please pm me for more details.

27/02/2023

Dyslexia is a primarily a difficulty in phonology but can also include difficulties with orthography and/or morphology- memory and processing too. Orthography is based on recalling visual representations of spellings, transposing of letters, numbers and words; however, it is not to be confused with visual processing.
Visual processing difficulties are difficulties with how the eyes communicate with the brain- linked with tracking difficulties, or requiring a particular colour from the spectrum to stop letters/words moving, blurring etc. Visual processing difficulties is not dyslexia.

05/11/2022

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD's) such as dyslexia, are not difficulties if strengths are embraced and barriers are removed- identifying them is the key. Like a beautiful sunset, if we remove the barriers, the view is so much better!

30/08/2022

https://youtu.be/4v88Wd20GiU
This talented, incredible lady explains in great detail, her experiences as a neurodiverse child (and adult), trying to 'fit' into a society that is structured for neurotypical people. She is quick-witted, entertaining, but at the same time, tells a frustrated story that many can relate to because it either makes people think of someone they know, or possibly even reflects their own story. It tugs at the heart. Her story highlights just how misunderstood many children with SpLD's can be in a schooling system designed for the neurotypical, whilst at the same time, highlighting the constant feeling of failure these hugely talented children feel because they are not being taught in a way that meets their learning needs. Her story highlights how important it is for children to feel they are being understood rather than judged (in any situation, whether it be in school, recreation areas, a supermarket etc.). Children's abilities, rather than disabilities need be recognised and appreciated, so their journey into adult life is a successful, less disaffected, self-respected, positive journey with a learning foundation that they felt proud to be a part of. We need to do more as a society to remove barriers, and embrace the importance of diversity.

Em Rusciano, Australian comedian, writer, singer and media presenter, addressed the National Press Club of Australia in partnership with Women in Media. She ...

24/07/2022

If anyone requires booster tuition sessions in KS1/KS2 English or Maths over the holidays, please P.M for further details. Limited availability- 1:1.