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Many parents of children with learning disabilities hear this far too often. What your child may be trying to communicate with you is that he or she feels different from the other kids, is frustrated with a particular situation and/or rarely feels successful or competent. As a parent, when you hear this, it is definitely […]

What is dyslexia? Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia may experience difficulties in other language skills such as spelling, writing, and speaking. Dyslexia is a life-long status; however, its impact can change at […]

The concept of “Wait Time” as an instructional variable was formerly developed by Mary Budd Rowe back in 1972.  “Wait-time” was the period of silence between a teacher’s question and the students’ responses.  It was found that the period of silence that followed a teacher’s question and students’ completed responses, rarely exceeded 1.5 seconds in typical […]

In earlier articles, I wrote about the need to advocate for your child should you think there is a problem.  In this article we will explore the “rules of the road” when it comes to advocating for your child once you suspect a difficulty. We have all heard the horror stories of parents who tried […]

The frustration of children with dyslexia often centers on their inability to meet expectations. Their parents and teachers see a bright, enthusiastic child who is not learning to read and write. Time and again, dyslexics and their parents hear, “He’s such a bright child; if only he would try harder.” Ironically, no one knows exactly […]

The Economics of Literacy To be perfectly honest it is hard to find a problem in today’s society that is not linked to literacy levels. We live in extraordinary times and extraordinary times require extraordinary measures from all citizens of this country.  Currently in Canada we have 46% of our Canadian adult population who struggle, […]

“Mom, I’m just not smart like the other kids.” Hearing this statement, as a parent could be your worst nightmare. Perhaps your nightmare is your child coming home from school with an increased level of frustration, as homework time takes forever the list of assignments and unfinished lessons continues to accumulate while your child’s self-esteem […]

What is it about teaching reading that arouses such passions in both parents and teachers?  Reading effectively is no less a vital skill than crossing the road safely, but we have more children who can cross the road than can read effectively.  Reading is difficult, it is a hard skill to master – if it […]

A while ago I was watching an educational documentary on elephants.  The expert being interviewed was talking about the old adage, “An elephant never forgets.”  Did you know that is actually true?  And here I thought that that was just one of my mom’s ways of reminding me that I needed to work a little […]

How many of us have to really think about what some of the washing instructions symbols mean?  I know the hand wash only and the hang to dry but after that I get a little rusty.  Perhaps I have spent too much time in hot water and then left myself  “hang to dry”. The Denim […]