TIPS FOR PARENTS
As a parent, you know your children best and are often the first ones to notice that your child has challenges in learning.
Parents are the best advocates for their child and partnering with educators can provide the best support for their child's educational progress.
EARLY INTERVENTION IS VITAL
Early identification and early intervention are vital. Children with dyslexia are often unable to reach their full potential due to their learning differences and may be frustrated with learning. Early identification and intervention can enhance his learning experiences. For a parent, nothing can be more satisfying than seeing your child beam with confidence. Help your child develop a more positive learning experience and boost his self-esteem.
Parents, you play an important role and your child will thank you for it, we thank you too!
Dyslexia can only be formally diagnosed through an assessment by an educational or specialist psychologist.
Some practical tips for parents to support their child with learning differences:
- Learn about your child’s difficulty, acknowledge the challenges and stay positive.
- Accept your child for who they are and don’t impose your sense of who they should be.
- Recognise, encourage and develop your child’s abilities and talents, build their self-esteem.
- Help them with their school work and organisation, show interest in what they do, provide resources and support.
- Involve yourself in the school community, be available to help and show support.
- Support the school efforts to help your child, communicate effectively and provide feedback.
- Attend awareness talks or courses on learning differences
- Be part of a support group to hear what other parents have to say
HELPING PARENTS
The more that parents understand their child's learning difference the better they are to advocate for their child and to support them at home.
Parents can upgrade themselves to better support their child. Read on to learn more!
DAS ACADEMY
The DAS Academy is a Private Education Institution (PEI) registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE) - part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), and has achieved a 4-year validity period, under the committee’s Enhanced Registration Framework. Led by a multi-disciplinary team that has extensive experience in providing direct support to people with specific learning differences (SpLD), the lecturers are able to use their skills and expertise in the design and delivery of the programmes offered by the DAS Academy. These programmes provide an academic pathway in the field of SpLD from foundation to postgraduate levels. The DAC Academy formed a partnership with the University of South Wales, UK in 2013 to launch the Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs (MA SEN). Accredited by the University of South Wales and jointly delivered by the DAS Academy, this programme has been well received by both educators and caregivers of people with special educational needs since its launch. Working with professional and educational bodies in Singapore and the region, the DAS Academy is committed to the professional development of teachers and staff in schools, to equip them with skills and strategies required to enable learners with SpLD reach their true potential. Having established a good professional standing in the field of SpLD, DAS Academy works in collaboration with the government, educational and professional bodies to empower individuals who wish to make a difference in the lives of people with SpLD. |
|
REGISTER OF EDUCATIONAL THERAPISTS (ASIA)RETA is the Register of Educational Therapists (Asia). It is an initiative by the Dyslexia Association of Singapore and is advised by a panel of three distinguished members - Dr Kate Saunders, Ms Geetha Shantha Ram and Professor Angela Fawcett.
RETA was formed to connect practitioners in the field of Specific Learning Differences and Education while recognising their professional status and endorsing their qualifications at the same time.
Join RETA and make a difference in the lives of children with Specific Learning Difference. Click here to visit the RETA website.
|
IS YOUR HOME DYSLEXIA-FRIENDLY?
The dyslexia-friendly index for Parents
Take this quiz to find out how dyslexia-friendly your home is:
| CHECKLIST | YES | NO | |
| 1 | I talk to my child about dyslexia and about people who have dyslexia. | ||
| 2 | I have attended at least one dyslexia talk/course for parents. | ||
| 3 | I practice reading with my child at home. | ||
| 4 | I help my child find ways to work around his or her weakness caused by dyslexia. | ||
| 5 | As far as possible, I supplement verbal and written information with pictures, diagrams or manipulatives. | ||
| 6 | I break down the school's weekly spelling list into bite-sized components, with revision spread across the week, instead of expecting the child to master the entire list in one day. | ||
| 7 | I break down words in the weekly spelling list into chunks and point out unique features in the words. | ||
| 8 | I help to ensure that worksheets (especially reading comprehension tasks) are printed only on one side. | ||
| 9 | While I am sensitive to my child's weaknesses, I am also keenly aware of his or her strengths and I provide support to develop those strengths. | ||
| 10 | I provide at least one laptop or computer (equipped with Word Processor or a Web Browser) at home, for my child to use as a spell aide. | ||
| 11 | I communicate my child's needs to his or her form teacher and/or allied educator yearly. | ||
Total up your scores and check how dyslexia-friendly your home is!
| 'Yes' Responses | General indication |
| 9 - 11 | Learners with SEN in your school are well supported to maximise their potential. |
| 5 - 8 | Learners with SEN in your school are generally supported but will benefit from more support. |
| 0 - 4 | Learners with SEN in your school may find school life challenging. |