This newsletter has been created to inform and educate people about current
findings that can help a struggling reader. We also hope that the content of
the newsletter will inspire those who struggle, that there is hope.
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The Reading Corner
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Visualization
Visualization is a very important reading strategy. Visualizing brings joy to what we read and
allows us to create pictures in our minds that belong only to us. We can, in essence, create a
movie in our mind. Everyone's "movie" is different, even when reading the same book, because
of each person's unique background knowledge developed by his/her individual schema
(schema—includes our feelings, attitudes, beliefs and experiences that we store and become
part of us because of our life situations).
Visualizing can appeal to all of our senses. Sight refers to what the reader can see
mentally – a picture of what the writer has presented. Hearing is what the reader can hear
mentally, such as actual conversations. Smell is what the reader can smell mentally. Touch
is what the reader can physically feel mentally. Taste is what the reader can eat mentally.
When we read, we should try to use all of our senses to get a mental image of what we are
reading. Sometimes, it helps if we actually draw what we see. Drawing allows students to think
about and express what they are experiencing as they read.
Start by using picture books, even for older students, and have them become aware of the
descriptive language and how that language is illustrated in the pictures. Once they have had
experience with this, they can move to books without pictures and use what they have learned
to create visuals in their own minds. The more strategies we use when we read, the more likely
we are to connect to the story, understand what we read, and remember it.
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Famous Dyslexic Spotlight
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This section contains names of famous or recognized people who have been reported in the media,
on the Web, and in books as having some form of dyslexia or struggling in school.
Fred was born in Yonkers, New York, on July 26, 1937. He was very popular in school and was part
of the student council and captain of the football and baseball teams. He suffered from a learning
disability with which he struggled with numbers and letters. At the time, they did not know what
he was struggling with, but he can now identify it as dyslexia.
He was told that he couldn't go to medical school and that he couldn't be a doctor. He said he
studied many more hours than the other students and graduated from New York University and New
York Medical College. He is now a pediatric neurosurgeon who has devised new ways to operate on
slow-growing tumors intertwined with brain stems and spinal cords.
Dr. Epstein died this past July 2008. Thank heavens he did not listen to those telling him what he
couldn't do. He touched and saved countless lives thanks to his determination and perseverance.
Thank you, Dr. Epstein, for rising above and beyond.
Click here to view the full article: www.nytimes.com
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Inspiration
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"I am convinced that learning to read does not have to be such a frustrating experience."
- Barbara Janasz, Elk River, Minnesota
View more success stories.
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Product Highlight
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Human Voice
A human-voice soundtrack is used to present lessons, give instruction, reinforce correct
responses, and provide immediate corrective feedback. It is comforting to feel like there
is someone there, teaching the principles. The entire program is voice narrated, ensuring
the success of all students, even nonreaders. As one mother put it, "The female voice used
for the program is sweet, pleasant, and encouraging. It is like having a phonics teacher
who never tires and is always patient and kind."
Click here to find out how you can save!