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In the first post on this series of Helping Your Child Understand Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities – Part 1 I shared with you a real life experience of how I would explain the basics of learning disabilities to a group of my own students. Here I will continue on with the same theme by giving you a few more suggestions about how to help your child better understand dyslexia and learning disabilities.

Although I was dealing with students whose ages ranged from 14 years old and higher the same principles applies to even younger children. The main thing is to explain things to your child in terms that they will understand and that are age appropriate.

Allow your child to express themselves about how they are feeling about finding out that they have dyslexia or another type of learning disability. Some will feel scared thinking that this may be some type of disease. Reassure your child by letting them know that it is not that at all. Tell them that having dyslexia or another type of learning disability has to do with the way they learn. It is not that they can’t learn; it is just that they learn differently than others. Explain that it may take them longer understand something but they can do it. Encouragement from a parent goes a long way with a child struggling with reading and learning.

Children with dyslexia and learning disabilities often feel that they are a disappointment to you and are often disappointed in themselves. Let your child know that you can see how hard they are working and take advantage of even the smallest victories. Tell them that you are there for them to help if they don’t understand and you will explain to them questions that may arise. Encourage them to keep trying and that you too make mistakes. Reinforce that if a mistake is made it is only that the problem isn’t solved yet, but together you can work on discovering the correct answer.

Remind the child that at school and home there is a whole team of people that are willing and able to see them through the struggles with reading and other learning areas they may be facing. Accommodations and modifications to the child’s learning for the year are set forth in an Individual Education Plan or IEP for short. You and your child should attend the meeting that the special education teacher will set up so that you will know what goals are to be reached. Keep track of the paperwork and attend conferences or other scheduled progress reports of your child’s performance so that you will know how things are going.

Provide age appropriate and high interest level reading materials for your child to continue their participation in gaining better reading skills. Children are more apt to pick up and read something they are interested in even if they struggle with reading. Teach by example and let them see you reading something that you like as well. Another good way to get them reading is in a practical sense. Have them help you cook a meal, and have the child read the recipe to you. Not only will they be reading but they will also be learning a valuable life skill. Giving them a hands-on activity such as cooking also helps the child develop their comprehension skills.

You may have to repeat instructions for tasks often in order for them to be completed. Have patience, it is not that a child is ignoring what is being asked of them, it may be the way in which the task was presented. You may need to use a variety of multi-sensory approaches in order to get the job done. If you just tell your child to do something and it has not happened they may need for you to write them down a list instead so that they can see what it is you want them to do. Remember the importance of knowing your child’s Learning Styles mentioned in the previous post on this topic in Part 1? This is a perfect example of what I am referring to.

Share in the joys and the frustrations that go along with a child that has dyslexia or learning disabilities. There will be moments of laughter and tears but together you can see all the times through. Knowing that there is someone there to encourage, help and love them in spite of the difficult times will definitely put your child’s mind at ease.

Some of my most current posts have been dealing with the problems that struggling readers face and what parents need to know about children with dyslexia. In continuing with the theme of these posts today I would like to share with you another side of the coin. This time I wanted to bring you a post on Helping Your Child Understand Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities.

Those of you that have visited this site before know that I am a former teacher. My background in education dealt primarily with high school aged students with learning disabilities. Like the old saying goes, “you can take the teacher out of the classroom, but you can’t take the classroom out of the teacher”. This blog in part has become a “classroom” of sorts hence the Educational Activities category on this site.

My passion for helping children learn has not waned although I am not currently teaching in a formal sense. Now my outlet for helping others learn comes from this source, a blog that allows me to share with you the knowledge that I have gained from my teaching experience. It is my sincere desire to convey to you through this medium the lessons I learned along the way of helping my students to achieve their set goals.

The time following when a child has been evaluated and it has been determined that dyslexia or a learning disability is the reason for them struggling with reading can be very confusing for both the parent and the child. It is not that neither realized that there were problems. Very often warning signs of dyslexia or other learning disabilities can emerge even in preschool aged children. The children themselves early on begin to realize that they are different from their peers. This often effects how children relate to others of their own age. Many times children with dyslexia battle issues of low self esteem.

Problems in dealing with a teenager’s self worth are prevalent amongst all children of this age but adding to the mix the matter of having dyslexia, this was a major factor for my former students. I knew I needed to find a means of helping them better understand the problems they faced with both their self esteem and their learning disabilities.

Allow me to illustrate this point to you by telling you about how I would begin the process of helping children learn about dyslexia and learning disabilities. After getting to know a new group of students each year I would set aside a day of classroom activities to discuss with them the reasons why they were placed in my classes. I would put their minds at ease by telling them that this was a safe haven and nothing would be held against them for speaking out. I just wanted to know how they felt about being placed in SLD classes.

A hand would usually go up and a student would say, “It’s because we are Stupid, Lazy and Dumb”. That is what the students had come to believe about themselves and what SLD stood for. Actually I would tell them, that is not the case at all. SLD is short for Specific Learning Disabilities. While it is true that each of you have been placed here because of some sort of a learning disability or dyslexia what you thought those letters meant couldn’t be further from the truth.

I would then explain to the students that each of them has at least an average IQ with some of them even above average or that they could not have even taken these classes. So that rules out the idea that you are either stupid or dumb. I would also point out to them that in that way they are very much like other teenagers that are not placed in this class. A hint of a grin would start on most faces after letting this point set in.

Next we would address the issue of being “lazy”. I would then pose the question to the group as a whole about how hard they try to get their work done and how long it sometimes takes them to understand the information they are trying to learn. I would say I know that even though it is often difficult for you at times you each try to get good grades and to comprehend the lessons. This does not equal the definition of lazy. So therefore you can check that off your list too.

Then I would let the students know that it is not that they can’t learn, it is just that they may learn differently than others; not only just from their peers outside this classroom, but also as individuals in this class. That is where the specific part of the term comes in. I would let each of the students know that they have their own ways of gaining information. This is called their Learning Styles. (You can find out more about this by following the link) I would tell them about the importance of knowing their individual learning styles so that they could understand the best approach of helping them gather, receive and comprehend information. In other words, finding the way that they could best Learn.

I would also explain that each of them has their own talents and that yes, they had strengths in areas that we could build on to help out with their areas of weakness. The key was to discover what things they do well, and to find out where they needed help the most. I worked on instilling in them that all was not lost and that it is never too late to learn. There are means of helping them overcome their problems of struggling to read and that accommodations can be made to assist with their learning disabilities. More on this later.

I realize that this has become quite a lengthy post. Still, I had a lot to share with you. To tell you the truth there is more, but I know that it would best serve you to break this into more than one post. So if you would like to learn more on this subject follow this link to Helping Your Child Understand Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities – Part 2.

Check back with us often as I continue to delve into the realms of these and other posts previously written with more to come in the future on helping your child that is a struggling reader, has dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Give us you feedback and questions. We’d love to hear from you.

As a parent of a child with dyslexia certainly you have concerns about how you can help your child with their problems with reading and learning in general. In order to alleviate the tension you are experiencing this post, Children with Dyslexia – What Parents Need to Know, covers certain facts and myths about dyslexia well as some useful suggestions for solutions to your worries.

Facts about Dyslexia

The first important things to cover are some facts about dyslexia and how to deal with them. Parents should have first-hand knowledge about dyslexia to better understand the issues and therefore the ways in which to help their children that struggle with the problems they face.

Here are certain facts about dyslexia that parents should know:

• Dyslexia affects about 1 in 7 people – Parents and children both should know this fact so that they realize that they are not alone. Many families and the children themselves often feel isolated and that no one understands. There are many helpful organizations available that will assist families gain a better understanding of dyslexia and how to deal with the issues that arise.

• Dyslexia is not a “disease” – It cannot be “cured” or something a child “grows out of”. However with the right measures of intervention, strategies for learning and additional support from family and school personnel children with dyslexia can lead successful lives.

• Dyslexia is a neurological disorder – There is no known specific cause but studies show that the brain of a dyslexic develops and functions differently. With this is a type of learning disability there are difficulties with language skills in particular reading.

Myths about Dyslexia

Here we will dispel two myths that seem to add to parent’s confusion when it comes to understanding dyslexia and how to help their children deal with the situation.

• Dyslexia vs. IQ – Perhaps the number one myth about those with dyslexia is that they are stupid. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact children or adults diagnosed with dyslexia are of average or above average intelligence. There are many “gifted” dyslexics that have been well known throughout history. Many believe that Albert Einstein was a dyslexic because of his noted delays in speech and language; today one would hardly dare to call this man stupid. There are a great number of many talented and successful people who have dyslexia. The key to helping your child deal with dyslexia is your continued parental involvement and dedication to helping your child to seek out the best possible reading programs to assist their needs.

• Dyslexics are just lazy – Those with little understanding of dyslexia tend to think that those affected just don’t try hard enough and are lazy about learning. That is hardly the case. Most who are dealing with dyslexia “try” harder than ever to learn. True they often get frustrated and act as if they want to give up but this reaction is actually a cry for help. Children with dyslexia often face issues of low self-esteem because they know they are falling behind their peers when it comes to learning. They want to learn but without the right guidance and practice they will struggle with reading. Every child has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning. That is why it is crucial for parents to know their child’s learning styles so that you can help them build up their weak areas through their strong points. Finding a reading program that promotes the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach to learning will definitely assist your child with their struggles when it comes to reading.

Helping Your Dyslexic Child

So just what should you do to help your child with dyslexia? Your continued support and dedication to your child’s learning process is the first best step to helping your child succeed. Children assured that their parents are involved and will stand by them gives the child peace of mind that together you will work through the issues surrounding their situation.

• Keep in close contact with your child’s teacher so that you will know their current progress.

• Attend parent conferences and IEP (Individual Education Plan) meetings regularly.

• Get to know your child’s learning styles and focus on your child’s strengths to help work through their weaknesses.

• Seek out tutors that offer assistance with your child’s individual learning needs.

• Purchase a reading program that gives help to struggling readers at home.

• Reassure your child and praise them for their efforts daily.

Dyslexic children are struggling readers but there are methods that will help them succeed. Working together as a team is key to helping your child to become successful. Knowing that you and your child are not alone in your efforts will give both comfort and the necessary tools to assist you with the challenges to come.

Space is limited for most people in cities and urban areas. There is not enough room for a traditional vegetable garden. One of the first Advantages of Vegetable Gardening in Containers is that it gives you the opportunity to grow your own vegetables with very limited space.  Vegetables can be grown in a variety of different size pots and deck boxes.

Areas for Growing Vegetables in Containers

A patio can be an excellent area for large pots that you could plant tomatoes in or other vegetable plants that need a large container for proper growth. Even window sills can be used for vegetables that can be grown in small pots or window boxes. Door steps and balconies are other areas that can supply room for your vegetable plants.

Vegetables You Can Grow in Containers

Here is a sample list of vegetables that can easily be grown in containers:

• Broccoli – You will need a 2 gallon container for each plant.

• Green Onions – A 1 gallon container will allow you the space for three to five plants.

• Leaf Lettuce – A 1 gallon container will hold two lettuce plants

• Tomato Plants – For each tomato plant you will need a 5 gallon container.

• Fresh Herbs – Window boxes will hold a variety of herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, thyme, and garlic.

• Pepper Plants – Green Peppers or other pepper plants such as Jalapeños can be grown in 1- 5 gallon containers.

These are only a few of the vegetables you can grow in containers. Be sure the type of container you choose has holes in the bottom to allow for adequate drainage.

Other Advantages of Vegetable Gardening in Containers

One advantage to container vegetable gardening  is for the disabled. Many people are not only limit by space but also by movement. Those with a physical disability may not always be able to bend or stretch to get to the plants in a more traditional vegetable garden.

Growing vegetables in containers can solve this problem by allowing the individual the ability to easily reach their vegetable plants. Containers can be set to the height that is obtainable for someone in a wheelchair or that my have a back problem. They can tend to their vegetables and still feel comfortable doing so.

There is another advantage to growing vegetables in containers that is growing in popularity. Many people these days are becoming eco-friendly. Growing your own vegetables in containers helps the environment. Vegetable gardening in containers also gives you the opportunity for organic vegetable gardening.

You can buy all the soil, plants and organic vegetable fertilizer from an organic supplier so that you know first hand just what is being used on the crops you are producing. There are Green Earth Box Ready-to-Grow System available to help get you started. What a great way to give your family a healthy meal all while helping the environment.

Growing your own vegetables in containers is rewarding in many ways. You now can enjoy eating the fresh vegetables you’ve planted with your own hands knowing for sure that you are helping the environment. As you can see this is an alternative to the traditional vegetable garden for those with limited space or that may need an area for growing vegetables that they can easily reach.

I hope this information has given you ideas on how to grow your own vegetables. Now that you know the Advantages of Vegetable Gardening in Containers why not get started today?

Your normally happy-go-lucky child who was curious about everything, eager to learn new things and enjoyed you reading to him suddenly has become moody, wants nothing to do with books and doesn’t want to go to school. As a concerned parent you ask your child what is wrong. As a typical response the child tells you “nothing”. Instinctively you know this avoidance response is not the case. Something has changed and not for the better. All too often however this is a familiar scenario that many parents face. So just what should you do when confronted with a similar situation? Here are 5 Tips for Parents of Struggling Readers that will help you and your child get back on the right track to become a successful reader.

5 Tips for Parents of Struggling Readers

Your child’s welfare is your top priority as a parent. You want to help your child succeed in all aspects. Here is a list of suggestions for you to follow if you think that your child may be struggling with reading.

1.    Ask for a Parent-Teacher Conference – Make a call to your child’s school and schedule a conference to be held with the teacher.

• Ask the teacher if she has noticed any changes in your child’s behavior when it comes to reading.

• Listen to what the teacher has to say about patterns that your child is showing and what skills they may be lacking.

• Find out if the child has missed solid reading foundations such as phonemic awareness or phonics.

2.    Request Assessments – Determine if there are any limitations that may be hindering your child’s development.

• Have your child’s eyesight and hearing tested yearly.

• Decide after talking with the teacher if further educational or psychological testing needs to be completed to determine if a learning disability exists.

• Discuss the options for your child if it is determined that a disability is apparent.

3.    Build Up Your Child’ Self Esteem – Children who are struggling readers often have low self esteem. Many have been teased about being lazy or stupid.

• Encourage your child by letting them know that having reading problems has nothing to do with their intelligence.

• Each child has their own learning styles and gathers information in their own way.

• Tell your child that just because they may learn differently than others this is not a bad thing; they are unique and have to be taught the way their brain learns.

4.    Know Your Child’s Interest – As a parent you know what your child is interested in.

• Surround your child with books, magazines, games and puzzles that include these interests.

• Go to the local library and let them get their own library card to pick out books on subjects they like.

• Search the web to discover other information on the topics at hand.

• Head to a museum that tells the history of what they are interested in.

• Engage them in hands on experiences of their interests.

5.    Practice Makes Perfect – Have your child practice reading 30 minutes a day, every day.

• Allow them to pick what it is that they will be reading based on their interests.

• Create a comfortable area in your home set aside for reading without distractions.

• Be available to answer any questions that your child may have when they are reading.

• Be a role model as a parent by taking this same time to read something of your own interest; showing your child that reading is important to you too.

• Parental involvement is a key factor to your child’s reading success.

You know as a parent that you have your child’s best interests in mind. You want to give them all the encouragement and advantages necessary for them to succeed in life. Following these 5 Tips for Parents of Struggling Readers gives you suggestions on how to ensure that your child will get back on track and rediscover their love of learning.