The Concept and Definition Of Dyslexia – Why It Is So Confusing.
There is good reason why you may be having trouble in pinpointing the exact definition of dyslexia. No official consensus actually exists for the definition of dyslexia.
Official definition of Dyslexia
First coined by a german ophthalmologist Rudolf Berlin in 1887, the term dyslexia is broadly defined as a learning disability that impairs one’s ability to learn to read and develop a strong understanding of language, despite showing typical intelligence in other respects. Official definitions of dyslexia are mostly based on a variation of this concept.
As current state of knowledge suggests that the causes and characteristics of reading skill difficulties are not uniform, varying definitions for dyslexsia are used by different organisations around the world depending on the focus or purpose of that particular organisation.
Simulation of dyslexic vision (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The World Federation of Neurology defines dyslexia as “a disorder manifested by difficulty in learning to read despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence and sociocultural opportunity”.
MedlinePlus and the National Institutes of Health define dyslexia as “a reading disability resulting from the inability to process graphic symbols”.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke gives the following definition for dyslexia:
“Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. These individuals typically read at levels significantly lower than expected despite having normal intelligence. Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia are difficulty with spelling, phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds), and/or rapid visual-verbal responding. In adults, dyslexia usually occurs after a brain injury or in the context of dementia. It can also be inherited in some families and so on, and recent studies have identified a number of genes that may predispose an individual to developing dyslexia”
What is important about the official definition is that once a child is officially diagnosed with a learning disorder (whether it is called dyslexia or other terms such as “developmental reading disorder”), in many countries, the child would be entitled to specific assistance such as enrolment in special classes or certain provisions when taking examinations.
For parents and teachers, the diagnose is a confirmation that the child’s poor performance is not due to lack of effort or commitment. They will need to start looking at specialised means and methods to help a dyslexic child.
Although useful in initiating a more specialised assistance for the child, this definition does not explain how many dyslexics, despite their early struggle, went on to achieve great things in their life. Among the most famous dyslexics in history are Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Walt Disney and Steve Jobs.
255/365: Dyslexia (Photo credit: by Janine)
Holistic definition of Dyslexia
My preferred definition of dyslexia, as popularised by educator Ronald Davis is that it is a perceptual and learning difference that results in, among other things, difficulty in learning to read in normal schooling environment.
Davis, himself a severe dyslexic wrote the book, “The Gift Of Dyslexia” which argues that dyslexia while presenting specific challenges is something to be celebrated and approached with a positive mindset.
Parents of dyslexic children should not be too constrained by the official definition to be concerned overly only with difficulty in reading and comprehension.
Even though reading disability is one of the most obvious symptoms of dyslexia, not all dyslexics face it in the same way. There are some dyslexics who, after overcoming their initial reading difficulty, become excellent authors. Many others would choose, as much as it is possible, to avoid reading entirely despite being very successful in their chosen careers.
As the way a dyslexic thinks is radically different from his peers, he is also more likely to be diagnosed with other learning disabilities such as dyscalculia (difficulties with numbers and maths concept), attention deficit disorder, dyspraxia and others. If your child is diagnosed with dyslexsia, it is important to find out what other learning difficulties that he is facing before deciding on the next course of action.
On the positive side, a dyslexic child is likely to posess certain talents that is waiting to be discovered. For example, although somebody with dyslexia is more likely to have dyscalculia than his peer, there are some dyslexics who are blessed with extraordinary mathematical abilities.
It is up to the parents and children themselves to discover and develop this talent although is no need for undue haste. Steve Jobs, for example never excelled at school but went on to become a millionaire in his 20s and one of the most important visionary for personal computing and the internet.
Albert Einstein Français : Portrait d'Albert Einstein (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
My personal analogy for a dyslexic is that of a left handed guitarist. Although it would be very difficult for a left handed guitarist to follow the normal guitar lessons, it is by no means an indication of his musical ability. He can choose to either practise harder with his right hand, customised a guitar so he can play it with his left hand or like Jimmy Hendrix, one of the most famous rock guitarist who ever lived, find his own way and played his guitar upside down.
Understanding the context of dyslexia definition
The next time you see the word dyslexia , being aware of which version of dyslexia definition that is being used will help you understand the information in its proper context.
Free Games Online For Toddlers: Things They Can Learn From
As a mother of a pre-school child, you would know how tough it is to teach your little one because his/her attention span is very poor and it is good to know that there are website developers who have found a way on how they can incorporate education through the free games online for toddlers. These developers make it a point that they can stimulate the interest of kids in educational stuff without being that obvious. Read on for you to have an idea why these games can be beneficial for your little tot and why you should allow them to play these games once in a while.
Kids Can Learn How To Spell Words At A Young Age
There are games online that teaches kids not just the alphabet but they also teach them how to spell 3 letter words and later on increase the number of words that they can spell as they reach a higher level. Some free games online for toddlers have jumbled words on it and kids are asked to type the letters of the corresponding word. This is going to be fun because they have pictures that can serve as a clue for the word that they need to spell out so spelling those words is just a piece of cake.
Their Ability To Follow Instructions Will Be Tested In The Games That They Play
Each game requires different instructions to follow and it is through these games that your children will learn how to enhance their ability to follow the directions being asked. So, when they are in school everything will just come out naturally because they were able to learn certain things in the educational computer games that they play.
Counting and Recognizing Numbers Will Become Easier For Them
Kids do not find it hard to count numbers but to be able to recognize specific numbers can be confusing at times. By allowing them to play with free games online for toddlers that focuses on math skills, your kids will be able to recognize each number in no time at all. As they progress into the game they will be taught how to add numbers and put it all together to come up with the right answer. They’ll be asked to type the number of objects that they see and add everything to come up with the correct sum.
Creativity Is Something That They Can Develop In These Online Games
Their visual skills and creativity can also be developed in these games because they will be asked to color some pictures. There are specific games that ask the player to copy the same color as the one being given. Your little one will know what appropriate colors to use because there is a guide that they can refer to.
So, if you are finding it difficult to teach your child the lessons that he/she needs to learn, why don’t you try allowing your child to play with these games online. Who knows? This might the exact answer to your problem. You just have to make sure that you help your child balance school work with fun in order to maximize the benefits of these free games online for toddlers.
The importance of online games for 2 year olds
Most parents will admit that education is very important but very few understand the importance of preschool. Some parents will think that preschool is not that important because a two year old does not know much about what’s going on. Though this is quite true, it is vital that you take the steps needed to be able to still teach them things. Whether you choose for them to attend preschool or not, it is important that you first understand how important these early years are.
A child will often be very open to learning but parents simply just do not know this. Learning starts at a very young age and this is why there are online games for 2 year old toddlers because they are ready to start learning. You will be surprised to see just how intrigued they are with these games and they can go quite a long way towards your child’s educational future. Too many parents simply forget that two year olds are able to learn and this is certainly something that you need to understand.
The nice thing about these online games is that they are also quite fun. Your children will basically just play the games without knowing that they are actually learning. A lot of professionals say that this is arguably the best way for anyone to learn anything as they will not get bored. Preschool students love to play games and if you are able to show them online games that will also teach, then you will certainly be able to see amazing improvements. The trick is to really focus on being able to find online games that will be fun for the child.
However, the problem is that some children simply just do not want to play these online games and so it can be tough on your part. The solution is to simply be patient. Try your best to introduce these games to him or her but it will ultimately be your child’s decision as to whether or not they find the game fun. The problem that a lot of parents have is that once their child says “no,” they immediately quit and will never try again. Kids are very moody and so you cannot base their one answer as their definite answer. This is because they will sometimes just not be in the mood to play games and so you will need to wait until they are finally ready to play again.
Once you are able to find an educational game that your child will like, you will then realize that they will then start their learning journey. It really is all about introducing the games to them and simply hoping that it works out. If things do not work out the first time, you just can’t quit. Keep trying to introduce different games so that you will be able to find one that they will become addiced to. Take your time and you will surely be able to find the best game out there.
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Top Learning Websites For Toddlers
As parents we want our children to have every possible advantage in learning. Additionally, it is common fact that young children learn best through interactive and fun activities. There are numerous websites for toddlers to learn.
These websites for toddlers to learn capture the childs imagination through interaction. This interaction includes animated games, songs and other fun activities. With modern technology and software, websites for toddlers to learn offer vivid color and unique involvement opportunities.
There are websites for toddlers to learn that offer interactive alphabet, worksheets, learning numbers and letters. Some websites provide opportunities for a toddler to go on adventures with their favorite characters. They can even create crafts interactively on the website. Websites that cater to toddler learning offer coloring pages, story telling, and sing along music.
One such website for toddler learning is Fisher Price. This site is geared toward toddlers with games such as; Laugh and Learn, Learning about opposites,The ABC’s Learning zoo, Little people matching game and click and color, just to mention a few. Another website for toddler learning is PBS Kids. Here they play games that teach about the environment and animals. Toddler learn about food and wardrobe choices and even science. Websites for toddler learning don’t just stop at teaching basic academics either. They teach toddlers cooperation, manners, about their feelings and so much more. There are even cultural divertsity lessons that can prepare the toddler for cultural differences of classmates in school.
Some websites go even further by offering interactive sing along music in different languages, teaching foreign languages as well. This is a very welcomed feature because toddlers are of an age that learning launguages is quicker, in most cases. One such site that teaches foreign languages exploration is PoissonRouge. PoissonRouge provides games that help children explore various foreign languages. Amazingly, toddlers learn computer keyboard functions quickly and without effort. In many cases these young children can show their parents a thing or two.
Websites for toddler learning is a viable, very rewarding opportunity for children to learn by sight, sound and fun. Rembember, the age old statement that says children learn best at play? It is true and when children are entertained, having fun learning, it is not seen as boring. It is fun and your child wants to do the activities.
Watching a toddler learn through the interactive means of website learning for toddlers is a wonderous event. Observing the laughter as they interact with characters or answer questions is awesome. Observing the fun, the laughter and the engagement with the activity, yet nowing they are learning. AS a parent or a teacher the value of these websites for toddler learning can not be monetarily equated. Their value is priceless in consideration of the long term benefits.
Lastly, knowing the edge you provide your child with websites for toddler learning, helping to establish a desire to learn, can not be measured. As a result of fun, interactive learning techniques children will love learning and excel from the early years of their education. Websites for toddler learning help to establish self confidence and pride in completed fun tasks. Tasks that teach more than the average parent has time to teach in a given day. These websites are like providing your child a private tutor who arrives with fun learning activities and games. What parent would not like to provide a private tutor to give their child an early advantage in academics and life’s basic lessons?
With websites for toddler learning, there are numerous websites that are absolutely free. Which means, thanks to technology and Websites for Toddler learner, you can provide a virtual tutor. A private tutor for your child, free to provide him or her the best early education advantage.
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