Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
LIVE NOW
Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Dan with the Understood team. We're joined today by #dyslexia advocate @KristinMatzKane to discuss motivating kids with dyslexia.
Edie, academic therapist, Washington DC. Building and international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. Remember, more than 25% of ADHD'ers also have an LD. #ldchat
For teens with #dyslexia, every class can be a struggle. Dyslexia is also connected to some social, emotional and behavioral issues. #LDchathttps://t.co/693RU7VqhK
#ldchat a1 when the kids have to go to tutoring and not be able to participate in after school activities. Also, when they have to make elective decisions because they have to participate in remediation during school.
Bullying is my biggest challenge. My older students with LD don't want to stand out from their peers. Unfortunately, the teacher saying "stop" doesn't do a lot. #LDchat
Homework can be a huge source of stress for kids with #dyslexia. Learn how to reduce homework stress and create a more peaceful learning environment. #LDchathttps://t.co/Wl62HHfo4e
A1: Comparing themselves to the peers around them can cause low confidence. This could be through in class work or working on homework or even in partner activities #LDchat
"Once kids know they have strengths, they can start owning their #dyslexia and being comfortable talking about what they're good at and what they're not good at." #LDchathttps://t.co/1DOyrdv6wZ
A2. My child tends to be hampered by a “mindset” problem too. He is showing low self-confidence with his strengths too. He downplays them, saying it’s not really what matters. #ldchat
A2: on the fence about this one. Yes there r strengths but there r significant weaknesses. I feel like esteem is best served when kids are able to recognize how far they have come and are taught how to problem solve and encouraged to help teacher problem solve. #LDchat
Here's a cool—and crafty!—way to identify your student's many strengths and connect them in a paper chain, or a "strengths chain." #dyslexia#LDchathttps://t.co/2kmqyhEwXV
A2 Motivation for students with dyslexia can be extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic strategies are the more common (Outside, individually rewarding). As 50% of students with low self esteem, work on connecting. #LDchat
As his parents, we continue to tell him that his strengths ARE important. We give examples of people who have done great things because they thought differently. #ldchat
#LDchat Yes, we need to up our game in terms of teaching materials and find instantly relevant ways to connect content to real life and our kids' interests
You can help your child develop positive self-esteem by praising her efforts and helping her recognize and use her strengths. Here are 7 ways to help your child do that. #dyslexia#LDchathttps://t.co/dF6hVhxojl
A3: Take the time to get to know how that child learns! They may have dyslexia, but they most likely will be using some of the learning strategies or could benefit from them if they are not already using them! #LDchat
#LDchat kids know when a grown-up truly believes in them, understands them, and wants their best and when they are connected like that they will be motivated by relationship
A3 Older students with dyslexia want independence. They want to declare their own goals and become accountable for themselves. Let them complete goal sheets to show they're good at something. Encourage them to ask questions. Highlight successes. #LDchat
A3 Give students with dyslexia the tools for them to succeed on their own. Assistive technology tools like @Bookshare makes reading easier for students with reading barriers like dyslexia. #ldchat
Sure, if they are interested. I have not found that there is a true spirit of collaboration with school teams. We hear “we are the experts” often. #LDchat
#ldchat I know with my son - he has a sense that he doesn't know any other kids with dyslexia in his class and I think that leads to low confidence - having a sense that he's somehow different from his peers
Thanks for this! We are currently going through difficulties with intrinsic motivation and right now we are focusing on listening and trying to understand what he’s telling us. #ldchat
Extracurricular activities are a good way for a child who struggles in school to learn in a fun, low-stress environment. Here are 6 ways to improve a child's self-esteem with extracurriculars. #dyslexia#LDchathttps://t.co/oGH1tgx7P4
A3: Working on executive functioning skills ... Kids can see and feel that I'm prob mentioned when it happens though it is an investment of time and resources to find an exec functioning tutor/therapist #LDchat
#ldchat q4: depends on how it’s framed for the child. Pros: source of inspiration. Cons: can add unnecessary pressure and expectations if narrative is framed wrong.
#LDchat finding peers can be tough since schools need to keep that info private however your kid would know who is in his or her reading groups and the chances are you would find someone within that group
In reply to
@UnderstoodOrg, @KristinMatzKane, @Terri38876635
As an educator, I regularly share with my students and families my own reading difficulties. Seeing someone they care about and respect talk openly about his reading struggles helps kids see it as ok and parents realize that success in life is possible #LDchat
