Expanded Edition
Dyslexia Tool Kit Expanded Edition: What to do when phonics isn’t enough, published April 2021, replaces the first edition and costs less! The book is available on Amazon as an ebook or paperback.
Dyslexia Tool Kit Expanded Edition includes three new chapters. The new version also answers questions posed by readers of the first edition.
Phonics
The first chapter discusses phonics instruction because so many people asked me how to know if phonics is working for their child. Multi-sensory intensive phonics, such as Orton-Gillingham, Sounds in Syllables, etc. is a great starting place. However, if a student plateaus or becomes resistant or frustrated, it’s definitely time to change tactics and try some new tools.
Forcing a child to “push through” a program that is no longer producing happy learning results in a loss of motivation and self-esteem. Also, it causes family arguments. It certainly doesn’t produce life-long readers. So chapter one of the expanded version provides clear guidance on how to approach phonics instruction and when to move beyond it.
Speech-to-Text
A second added chapter in the expanded version deals with powerful technology included on new computers and tablets: Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech. These applications are tailor-made for students with dyslexia!
Research shows that using Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech raises the reading level. I think every dyslexic student should have access to this technology as well as coaching on how to use it. This added chapter details ways parents and other educators can make the best use of this wonderful new tool.
Music
Leading researchers such as Dr. Katie Overy and many others have now proven beyond doubt that music training makes a significant positive difference in reading outcomes. This new chapter explains some of this exciting research. It also discusses how parents can use this tool to provide the best support for their dyslexic students.
More Information, Same Easy to Use Format
Dyslexia Kit Expanded Edition retains the short concise chapters of the first edition. Parents and teachers said they appreciated this! Each chapter briefly defines a single tool that might be used with a dyslexic student. Next, one paragraph explains the research behind the tool. Then the rest of the chapter clearly shows how to use the tool with a student. We’ve avoided educational jargon because we want all parents and mentors to easily understand the tools needed to help a student with dyslexia soar to new heights.
by Yvonna Graham, M.Ed.
www.dyslexiakit.net
@GrahamYvonna
One of the most powerful tools in Dyslexia Tool Kit is tracking — looking at the text while listening to it via audiobook. You can get free classic audiobooks at Librivox, or professionally read newer books at Audible for $15/mo, textbooks from LearningAlly if you can prove you are dyslexic, or best of all check out your public library!