About Dyslexia: what it is, what it's not and how to help
By Valdine Bjornson
Wednesday, Oct 2nd 7:30-8:30 EDT (Toronto time)
Click here to see the recorded webinar.
Click here to download the presentation (zip file).
The presenter will outline the definition of dyslexia and dispel common myths. Information and resources to help families and schools to support students with dyslexia will also be provided. She will also share success stories about educators in Manitoba public schools who are using dyslexia-specific, structured literacy instruction training to help all learners in the classroom setting.
Presenter: Valdine Bjornson has earned an M.Ed., Special Education Certificate as well as C-TESL and a Graduate Certificate in International Education. Valdine is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education focusing upon dyslexia. She is working on becoming an OG trainer (Fellow) with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators and is certified by the International Dyslexia Association as a Tier 3 Dyslexia Specialist. She has worked in several Manitoba school divisions in both rural and urban settings. She has served as a Reading Clinician-Specialist at university, in public schools, and private practice. Valdine provides workshops, training, and professional development, and she has founded the Reading and Learning Clinic of Manitoba, to provide effective and evidence-based teacher development opportunities in Manitoba.
Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teaching Reading: Not Just for Dyslexia!
by Dr. Louisa Moats
Wednesday May 15 @ 7:30-8:30p.m. EST
Click here to see the recorded webinar.
Click here to download the presentation and reading materials.
Instruction based on an understanding of modern cognitive, linguistic, and neurological science can make a tremendous difference to students with reading difficulties, including dyslexia. We will review what is meant by "Structured Literacy" and how to teach it. The importance of teaching language skills in an explicit, systematic manner will be emphasized.
Presenter: Louisa Moats, Ed.D., has been a teacher, psychologist, researcher, graduate school faculty member, and author of many influential scientific journal articles, books, and policy papers on the topics of reading, spelling, language, and teacher preparation. She was Co-Principal Investigator of an NICHD Early Interventions Project in Washington, D.C., public schools and Principal Investigator on two small business innovation research (SBIR) grants from the National Institutes of Health. In addition, she led the committee that developed the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. Dr. Moats developed her current approach to teacher training, called LETRS, from her experiences as an instructor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, St. Michael’s College in Vermont, the Dartmouth Medical School Department of Psychiatry, and the University of Texas, Houston. Dr. Moats’ awards include the prestigious Samuel T. and June L. Orton award from the International Dyslexia Association for outstanding contributions to the field; the Eminent Researcher Award from Learning Disabilities Australia; and the Benita Blachman award from the Reading League.
Helping Your Struggling Reader PART 2
by Jan MacLean
Wednesday, February 27, 2019, @ 7:30-8:45 p.m. EST
Click here to see the recorded webinar.
Click here for a copy of the presentation and handouts.
This is a follow-up to the Helping Your Struggling Reader Part 1 webinar of Thursday, May 31, 2018. Part 1 contains essential background information you will need for the Part 2 webinar (see links below for the recorded video & handouts).
This webinar will teach the more complex elements of English phonics in a systematic way. This is crucial knowledge that empowers you and your child to see that while English phonics are complex, English is not "crazy" and most words do indeed follow rules. Participants are encouraged to bring yellow index cards, scissors, and a black marker to the session. These will be used to create a teaching resource that can be used with your child/student.
Presenter: Jan MacLean B.Sc.(O.T.), M.Sc. is the founder of The Reading Clinic in Kingston, Ontario. Since 2001, the Centre’s YES! Reading, YES! Writing and YES! Math programs have helped hundreds of students achieve success. Jan is a Certified Orton-Gillingham Educator and Practitioner, and an IDA Dyslexia Therapist.
Helping Your Struggling Reader PART 1
by Jan MacLean
Thursday, May 31, 2018, 7:30-9:00 pm EST
Click here to see the recorded webinar.
Click here for a copy of the presentation and handouts. **NEW Printable cards now available.
This webinar is for parents of young children and teachers of struggling readers. It addresses why some children struggle to learn to read and early warning signs of reading difficulties. Participants are guided through one of the first steps in how to teach a child to read. Participants are encouraged to bring white and yellow index cards, scissors, and a black marker to the session. These will be used to create a teaching resource that can be used with your child/student.
Presenter: Jan MacLean B.Sc.(O.T.), M.Sc. is the founder of The Reading Clinic in Kingston, Ontario. Since 2001, the Centre’s YES! Reading, YES! Writing and YES! Math programs have helped hundreds of students achieve success. Jan is a Certified Orton-Gillingham Educator and Practitioner, and a IDA Dyslexia Therapist.
Accessible audio and e-books from the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and Bookshare
Thursday February 8, 2018 at 8pm ET
Click here to see the recorded webinar about CELA services, and how to download and listen to audiobooks from CELA and Bookshare.
CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access) offers access to 500,000+ accessible books and more for people who have difficulty reading print due to dyslexia, vision loss, or a physical disability. CELA’s collection includes books for kids and teens, with a focus on best sellers, award winners, and Canadian books that are hard to find in accessible formats. Books can be downloaded and read with a variety of accessible reading apps or software. CELA membership is free through any Ontario public library, thanks to funding from the Government of Ontario. Once signed up, you can also receive a free Bookshare membership, and get access to the world’s largest accessible online library. For more information email: members@celalibrary.ca