Dyslexia Games for the Visual Thinker

I received a sample of Dyslexia Games to review.  I know so many families whose children struggle with reading or some sort of visual disability, that I thought a review of the program would be a great resource for parents.  Creating art to improve reading is a brilliant and fun concept, especially for children with Dyslexia.  According to experts, when children diagnosed with Dyslexia learn to read, brain scans show right brain activity. Consequently, traditional phonics-based programs may not work for struggling readers.  Simply put, most phonics programs are left-brain based and Dyslexic readers learn differently.  According to Dyslexia therapy experts, teaching a child with Dyslexia to read requires a parent or teacher to get creative with 3D images, art, logic, creative thinking games, manipulatives and other hands on techniques. When I asked LionHeart to give the worksheet a try he stomped over to his table with lips poked out.  Because the worksheets are fun and appeal to a right-brain learner's creative side, struggles quickly fade away.  Once he got started, he couldn't stop.

Learning to Read Right Brain Style

A mother's love and determination to help her own daughter is how Dyslexia Games was born.  Frustrated with her daughter's slow movement in reading, Sarah Brown began researching everything she could about Dyslexia, current therapies being used and brain development options.  Unable to afford costly therapy, like most trailblazing homeschool moms, she created her own program.  The program transformed her daughter in a matter of weeks, helping her improve in reading and handwriting.  In fact, Brown's daughter even illustrated a book, A Day Like Tomorrow.  Brown credits the program with helping her develop her artistic skills.

How Does It Work?

Dyslexia Games use visual art and puzzle exercises designed for children who think visually.  The workbooks start off with art, puzzle games and 3D drawings.  When the child is working on the games, the right brain is activated.  Gradually, the art and puzzle games become symbols, letters and numbers.  Finally, these games are transformed into reading exercises, and according to the website, over the course of 2-3 months, the child is now using the right brain to read. 

Good Reads

 

I love the library, especially children's book. I've had a library card for more than 40 years.  When I was a little girl growing up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I used to walk with my sister for 3 miles to spend the entire day at the library.  I have tried in my own way to pass this love on to my boys.  They enjoy going to the library, but for different reasons.  Today libraries are full of life - programs, poetry readings, chess, computers and more.  But my rule is they have to find some books before they do anything else.  I usually check about 50-60 books a month.  Each child has a crate to store books from the library and each child has required readings.  Every now and again I come across books that are so funny, clever, poignant or creative, that they earn a place on my Amazon Wish List.

Curriculum Plans for 2012-2013

My Man-child, usually very serious, letting loose.

2012-2013 Curriculum Choices for KingMan

Okay, I'll admit it.  This is one of my favorite aspects of homeschooling -- getting ready for the new year.  It's almost like the nesting phase right before you give birth.  I love all of the back to school sales, the used curriculum e-mails flying all over listservs, and especially the homeschool conferences.  Now that all of that has settled down a bit, I was able to meditate on our plans.  Here are our curriculum choices  for the 2012-2013 year.