Course
Outline The
course consists of five Modules, each with three Practical Exercises to do with
a child or teenager: MODULE
1: DYSLEXIA
AND ITS CAUSES What
is dyslexia?
Dyslexia
and how to recognize it in a pupil or student. Possible symptoms in more detail.
What to do if a child presents with a number of symptoms. Compensating strengths.
Etc. The Causes
of Dyslexia.
Inherited factors. Hearing problems at an early age. A combination
of inherited factors and hearing loss. Learning strategies can make a huge difference.
Etc. MODULE
2: LEARNING STRATEGIES
Building Phonemic Awareness
Skills (using letter sounds)
The sounds of the letters . Phonemic awareness
games. The initial letter sound. Reading for pleasure and the 'Golden Rule'. Using
cards. Short words with single sounds. Using these sounds. Etc. Building
Self-confidence
Recognizing low self-confidence. Teachers' perception
of dyslexia. Using cognitive therapy. Confidence-building exercise. The child
seen in a new light. Increasing motivation. Positive worksheets and exercises.
Building on strengths. Etc. Building
Successful Learning Strategies and Study Skills
Posture
and pencil grip. Cursive handwriting. Classroom seating position. Learning spellings.
Short-term memory exercises. Spacing words. Study skills for students and adults.
How to read a difficult book. Skimming. Giving presentations. Students writing
essays. Basic guidelines for concentration. Setting aside a place for work and
study. Dividing work into small, short-range sub-goals. Time scheduling. Taking
notes. Etc. MODULE
3: TEACHING STRATEGIES
AND ASSESSMENT
Building successful Teaching
Strategies
Multi-sensory teaching methods. Classroom adaptations. Giving
homework. Games and activities. Positive worksheets and exercises. Provision of
extra support or special services. Avoiding embarrassment. Helping dyslexic children
of above average intelligence. Helping dyslexic children who are being bullied.
Helping with fine motor control. Helping children come to terms with dyslexia.
Helping with attention difficulties (ADD and ADHD). Helping with confusions caused
by difficulties with laterality. Helping the dyslexic pupil lead a balanced life.
Helping dyslexic students decode information. Typical errors in dyslexic children's
writing. Etc. Testing
and Assessment Methods for Dyslexic Pupils
Testing for possible dyslexia.
Screening tests. Comprehensive tests. Comprehensive testing by a psychologist.
Etc. Assessment
and Examination Accommodations for dyslexic pupils
Use of a word-processor.
Dealing with spelling errors. Oral testing. Untimed tests. Accepting dictated
answers. Other alternative assessment methods. Using short-answer or multi-choice
testing. Providing model answers. Etc. MODULE
4: READING, HOMEWORK
AND LOCAL GROUPS 
How Parents can Help
with Homework Strategies
How to hear your child read. Finding information
about dyslexia. Finding a supportive friend in the same class. Building up sequencing
skills. Self-checking spellings. Making use of visual strengths. Reversals. Irlen
Syndrome. Help for the left-handed child or student. Private tutors. Etc. How
to Start a Local Dyslexia Parents Group
The Need for Parents to Come Together.
How can I Start a Group? How will the Group Operate? How do we Organize our Discussions?
How do I Start? Etc. MODULE
5: MATH/S AND TECHNOLOGY
Building Skills in Math/s
Dyslexia and math/s. Learning the basics of 1 - 100. Multiplication tables.
Mental arithmetic. Verbalizing numbers. Improving self-confidence by using a calculator.
Using real coins. Etc. Using
Supportive Technology
Using a word processor. Using a talking and spelling
word processor. Using a voice recognition program. Using a pocket Spellchecker.
Using an encyclopedia on CD-Rom. Using a talking word processor to read out text.
Using a talking browser to read out web pages. Using a talking pen to read words.
Etc. Appendix
'A' - Contents of the audio tape Appendix
'B' - Recommended books for students who wish to pursue the subject in greater
depth after the course. What
is the difference between the Certificate and the Parents' courses? | 
