Maiden Voyage!

At last I am in, here's to plain sailing from now on......!

Here we go again!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7828121.stm

It never ceases to amaze me that every so often someone decides that dyslexia does not exist. In this case it is an MP whose constituency includes Strangeways Prison. He observes that 80% of the inmates are illiterate. I believe he thinks that this is a result of poor teaching and not a consequence of a learning difficulty such as dylexia.

I'd be interested in any comments on the matters from fellow practitioners.

Thanks to fellow bloggers

Hi all

Just starting here. Thanks to Ken and Nick for setting the blog rolling. Cheers Jo

hello I'm in!!!!

Hello everyone, i have managed to successfully log in... Hurrah

It's Only Me

This title was suggested by fellow blogger and colleague Nick. I have often repeated this phrase to myself in moments of stress. It does help sometimes. The other phrase that I like to repeat is "Now is the time...."

Get It Down On Paper

I attended coach training for 2 days last weekend. Whenever we did some initial thinking the trainer would say... 'right...get it down on paper!!!'. Putting pen to paper really made ideas concrete and tangible. I was trying in my mind to apply this to our students - especially those that have severe memory problems. You know what I mean? Tutor:"Well Harry what did you cover in your last lesson?" Student:"Errrm...errm....can't remember sir???" What if we encouraged students more "To Get it down on paper!!!". This could be our own learning support catch phrase like 'shut that door' or "oh you are awful but I like you". Well you might say what is this woman talking about....what about students with severe dyslexia who are reluctant to put pen to paper?' I'm thinking of the mnenonic SMART here!!! Take a mainstream lesson.... if students could write down 3 things during the lesson (not swear words now) but 3 things pertaining to the lesson. This doesn't have to be in words, it could be pictures, or symbols etc. They could have their own little notebook for this so that it is all kept together. Mainstream tutors could help students to log say the 3 or 5 concepts relating to their lesson and put it into their notebook!!!We could look at the notebook and help the student to add further memory aids to their 3 or 5 words!!!What do you think comrades? The simpliest ideas are always the best!!!
27 January 2009 07:24

Meeting

There will be a meeting for all would-be bloggers on Wednesday 28 Jan. in room WFG33 at 4.30.
We will look at: how to register & become a blogger; upload ideas materials; and other fun things!
Please do come along and join me if you can. Help needed and/or encouragement!

Made it!

I'm now up and running and I'm about to become a blogger.

A first post

This blog has been set up for all members of the Learning Support Team - LSAs and Tutors.