Habits and Thanksgiving

Hello to my few and faithful readers!

I am realizing that starting new habits is not my strength! I planned on posting to this blog at least once a week, but would strive for twice. As we can all see...I have failed at this goal...but will continue to work toward it.

After getting married, I planned on making a menu 1-2 weeks in advance so I would know what I was going to cook each night and get groceries accordingly. Let's just say I have NO IDEA what I am making tonight. (However, I did remember to lay out some chicken to defrost, so that's a step in the right direction.)

I was going to make a habit of walking my dog 3 times a week. ... We haven't been on a walk for 3 weeks! (But it is getting cold!)

I know that if I worked to make any of these a solid habit, they would occur with little effort eventually. However, without the work, it will always be a struggle!

I think I am starting to see what reading may be like for some of our students. We are teaching them new strategies and rules for reading and spelling, and at first they take a lot of work to implement. The students may even need reminders from their tutors and parents to use these strategies.

However, if the students take the time and put in the effort to try and use the strategies and rules every day, they will eventually "make a new habit" of reading and spelling that way! I have talked to some students that really had to work to remember to do this at the beginning and had to force themselves to sound out words rather than guess, but by doing it correctly over and over, they created a habit. (I do emphasize correctly because practice make permanent, not perfect!)

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the extremely hard work of our students as well as other dyslexic students around the United States. Their hard work helps them succeed and build the confidence they need to be great inventors, architects, entrepreneurs, actors, sports stars, and artists.

I am thrilled that I get to help students form a habit of reading and spelling by tapping syllables and sounding out each and every day. I know their habit of reading this way will impact their lives much more than my habit of walking my dog! :-)

Have a marvelous Thanksgiving!! What are you thankful for?

The Flip Side of Dyslexia

Happy Friday all you devoted readers! (At least I hope there are some of you out there reading this!)

I wanted to let you know about this new book I am reading. It came out a couple months ago, but I have just discovered it and began reading it. After only the Preface and 1st chapter, I am eagerly looking forward to my next chance to read more!

It is called The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain. So many people define dyslexia by the struggles it causes. It is defined as a learning disability that causes difficulty sounding out unknown words when reading and spelling, difficulty memorizing sequences, reduced reading comprehension because of their poor decoding abilities, etc. However, dyslexia is sooooooo much more than that...and not just more weaknesses. Individuals with dyslexia excel in many areas! People with dyslexia are creative, have great 3D visualization, are great at sports, talented in art, or are able to perceive subtle patterns in data sets. Their strengths are not limited to these areas, nor will they display strengths in all the areas. But because of these assets we see people with dyslexia as inventors, famous architects, photographers, entrepreneurs, actors, sports stars, etc.

While I knew all of this before starting to read this book, I did not focus on it. Because I work with kids everyday to strengthen their reading and spelling skills, I guess I too often get stuck on their weaknesses. Even by reading the very beginning of this book, I am excited to start highlighting more of these students' strengths and gifts!! I can't wait to see everything this book talks about. I promise to give updates as I continue!

If you have read this book, let me know what you think. If you are dyslexic (or know someone who is) and gifted in a specific area, let us know about that. Let's help each other focus on the positive and be encouraged!

I'll start...I just married a man who is dyslexic, but didn't know it until he met me. However, he is a great photographer and has an eye for that. We can be walking along and he'll tell me to "look at that...it would be a great picture!" He is also very gifted in music! He plays guitar and is learning piano. He has written several songs...one of which was for me that he sang for me at our rehearsal dinner. I am so lucky to be married to a wonderful and talented dyslexic man!!

Now tell me your story!

Parent Workshop

The parents of children with dyslexia are so often trying to gather information and gain an understanding of this learning difference with which their child has been presented.  We are going to make an effort to help in this quest and begin hosting a series of workshops for parents of students with dyslexia...or anyone who wants more information on it.  The details of the first workshop are below.

HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN EASE YOUR HOMEWORK TROUBLES

Date: Tuesday, November 15

Time: 6:00 pm

Cost:  $10 per family

Location: 3323 Partner Place, Suite 9

                 (Across from the new Parent-Teacher Store)

This workshop will show you how to use technology many of you already have to help with schoolwork (including apps for the iPad).  Some of these suggestions might even make homework more fun!  Call today to register!  859-899-READ

The next workshop will take place in January. Please comment and let us know of topics that would interest you for future workshops!! 

  

My Television Debut

Well folks, I survived!! While I was a nervous wreck, I am happy I was able to get valuable information out that will help many individuals realize how to unlock their full potential! After I finished, I was happy to let out a huge sigh of relief and go celebrate it being over with a wonderful salad at Rafferty's! I must say a big THANK YOU to Jennifer for trying her best to keep me calm and encouraging me through the whole morning!! If you missed my 3 minutes of fame, you can see the segment at the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/ABC36noonnews#p/u/1/OPZO4TNRlRc

Stacey on WTVQ

Such an eventful day! On the drive to WTVQ, Stacey was practicing her conversation, pretending that I was Kristi Runyon. As we pull into the parking lot all she could do was sit in silence. I parked my minivan, turned off the ignition only to hear, "who's idea was this anyway?" I bust out laughing! We walk inside, head straight for the ladies room and, YES, I pull out my powder for Stacey to put on her face. "No shiny noses on camera, " I say. Before "going on the air" she was a bundle of nerves. Her hands were shaking and tummy was full of butterflies. I couldn't help but giggle a little, knowing that I would be feeling the same way, if in that position. Kristi turned to Stacey and I to say "ten minutes." That was the longest ten minutes that I had ever sat next to a friend, in silence. "One minute, " the camera person yells. Stacey calmly adjusts her position on the sofa. "In 5, 4, 3..."October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month and today we have Stacey Ashley from The Reading Room with us," announces Kristi. Wow! My head was spinning. This is not the same person that I have been with for the last hour. Reporting the warning signs and symptoms to parents with such compassion and knowledge. Where did the "bundle of nerves go?" She "reported" such valuable information and touched on what families need to help their children. I was like a proud "stage mom." watching in the wings. As we all know, stage moms know nothing about how to do the job, but they are always there to support! You hit a homerun today, Stacey!

It's Never Too Late to Learn

So in trying to discover all the ins and outs of blogging, I am now toying with the concept of various individuals being able to post to this blog. I previously thought anyone in the office who wanted to post something needed the username and password to get in, but I was wrong! I am now learning that I can allow and invite other people in the office to add posts as themselves! So from now on, you should know who is posting on here! Yay!

I hate not fully knowing how to do something, so this learning process has been a little challenging and frustrating. But is very rewarding when I figure out something new!! I guess I'm discovering a little of what it feels like to be one of our students trying to read something they never thought possible...daunting at first but rewarding when accomplished!! :-)

Dyslexia Awareness Month

Since we are now over halfway through the month of October, if you weren't aware before, be aware now.  

It's National Dyslexia Awareness Month!!  

To promote this and to make others aware, I am going to be on the noon segment of ABC 36 news this Friday.  Just typing that makes me NERVOUS!!  Kimberly was going to represent us, but she is going to be a good mom and chaperon a field trip with her daughter. But that leaves me to do the segment--ON TV.  Did I mention that I DESPISE public speaking!  I have always had a fear of it and typically get tongue-tied when I attempt it.  But she says she trusts me and has faith that I will do a good job.  I hope so!!  

So tune in and see just how good...or bad...it turns out.

Community Awareness Night

What is dyslexia?  Can it be remediated? Is dyslexia in Federal Education Law?  Is dyslexia in Kentucky Administrative Regulations?


The answer to all of these questions can be found at

Community Awareness Night


Thursday, October 13, 2011
6:00 - 8:00 pm


Southern Hills Methodist Church
2356 Harrodsburg Road
Lexington, KY 40503


Community Awareness Night is presented by the Kentucky branch of the International Dyslexia Association as a part of the "Prevention of Failure Institute."


The Prevention of Failure Institute is a two-day conference focusing on various aspects of dyslexia.  While registration is required for attendance at the conference, Community Awareness Night is open to the public at no cost!  


I know for many of you parents this is family time, but since it will be Fall Break in Fayette and many surrounding counties, most of you will be looking for a reason to get out of the house after being with the kids all day!  What better way to spend your evening than learning ways to help your struggling learner?  Come join us for a great time!

Welcome!!

Hello all, and welcome to our blog.  The Reading Room is located in Lexington, Kentucky and specializes in working with children and adults who have dyslexia.  This blog was created to share information about dyslexia, tutoring that helps, the latest research regarding dyslexia, accommodations that will help improve performance in the classroom, and much, much more!  We can't wait to share with you, hear from you, and help answer some of your questions!  This site is brand new and, therefore, under construction.  Please stop by again soon!