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Description:

When should we start helping students understand how our writing system works? Many people know the answer is, "As young as possible!" Some will think that our youngest learners aren't quite ready for it. However, our youngest learners are more than prepared for it! They have been speaking for several years before they start school. So, they already have an idea of how it works. We can build on that foundation of oral language and help our most vulnerable students build their understanding of language in print. This foundation is critical for a student with dyslexia. In this workshop, you will learn about the importance of starting to teach how words work as soon as they start school, if not before. We will share fun and engaging activities that you can begin to do with kids in preschool and continue through their education.

 

About the Presenters:

Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D. is an author and co-founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She received her doctorate in literacy with a specialization in reading and dyslexia from San Diego State University and the University of San Diego. Dr. Kelli is a certified special education advocate assisting parents and children through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan process. Dr. Kelli has studied Structured Word Inquiry, the Orton-Gillingham approach, Lindamood-Bell, RAVE-O and Read Naturally. She is a Past-President of the San Diego Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. She co-created and produced “Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia,” and she is a frequent speaker at conferences. She is the author of the well-received book, Dyslexia Advocate! How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia within the Public Education System and Dyslexia and Spelling. Dr. Kelli is currently working the Adult Side of Dyslexia.

 

Tracy Block-Zaretsky is the co-founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She has provided remediation for children and adults with dyslexia for the past 20 years and has developed and taught workplace and family literacy program. She is a certified Special Education advocate assisting parents and children through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504Plan process. She is a past President of the San Diego Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.Tracy has training in Structured Word Inquiry, the Orton-Gillingham approach, Lindamood-Bell programs, Read Naturally and a variety of reading and writing assessments. She co-created and produced, "Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia," and has provided professional development for educators and training for parents at numerous conferences, private on-site trainings and online courses and webinars. Tracy is also a parent of a child with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD and Executive Function Disorder.