The Dyslexia Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers

by Sandra F. Rief, Judith Stern

Overview

Essential advice and resources for helping kids with dyslexia

The Dyslexia Checklist is a valuable guide for parents and teachers that can help them better understand children and teenagers with dyslexia and other reading- and language-based disabilities. The book relays the most current research available and is filled with practical strategies, supports, and interventions. Using these tools teachers and parents can accommodate the needs and strengthen the skills of students with reading and writing disabilities across all age levels. The book is presented in a simple, concise, easy-to-read checklist format and is filled with useful advice and information on a wide range of topics.

• Explains what we now know about dyslexia from decades of research
• Contains games to strengthen a child's literacy and language skills
• Provides important information for hooking in reluctant and struggling readers
• Offers suggestions for enhancing skills in vocabulary, comprehension, composition and written expression, spelling, math, and more

The book also provides information on the educational rights of students with dyslexia.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470429815
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	01/12/2010
Series:	J-B Ed: Checklist , #3
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	878,625
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Sandra F. Rief, M.A., is an internationally known speaker, consultant, and best-selling author of books on helping children with learning disabilities and ADHD. A former award-winning special educator, she is author or co-author of nunerous books including How to Reach and Teach All Children in the Inclusive Classroom and the ADHD Checklist. Find more information at her website, www.sandrarief.com.

Judith M. Stern, M.A., is a teacher, educational consultant, and national speaker, who specializes in helping children with learning and attention problems. Her past books include Putting on the Brakes: Understanding and Taking Control of Your ADD or ADHD. For her consulting, presentation, and tutoring topics, visit her website, www.JudithSternEducationalConsultant.com.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xiii

About the Authors xv

Introduction xvii

1. Basic information on dyslexia 1

Introduction 2

1.1. Clarifying the Terms Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities 3

1.2. Important Facts and General Information About Dyslexia 7

1.3. Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia 11

1.4. Decades of Research: What We Now Know About Dyslexia 16

1.5. Other Common Problems 20

1.6. Common Strengths and Positive Characteristics of People with Dyslexia 25

1.7. Diagnosing Dyslexia 27

1.8. Research-Based Intervention Programs for Struggling Readers 35

1.9. What Children with Dyslexia Need from Parents and Teachers 43

1.10. Key Instructional Components and Interventions for Students with Dyslexia 45

1.11. Dual or Multiple Exceptionalities (Gifted and Dyslexic) 50

Resources 54

2. Strategies for helping with reading, language, and writing 57

Introduction 58

2.1. Phonological Awareness 59

2.2. Systematic Phonics 67

2.3. Decoding Strategies 73

2.4. Sight Word and Irregular Word Strategies 86

2.5. Fluency Strategies 91

2.6. Vocabulary Strategies 98

2.7. Comprehension Strategies 104

2.8. Spelling 115

2.9. Common Writing Difficulties for Children with Dyslexia 126

2.10. Strategies to Help with Prewriting: Planning and Organizing 129

2.11. Strategies for Teaching Composition and Written Expression 133

2.12. Strategies to Help with Revising and Editing 140

2.13. Assistive Technology to Support Reading and Writing 146

2.14. Accommodating Reading and Writing Difficulties 154

2.15. Games and Activities to Strengthen Literacy and Language Skills 159

2.16. The Basic Spelling Vocabulary List 163

Resources 169

3. Checklists for parents 177

Introduction 177

3.1. Talking with Your Child About Dyslexia and Other Learning Differences 178

3.2. How to Advocate for Your Child 182

3.3. Finding a Tutor or Educational Therapist 187

3.4. Building and Nurturing Your Child’s Self-Esteem 191

3.5. How to Help Your Child with Homework 195

3.6. Reinforcing Reading Skills at Home 201

3.7. Helping Your Child with Organization and Time Management 206

3.8. Strategies for Building Your Child’s Study Skills 213

Resources 218

4. Checklists for teachers 221

Introduction 221

4.1. Adaptations, Accommodations, and Modifications: What’s the Difference? 222

4.2. How Teachers Can Help Students with Homework 226

4.3. Differentiating Instruction 232

4.4. Adaptations and Modifications of Materials 237

4.5. Adaptations and Accommodations in Testing 240

4.6. Helping Students with Organization and Time Management 246

4.7. Strategies to Aid Memory 253

4.8. Strategies for Teaching Reading in the Content Areas 258

Resources 263

5. Other important checklists for parents and teachers 265

Introduction 265

5.1. High School Students with Dyslexia 266

5.2. College Students with Dyslexia 270

5.3. Response to Intervention 274

5.4. Special Education 282

5.5. Individualized Education Plans 287

5.6. Section 504 290

5.7 National Organizations and Resources That Address Disability Issues 294

Resources 298

Index 303

Editorial Reviews

"[The Dyslexia Checklist] is an excellent resource on dyslexia that will help busy parents and teachers quickly find the information they need to meet the needs of children with dyslexia. The book is a quick read, which is a must for today's classroom teachers." (About.com, April 2010)

From the Publisher