Making Reading and Spelling Easy-Peasy with Dyslexia and Literacy Specialist!
Dyslexia and Literacy Specialist Zara Mirza explores this valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone who are dedicated to helping children with learning challenges, ensuring they are equipped with the best methods and knowledge to foster successful reading and spelling skills.
Overview
This webinar dives deep into the intricacies of teaching spelling, especially to children with learning challenges like dyslexia. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of the crucial role of letter-sound relations, innovative teaching tools, and the latest research findings on the Science of Reading.
Objectives of the Webinar
1. To educate attendees on the foundational importance of explicitly teaching letter-sound relations in spelling and reading.
2. To introduce multi-sensory and cost-effective teaching tools and techniques that can cater to diverse learners.
3. To highlight the latest research on the Science of Reading, and its implications for improving reading and spelling fluency and accuracy.
4. To empower parents, educators, practitioners, and advocates with the knowledge and resources needed to support children with learning challenges.
Key Takeaways
1. Explicit Teaching of Letter-Sound Relations:
-Essential for literacy development, especially for dyslexic students.
-Builds a strong foundation for understanding the mechanics of spelling and reading.
-Early introduction can prevent future challenges and boost confidence.
2. Use of Multi-Sensory and Low-Cost Teaching Tools:
-Engaging multiple senses enhances retention and understanding, catering especially to dyslexic learners who often thrive with tactile or kinesthetic methods.
Examples of tools and techniques shared in the webinar:
-Sand or shaving cream writing for tactile experiences.
-Sound and motion associations (e.g., clapping or stomping).
-Visual aids like colored letters or cards.
Cost shouldn’t be a barrier: Many effective tools are either already at home or can be sourced affordably.
3. Latest in the Research on the Science of Reading:
Reading is not innate but learned, and understanding the cognitive processes involved can shape effective teaching methods.
4. Highlights from recent studies:
-Importance of phonemic awareness and its direct link to successful reading and spelling.
-Structured literacy approaches, which are systematic and explicit, show significant success rates.
-Early interventions are crucial and can drastically change the trajectory of a child’s learning journey.
5. The Bigger Picture for Children with Learning Challenges:
-The right approach and tools can make a significant difference.
-Equipping educators and parents with the right knowledge can transform the learning experience for children.
-Collective advocacy can push for better resources and more research in the field.
About the Speaker
Zara Mirza Awan is a Dyslexia and Literacy Specialist with over 17 years of experience working with children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and specific language impairments. She holds a postgraduate certificate in Language, Literacies, and Dyslexia from the University of Birmingham and is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Inclusion and Special Education Needs, specializing in Children with Autism at the same university. Zara is an experienced Orton-Gillingham and Science of Reading professional, and is also trained and proficient in the use of Colorful Semantics, the Social Thinking Curriculum, Attention Autism, Science of Learning, and the SCERTS model. She is a passionate advocate for the autism community and an inclusion board member for Kings’ School. Zara is an Associate Member of The British Dyslexia Association and a Member of the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with SpLD (PATOSS-UK). Her current research interest is in increasing the reliable and effective representation of complex needs autistics in the current narrative of the Neurodiversity Movement.
We hope that the information shared in this webinar will help you better understand and guide struggling readers. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Does your child need our support? WhatsApp us at 0501466319.
Thank you for your interest and we hope you find the webinar informative and valuable.
Enjoy watching!
