Back in the 90’s I went to school for a semester in London. Although I was a student at the University of Maryland I was taught by the faculty of the University of London. It was an interesting semester. I choose London because I thought at least there would not be a language barrier. Little …
Category Archives: Language
Case Study: Part II Reading and Technology
It has taken years of work two times a week to bring Renee’s reading rate up to a functional rate that can support her high school academics. However, Renee’s reading rate is still not grade level and because she easily fatigues when reading, remediation can not be the sole solution. She does not always read …
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Case study: Reading
One of my favorite clients, I will call her Renee in order to retain confidentiality, came to me in 8th grade reading at the kindergarten level. She had years of intervention in school. The school curriculum was project based and the reading program was based on the whole language philosophy. What is “whole language?” It …
Life when you can’t read
I stumbled across this video from a show called “My So Called Life,” were the main character discovers that a boy she likes can not read well. Jordan, the character, doesn’t appear to be receiving any intervention. He’s ashamed, and other students think he is stupid.Self blame, self doubt, poor self esteem will follow him …
Good reading skills are needed for postsecondary education
“Millions of adolescents lack the reading skills needed to succeed in postsecondary education and the workplace — and students with learning disabilities tend to struggle the most”( www.ldonline.com; 8/16/10). How do you know if your child has the reading skills they need to succeed at the college level? Poor reading skills can be distinguished by …
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A visit to the dentist
So what does the dentist have to do with language? I recently visited one of the dental schools in the area. As I was waiting in the reception area a dentist came out in his suit with his mask partially covering his nose and mouth. He rushed out to say to another patient, “I will …
Web sites associated with Reading
Another great site is the International Dyslexia Association web site. Like AANE it also is a great resource for information on reading disorders especially dyslexia. The site offers information regarding the various types of reading remediation. Remember as with all remediation quality is not based on the program, but in the level of instruction and …
What did you just read?
Recently I sat listening to a new client read, and after he read I asked him to summarize the information. I was not surprised to hear, “I can’t.” He read the words with little expression, and his primary emphasis when reading was on trying to pronounce complex vocabulary. Little effort was put into phrasing, visualizing …
Do older students need continued reading and language intervention?
“It is likely that children who have reading or language intervention in the primary grades will continue to need additional supplementary experiences in the upper grades as well. We know that the literacy demands are of a different nature for older children; as children proceed through the grades, they are expected to learn from informational …
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Could we take responsiblity for “bullying” by teaching social skills?
The children who tormented the child in South Hadley, similar to a student identified with pragmatic deficits, did not predict how Phoebe would react to their constant bullying, did not understand the back lash they would suffer if something happened to her, and were unable to put themselves into Phoebe’s shoes. Had those students participated …
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