Louise McHale- Specialist Tutor and Dyslexia Assessor.

Well another emotional week ahead as three year 6’s move on to high school. I am so proud of all of them, not only what they have achieved academically but seeing their confidence blossom 🌸

This week we had fun using the Kinetic Sand to practice our learning.

Did you know I can go in to your child’s school?

Is your child tired after school and would prefer to do all their learning in school?

I currently attend several schools across Stafford and Stone on a Monday and Tuesday. I have my own public/private indemnity insurance as well as a fully enhanced, transferable DBS. Please contact me for further details if you are interested in me helping your child in school.

Action shot of jumping on letters to practice spellings

Different ways to practice spellings- this week this student has been dribbling a ball in and out of cones whilst sounding out the words ⚽️

When the sun has been out, students have been practising spellings/phonics with chalk outside ☀️

A new dyslexia definition has arrived if your child’s has characteristics that reflect the new definition and you would like more information about a full diagnostic dyslexia assessment- please email me at [email protected]

Dyslexia: a new definition, a new era? - Louise Selby Dyslexia Specialist It is a momentous time in the dyslexia world. For the first time in dyslexia's almost 150 years of history, multiple stake holders found consensus on a new definition of this condition which has caused controversy for as many years. In this blog, I outline how dyslexia's turbulent past has influence...

I’m so proud of my student. He’s participating in cumulative, multi sensory lessons, and this week he has been able to complete split digraph spellings independently. This is such fabulous progress that demonstrates what can be achieved when a child has access to amazing tools. ⭐️

Would you like to find out if your child has dyslexia? Are they between the ages of 9-18 years old?

A full diagnostic report will include-

1. Collating feedback from schools and home
2.Psychometric testing
3. A full diagnostic report with recommendations for school/home
4. A feedback meeting after the report is complete.

The reports are SASC approved and can be used as evidence for applying for DSA (Disability Student Allowance).
If you would like further information, including a free dyslexia checklist please see the contact details below.

Why not make spelling fun- Different activities to support spellings

I’m looking forward to welcoming the children back after the Easter break. For those who are doing SATs or comprehension practice, I have created these quizzes to help practice both literal and inferential comprehension. As well as honing comprehension skills this will also help with typing technique.
These will be incorporated into the first 15 minutes of the sessions then proceeded with the dyslexia specialist lessons.

April is Autism Acceptance Month. Studies show that people with joint hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) have a higher likelihood of being autistic than would be expected by chance.

Research by Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), led by Dr. Jessica Eccles, found that more than 50% of participants with a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, or Tourette syndrome demonstrated elevated levels of hypermobility, compared with just 20% of participants from the general population. Neurodivergent participants also reported significantly more symptoms of pain and dysautonomia (e.g., dizziness when standing up) than the comparison group, which was related to the number of hypermobile joints.

Medical professionals should be made aware of this. This is important because autistic people may have symptoms or concerns that could be because they also have a hypermobility-related condition like EDS, and vice versa.

For example:

🟡easy bruising
🟡chronic pain
🟡proprioceptive dysfunction
🟡gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation
🟡autonomic dysfunction

At the Ehlers-Danlos Society, we continue to increase awareness among medical professionals and our community of the relationship between autism and joint hypermobility. We do this in many ways, including at our Events, in our EDS ECHO Programs, and by supporting researchers with their community surveys and funding open access to their publications.

Jane Green, MBE, spoke at our 2023 Global Learning Conference on 'Connecting the dots between autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, EDS, and HSD.' Dr. Carolina Baezo-Velasco is a leading expert in EDS and Autism. A presentation on neurodiversity is available in English, German, French, and Spanish, including a Q&A with Dr. James Kustow. Find these resources and more here: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/autism-acceptance-month/

Happy Easter from Macy Dog 🐶

https://louiseselbydyslexia.com/dyslexia-dyscalculia-and-maths-how-to-identify-and-help/

A great blog post about Dyslexia, dyscalculia and maths by Louise Selby

Yesterday was an emotional one for me as I said goodbye to a student who I have taught since the start. Witnessing her transformation into a confident young woman fills me with pride. I wish her and her wonderful family all the success in the future and thank you so much for these beautiful flowers and heartfelt words in the card. Stay in touch 💞

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums of the children I teach. You are all wonderful and doing the absolute best for your children.

Have a lovely half term!

This week my business is two years old! Looking forward to celebrating with the children and their families 🥳

Super proud of this student creating her own poster of the plural rules. This is now displayed in the garden classroom!

A lovely review from another Louise-

Highly recommend Louise… she has worked with Elliot every week and the difference made is unbelievable. Not only has his ability in reading, spelling and writing improved but most importantly he is happier. His confidence has grown and we are very thankful to Louise. Reach out, you won’t be disappointed. ☀️

Thank you so much 😊

Would you like to find out if your child has dyslexia? Are they between the ages of 9-18 years old?

A full diagnostic report will include-

1. Collating feedback from schools and home
2.Psychometric testing
3. A full diagnostic report with recommendations for school/home
4. A feedback meeting after the report is complete.

The reports are SASC approved and can be used as evidence for applying for DSA (Disability Student Allowance).
If you would like further information, including a free dyslexia checklist please see the contact details below.

It really does not feel like revision when it is disguised in a game of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’. The children love it and it is great way for me to see what they have understood/gaps in their learning.

Happy New Year to all my lovely students and their families. Thank you for supporting my small business in 2023, it is really appreciated! 💖

Wishing all my lovely students and families a very Happy Christmas! See you in 2024!

Thank you for all the presents and cards I have received this week, I have been very spoilt ☺️

The pupils had fun writing on biscuits this week!

The ‘Garden Classroom’ is looking all snowy and Christmassy!