Dyslexia is a learning “disability” with strong ties to visual-spatial learning. Dyslexics think in pictures, struggle with language and may even struggle with sequencing. These learners can have brilliant visual- spatial abilities and need some extra help developing reading and literacy skills. These are a few activities you can do at home to help your child improve their learning skills and gain confidence:
I am excited to say, Being Visual was recently featured in Parenting Magazine. After previewing the book and a one on one interview, the October issue included an article “The Right Stuff: Cranking up the creativity at home now = success later.”
I recently attended a meeting of the Menomonee Falls Optimist Club. This is a great group, as one would expect when the organization is about being optimistic and helping others and improve their lives. It’s like being at Disney World, where they hire happy people, because their vision is “to make people happy”.
There is a truly powerful must see documentary being released by HBO, “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia.” This documentary is a must see for parents and educators. It’s really a must see for all of us because understanding dyslexia allows us to value and utilize the strengths of people with dyslexia, instead of seeing it as a disability.
I have been enormously blessed with a wonderful husband, four adult children, one grandchild (so far) and a bevy of nieces and nephews. My husband and I, along with our brothers and sisters, are great supporters and champions of one another’s children.
This week I am preparing for a visit to Milwaukee. I’ve been invited to share some thoughts on Being Visual and educational strategies at the Menomonee Fall’s Optimist Club. I always enjoy the opportunity to meet people, share ideas and learn from those interactions. I must say this group especially intrigues me. There are a number of organizations with professionals from all walks of life who work together to impact their community. However, the Optimist Club is focused entirely on work that directly benefits children.
Education.com is a great resource for parents and educators. They have dedicated themselves to providing information to parents in order to help kids reach their full potential. The site is one of my favorites and contains articles, activities and thoughts from experts in their fields. The information is organized and presented by age group and covers everything from seasonal craft and play activities to parenting tips, to education tools and strategies. If you aren’t familiar with the site, I encourage you to take the time to visit www.Education.com. I am sure you will find it so valuable you will find it a must to bookmark.
Recently, I met with a group of parents to share information about learning styles and ways to help our visual children do better in the classroom. We had a great discussion afterwards with several parents sharing their observations and asking questions. I sincerely enjoy these talks and being able to share the important role that learning styles play in a child’s academic and overall development and success.
A mother seated in the front row raised her hand. She asked a question about her 9 year old daughter that touched upon the emotional side of learning that so many young visually oriented children experience.
I’m back from vacation and getting ready to travel again. This time I am en route to Cleveland to promote the Being-Visual philosophy on Art Education in a live taping of a segment at Fox 8 Cleveland and to present a speech on “What Every Parent Should Know About their Child’s Education” at the Agnon School.
First stop Fox News. I have been invited to appear on WJW-TV – Fox News in the Morning on Wednesday, October 3. During our session I’ll talk about what it means to be a visual learner, ways your child may be struggling in school and how you can help. I’ll share some ideas for making learning more visual and tactile.
As children we have so many ideas about what we want to be when we grow up. As parents we know our children’s dreams and plans will change as they grow and get to know themselves better. We strive to provide our kids the education and opportunities that will prepare them for whatever they decide to pursue. When children participate in the arts, music, dance or the visual arts, it’s not necessarily because they’ll be artists as adults – but because it’s key to a rich educational experience.
