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Focus Strategies for ADHD, Dyslexia & Other Issues

Is your child overwhelmed each time a new written assignment is due? Do you have one or more students in your classroom who can’t seem to finish a math worksheet---or any worksheet, for that matter? Well, perhaps the issue is not a lack of motivation, but in the fact that there is just too much printed text or content for them to process. So, what should you do to help?

This was one of the problems mentioned most often at a very recent educational conference we attended here in St. Louis. Again and again, we offered some simple tips to parents and teachers wanting to help children FOCUS and READ with more success.

This week in our blog article, we thought it might be a good idea to provide just a few of the ideas offered to those at the conference. These tips can make work much more manageable, especially for children and teens with AD/HD or dyslexia who sometimes say, “There’s just too much text!” We hope you’ll find them simple yet helpful for your child or students who need help with focusing and for those times when there is “just too much text.”

Focus and Reading Tips for Too Much Content

1. Fold worksheet into sections so only content needing immediate attention is visible.
-Fold so that only 1 paragraph/question/portion of the worksheet can be viewed at a time.
-With math worksheets, fold paper into fourths (or even eighths) so that only 2 problems (or even 1 problem) can be seen.
-When the content section has been read, question answered, or problem(s) completed, re-fold for the next section or problem(s), etc. until all work in the assignment has been completed.

2. Cut worksheet into meaningful sections.
-Cut worksheet so each cut section contains only 1 paragraph or 1 question.
-Cut math worksheets so each part will contain only 2 problems (or 1, if needed).
-Then, in sequential order, staple all sections together at the upper, right-hand corner.
-As each section is read or completed, tear off that section and set it aside. The student will feel like he is making progress with each “tear-off” and the sense of being overwhelmed will melt.

3. Use simple tools to help break up the content into manageable parts.
-Use a ruler placed below each line of text that is to be read. This will place emphasis on the reading matter needing immediate attention. Move the ruler down the page as each line is read.
-Use a piece of colored paper or cardstock to place under lines of content about to be read, covering all text or problems yet to be given attention. This will provide emphasis on what needs immediate attention.
-Use graph paper to properly align math problems into correct place holder columns.
-Use a customized, cut card or the Reading Focus Cards to isolate 1 or 2 lines of text and block out a significant amount of surrounding text. For some math problems, turn the card 90 degrees to isolate place holder columns, allowing only the one column of numbers needing to be added, etc. at the moment.

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://www.kidslearningstation.com/math/math-help-worksheets.asp

Special article written by guest blog writer, Robert A. Brennan, Jr., M.D.

My first memories of reading involve Sister Mary Anthony. She became upset because I could not read the word “rag.” Throughout grade school I did not understand the need for phonics. I memorized the appearance and pronunciation of words. Later, I memorized their spelling. My older sister, Ann, tried to help me with my reading. She instructed me to read phrases and not words. She also said not to point with my fingers while reading.

During high school, I read rather slowly without much purpose. I just dove in and plodded along. I slowly understood the meaning of what I read. A great deal of the time, I read and reread until I comprehended the meaning of the text.

In early college, I discovered the SQ3R Method. This grew out of an elaborate program (1946, E. S. Robinson) at the Ohio State University designed to analyze and treat academic problems:

1. The “S” involves surveying the heading of what one is about to read.

2. The “Q” step involves formulating questions about the material. If there are questions at the end of a chapter, this step involves reading them before one starts reading the chapter.

3. The first “R” involves reading to remember. One should notice italicized words or phrases. One should read everything: tables, graphs, and illustrations.

4. The next “R” involves reciting the synopsis of what one has read. One should pay attention to principal ideas and main headings. One should correct his mistakes and keep his attention to task.

5. The final “R” involves review. One should do this immediately after the first read and one or two reviews in between before the information is needed. These steps were enough for awhile.

However, I felt that I needed increased speed for the reading part of the SQ3R Method. In addition to my courses, I took a night course from the DeCoursey Reading Institute. This involved flashing words and phrases on a screen with a tachy projector or tachistoscope, an apparatus for use in exposing visual stimuli, as pictures, letters, or words, for an extremely brief period, used chiefly to assess visual perception or to increase reading speed. This did not seem to help. However, with my other courses looming, perhaps I did not devote enough time to increasing my reading speed.

Later, I purchased the Evelyn Wood Course in Speed Reading (1988, American Learning Corporation). This was a home-study course. Again, this course did not seem to increase my reading speed.

I purchased another course form the Nightingale-Conant Corporation. This was Mega Speed Reading (1996, Howard Stephen Berg and Kevin Trudeau). The main fact I learned from this course was to use one’s hand under the text to increase speed. One reads phrases and sentences but not words.

The next method that I tried was the Reading Focus Card (2009, Brennan Innovators, LLC). This is a textured card that blocks out and isolates text. It uses different filters to enhance reading comprehension and block out distractions. The RFC increased my comprehension and my memory. Although it did not increase my speed, I found the RFC to be very helpful in keeping my place in the text and when reading from a computer screen. In the morning, I often eat my cereal with one hand and use the other hand with the RFC to read my daily paper.

If I really need to review and remember the information, I write out 3” X 5” cards with the information and review these cards often.

Currently, I use a combination of all of the above methods. However, my search continues.

Dr. Robert A. Brennan, Jr. is a successful OB-Gyn physician with more than 30 years experience. He is currently practicing in the Greater St. Louis Area.

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Photo courtesy of: http://classroomclipart.com/clipart-view/Clipart/Medical/medical_20_jpg.htm

Just a few days ago, we received some great news, and we’d like to share it with our blog readers. ADDitude magazine, the premier AD/HD publication for parents, teachers, and other adults, published an excellent product review of our Reading Focus Cards (U.S. Patent 7,565,759) in its Summer 2012 issue. We’re both pleased and excited to receive such a glowing review of our tools for struggling readers and thought it was about time that we shared this review with our readers here.

For a limited time (at the discretion of New Hope Media, the magazine’s publisher), you can read the Reading Focus Cards’ product review by accessing the digital version of the Summer 2012 issue of ADDitude. Just click on the following link and view the text at the bottom of p.15:

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&refresh=z18P7N0wJ1p2&PBID=88db2084-4c9e-4f20-ac1d-6d46b793934e&skip=

We are grateful to Mr. Wayne Kalyn and his staff at New Hope Media for this great review. We have been receiving so many orders for our Reading Focus Cards since the Summer 2012 issue of ADDitude hit the stands on May 8! Thank you, ADDitude!

Happy Reading with our Reading Focus Cards, everyone!

PRLog's press release about ADDitude Magazine's independent product review of the Reading Focus Card: http://prlog.org/11915185

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Photo courtesy of ADDitude Magazine, a publication of New Hope Media, from http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&refresh=z18P7N0wJ1p2&PBID=88db2084-4c9e-4f20-ac1d-6d46b793934e&skip=

We are concluding our spring conference season and have talked with so many parents and teachers of struggling readers throughout the Midwest. A number of these adults described the various reading challenges of their children and students.

Some mentioned that their children have reported to them that words or letters on a page seem to “wave out” or have “shadows” behind them. Others told us that the children often do not want to read for more than a few minutes, saying that their eyes “get tired” quickly. Still others said that many times, their children or teens were too overwhelmed by all the text on a page. Each of the parents and teachers asked for strategies, tools and resources to help.

For some of the issues mentioned, the introduction of “color” could make a significant difference in one's reading success. The white background on most pages of text can cause some of the issues described above here. This white color is stark or just too bright for many challenged readers. Neutralizing this white color can allow a reader to not only focus but read much more effectively and comfortably.

A particular color for an individual reader can “unblock brain pathways” and further improve the focus, comprehension, and retention of what is read. Some experimentation with several different colors could be time well spent.

Because parent and teacher time is at such a premium, we thought it best to address these needs in a bulleted format. We have listed here some non-invasive ideas that involve the use of color to help readers of any age who are challenged with reading. The following ideas are conservative interventions one might consider before moving to more expensive options:

1. Use colored paper for all printed materials including worksheets, outlines, notes, etc. Experiment with pastels as well as bright shades. One particular color may produce significant results for an individual.

2. Consider the use of colored overlays or focus cards for increased focus and to help with “visual stress” as the white background of a page of text can be visually “offensive” to some readers/learners.

3. When possible, fold worksheets or printed pages into fourths or even eighths so that only what needs to be read or worked on at the moment is visible.

4. Try using focus cards with iPads and other e-tablets (Model #002-Longer). They are also good for use with Kindles, Nooks, and other e-readers (Model #001-Shorter). NOTE: It is recommended that a non-scratch film be used to protect tech devices’ screens with this application.

5. Seriously consider a visit to a developmental optometrist for a non-invasive and conclusive evaluation of a struggling reader (of any age). This medical professional can effectively test, evaluate, diagnose and prescribe particular treatments or therapies for vision-related reading and learning challenges.

We hope this list will give you a few good places to start. As always, please feel free to let us know of your experiences or success stories with “color” for struggling readers. We’ll appreciate it!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.free-clipart-pictures.net/rainbow_clipart.html

Don’t like to study? Feel overwhelmed with the amount of reading you need to cover? Can’t concentrate when it is time to study? You are not alone! However, you might benefit from some new tips, strategies, and resources that could make your study routine ---less routine and MORE productive. How? Just take a look at what we suggest.
Arrange for the following needs to be met BEFORE a study session begins:

A. Study Environment: Create a space consistent and conducive to good study and that satisfies your learning style. To do this, consider one or more of the following:

1. Lighting---Low lighting can actually be appropriate for some learners.

2. Seating/study surface---A desk and chair with good support are recommended, but some learners can study more effectively with soft furniture such as bean bag chairs, etc.

3. “Comfort colors”---Soothing colors in the immediate surroundings can be therapeutic and induce relaxation. However, bright colors can be stimulating and promote more attention to work.

4. Structure & organization---Keeping to a set time for study is usually a good idea. Storing completed written work in folders or binders with dividers can help with organization and keep you current with assignments.

5. Sound---Wordless, instrumental music or nature sounds conducive to study can be effective.

6. Short breaks with water and/or healthy snacks---For some younger students, 5-minute breaks at 15 minute intervals can be beneficial. For older children and teens, a break of a few minutes every hour or so is usually helpful.

B. Study Tools: Consider one or more of the following items when attention is an issue:

1. Appropriate supplies---Have the proper supplies needed to study---sharpened pencils, good erasers, enough paper, pocket folders or binders, etc. should always be kept at hand for a good and productive study session.

2. Appropriately charged/connected hardware---Be sure to charge up your tech devices prior to study time.

3. Index cards—manually and/or digitally created---Keep a supply of 3” x 5” index cards (lined or unlined) for making quick study tools that are customized to the student’s learning style.

4. Overlays---If visual stress caused by white page backgrounds of printed media is an issue, try overlays (colored, transparent sheets). A particular color may produce better results and help you experience more reading comfort and success.

5. Focusing tools---If focus and concentration are issues, try tools that isolate a line(s) of text and block out surrounding text. Focus cards will provide this assistance for many distracted readers.

6. Tactile manipulatives---Having something soft (or firm, depending on personal preference) in one’s hand to manipulate during study times can be soothing and promote better concentration and retention of the content studied. These tactile manipulatives help with relaxation and concentration (good for tactile and kinesthetic learners.

7. Recording device---Recording history facts, dates or other content, especially when memorization is involved can be very beneficial. Listen to the recordings at times that are not mentally taxing (while preparing for bedtime, dressing for the day, taking a walk, driving/riding in the car, etc. (This can be especially helpful for auditory learners.) The results of this can be surprisingly beneficial.

In addition, you might find the following online resources to be helpful for improving your study strategies:

Resources and Strategies for Effective Study

10 Tips for Good Study Skills
http://www.familycorner.com/education/study_habits.shtml

Good Study Tips for College Students
http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/fancher/study.htm

Tips on How to Study---from Dartmouth College (includes printable handouts)
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/study.html

Thinking about these aspects of a student’s study environment, use of the right tools to enhance the study experience, and strategies for good study can mean all the difference in the world when test time approaches. Having prepared completely will yield great results. All the best for study success, students!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/category/stud2.html

Many of the keyword searches that bring visitors to our blog and websites revolve around the term “struggling readers” (really?) We felt it was about time to provide a list of good apps for teachers, parents and others who work tirelessly with children and teens challenged with reading. We hope these apps will “fill the bill” for those who come to us looking for solutions to help the many struggling readers everywhere.

A very comprehensive list of apps to help struggling readers
http://web.jordan.k12.ut.us/hpeak/Site/Apps_for_Struggling_Readers_files/AppsforEarlyLiteracy%20final.pdf

iPad Apps for Learning to Read – A Surprising Benefit (from RockNLearn.com)
http://rocknlearn.com/blog/2011/01/27/ipad-apps-for-learning-to-read-%E2%80%93-a-surprising-benefit/

Phonics and reading app for older, struggling readers—Phonics and Reading Lite (FREE version)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phonics-and-reading-lite/id477048847?ls=1&mt=8

Phonics and reading app for older, struggling readers—Phonics and Reading (FULL version of above app---$19.99 to download)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phonics-reading-mcguffey/id477046803?mt=8

Recommended iPad Book Apps for Older & Reluctant Readers Ages 8-12
http://digital-storytime.com/wp/?p=897

App Store - Reading Machine – Full Install ($1.99 to download) This app looks so simple, and it is. However, it is incredibly powerful, effective, and works wonders with struggling readers.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id368974482?mt=8

Special Note: The Reading Focus Cards work well to provide even better focus and greater concentration with iPads, Kindles, Nooks, and other related tech devices. Just remember to use a non-scratch film to protect the tech screens with this application.

Happy Reading, EVERYONE!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/clip/classhands.html

In the aftermath of the holiday gift-giving of so many tech devices, we have been receiving more calls and email requests than usual over the past month for educational and organizational apps, particularly those for AD/HD.

In response to these requests, we have gathered here a collection of app lists helpful for the AD/HD community with credits to Mr. Mark Kawate, ADDitude Magazine, and the editors of the Reader’s Digest, respectively. We hope these organizational and educational resources will provide you or someone you know challenged with AD/HD the needed assistance to make each day just a little bit better.

We would like to hear from our readers, too. If you know of another great AD/HD app not included in the lists below, please tell us and our readers in the comment boxes below. We will certainly appreciate your input!

Our readers are also telling us that their Reading Focus Cards work very well when used with their e-tablets (for iPads, etc.---the longer Reading Focus Card) and e-readers (for the Kindle, Nook, etc.---the smaller Reading Focus Card). This is an excellent way to get more focus on 1 or 2 lines of text on a webpage AND block out more surrounding text. We recommend that when doing this, the reader also use a scratch-proof, film shield to protect the tech device’s screen.

So, without further ado, here are 4 lists of the BEST apps we know of at this writing for children and/or adults challenged with the symptoms of AD/HD:

http://www.appsforadhd.com/appsforadhd/5bestiosapps.html The 5 Best iPhone/iPad Apps for ADHD-by Mark Kawate

http://www.appsforadhd.com/appsforadhd/top6free.html The Top 6 FREE iPhone/iPad Apps for ADHD-by Mark Kawate

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8698.html To-Do List Apps for ADHD Kids and Adults from ADDitudeMag.com

http://www.rd.com/health/adhd-and-ipads-5-apps-to-make-life-easier/ ADHD and iPads: 5 Apps to Make Life Easier by Reader's Digest Editors

www.smartyearsapps.com A family of apps for ALL learners (courtesy of Ms. Rosie Simms---thank you!)

For more information, please visit:

www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897 For phone support and consultation

We wanted to follow up on here on last week’s article about help for low vision, stroke recovery and traumatic brain injury. It only makes sense to provide additional resources from the internet and organizations that can provide additional support to persons with these challenges AND their caregivers as well.

Please find the following resources, many of which are FREE. We hope they will help you, your child, or someone for whom you care:

Low Vision Resources

1. A variety of products, resources, and organizations are available to help people who have low vision. www.glaucoma.org/treatment/low-vision-resources.php

2. Information on rehabilitation, low vision aids, coping strategies, and other resources are provided here. http://www.lowvision.org/

3. A rich collection of resources on the World Wide Web is available to those who wish to know more about visual impairments and about resources and accommodations for students with visual impairments. (from the University of Washington) http://www.washington.edu/doit/Faculty/Strategies/Disability/Vision/low_vision_resources.html

Stroke Recovery Resources

1. The American Stroke Association offers support and information for stroke patients, caregivers and their families. http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/

2. Stroke-recovery resources such as a FREE online caregiver handbook, speech and language therapy information and software, and other information are accessible here. http://www.bungalowsoftware.com/rehab/#Stroke_

3. FREE booklet, entitled "Recovering After a Stroke," is designed to help stroke survivors and their families get the most out of post-stroke (all from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke_rehabilitation.htm

TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) Resources

1. Useful resources on the web, including discussion groups, email lists, and numerous web pages. Resources are organized by category (TBI, therapist info, rehab institutes, etc.) http://www.bungalowsoftware.com/rehab/#TBI

2. Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Resources: TBI Resource Guide available by subscribing to our free monthly electronic newsletter and other resources. http://www.neuroskills.com/

3. Brain Injury REHAB & RECOVERY Related Links and Resources http://www.discoverhiddensecrets.com/TBIresources.html

For more information, please visit:

www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897 For phone support and consultation

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/brain_clipart.html

It is customary for us at Brennan Innovators to receive numerous inquiries and consultation requests each week from parents and teachers of children with various kinds of learning differences (i.e. AD/HD, dyslexia, autism, etc.) However, during the past few weeks, we have been receiving more requests from struggling readers with other physical conditions or recently-acquired challenges .

Adults with low vision issues have been asking about our Reading Focus Cards (U.S. Patent 7,565,759) for tracking and fluency help with macular degeneration and other vision issues. In addition, persons recovering from stroke or traumatic brain injury and their care givers have been calling to ask about our tools for their reading challenges, as well. It has been very gratifying to offer them a very inexpensive aid to increase their potential to read with more success.

With some of these physical conditions described above, it is often difficult for an affected reader to see where the next line of text is actually located in order to begin to read it. Also, the white background on a page of text can work against an already-struggling reader, causing visual stress and making it even more difficult to read. However, when a colored filter such as a highlighting yellow lens or overlay is added to change the page background, the text appears more pronounced or emphasized. This aids a compromised reader to focus and track more effectively, which can lessen frustration and anxiety, and may very well provide the needed focus, concentration, and better comprehension so as to ultimately experience the ability to read once again.

The Reading Focus Cards can provide these features and more for a challenged reader of any age with reading issues such as stroke, brain injury, or challenges relating to low vision. Of course, the focusing tool is not meant in any way to take the place of appropriate medical attention, but it can assist in the rehabilitation period when evaluation and diagnosis have been completed, and recovery has begun.

For more information and to view a video about this reading solution called the Reading Focus Cards, please visit:

www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897 For phone support and consultation

As promised, we wanted to provide you with additional resources for those readers who struggle with dyslexia. We hope you will also find these to be helpful as well as those listed in our last article here!

1. http://www.learning-inside-out.com/dyslexia-statistics.html Are you a parent of a child struggling with learning strategies for reading, writing, math, test taking – or school in general? Or are you looking for methods to help yourself in some area of learning? This site will help.

2. http://www.senteacher.org/Condition/11/dyslexia.xhtml SEN weblinks and resources for dyslexia

3. http://www.ncld.org/at-school/general-topics/accommodations/accommodating-students-with-dyslexia How to accommodate students challenged with dyslexia (From the National Center for Learning Disabilities)

4. http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/success-stories/anne-ford-allegra-ford-scholars/winning-battles-dyslexia A story to inspire---Porsha Buck's story follows her struggles with dyslexia and her goal from an early age to become a doctor. Porsha was the 2007 Runner-Up for the Anne Ford Scholarship and a great example of a learning-disabled student who accepted challenges with the confidence she could always overcome them.

5. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=new-font-helps-dyslexics-read Dutch researcher designs distinct characters into "Dyslexie" to make it more difficult for dyslexics to rotate, swap and mirror letters and numbers. (October 26, 2011)

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897

Photo courtesy of: http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/home/article_1bea7419-12fb-54e0-ba1a-7c542dc87a08.html

This week I would like to post some questions that have been asked this week either online, during phone consultations or in-person conferences. To answer, I will provide 1 or more related links for each of the questions. Please feel free to post your comments, additional questions, and other related links that you feel might also be helpful to our readers! Thank you in advance for your good input!

1. Where can I find websites and resources for my child to work with math to any level he chooses?

Three of the best math resources for this purpose would be:

http://www.math.com/ From basic arithmetic to college calculus and beyond!

http://www.khanacademy.org/ High school and college math lessons on video!

http://www.mathforum.com/ This site includes Ask Dr. Math, Problems of the Week, discussion groups and much more.

2. Where can I locate a list of good classic novels that young girls could read?

The following books are available via: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/classics-for-girls-barnes-noble/1014634443#Details

Lewis Carroll
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Through the Looking-Glass

Edith Nesbit
The Enchanted Castle
Five Children and It

Louisa May Alcott
Little Women

J. M. Barrie
Peter Pan

Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden

Kenneth Grahame
The Wind in the Willows

by L. Frank Baum
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

3. Where can I find focusing tools to help beginning readers?

http://www.FocusandRead.com/ Product website for the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions created by an experienced teacher for struggling readers

http://www.BrennanInnovators.com Professional website with special needs reading info, support, and resources for parents, teachers and administrators

4. What resources and links are available for helping 9-10 year-old struggling readers?

http://www.lexile.com/using-lexile/lexile-at-home/how-to-help-a-struggling-reader/ How to help struggling readers

https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=d6f6qnd_0r9j5wbwf Excellent PowerPoint to help struggling readers based on Dr. Sharon H. Faber’s How to Teach Reading When You’re Not a Reading Teacher

5. How do you know the exact reading skills a struggling reader should learn?

http://www.benchmarkeducation.com/educational-leader/reading/supporting-struggling-readers.html Comprehensive list of reading skills needed for elementary grades with best practices

http://www.squidoo.com/improve-childs-reading-skills Top 10 Ways to Improve Reading Skills & Other Activities

Do you have a question that could help a struggling reader in you life? Please post in the comment box below here.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897

Clip art---Courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/search?q=FREE+jpg+clipart+images&hl=en&biw=1261&bih=626&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=SKO1TuHuBYGesQL2iNH1Aw&sqi=2&ved=0CFkQsAQ"

You are the advocate and mediator for your child when interacting with his healthcare professionals, his teachers and school. At home, you are the one who provides the security of structure and comfort through therapeutic activities or the use of soothing, sensory experiences. You need support. Support that helps with the security and sensory needs of your child can mean the difference between a peaceful day --- and one that is not.

One solution is the Reading Focus Card, a reading tool that provides both visual and tactile appeal for sensory issues. At the same time, the reading aid can help your child remain engaged in reading with more focus, better concentration, and comprehension.

At the 2010 U.S. Asperger’s and Autism World Conference in St. Louis, MO, parents, educators, and leaders of numerous organizations witnessed firsthand the advantages of using the Reading Focus Cards for those on the spectrum. On the first day of the conference, all available Reading Focus Cards were purchased and orders were taken on the two remaining conference days.

If you would like to know more about how the Reading Focus Cards can help your child---and you, please contact the teacher, Joan Brennan, who created the tool for her students who need it. Her email address is joan@focusandread.com.

For testimonials on the Reading Focus Cards, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/rfc-testimonials.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

We at Brennan Innovators, LLC are more than pleased that our product, the Reading Focus Card Combo Pack (Patent 7,565,759), recently received the outstanding Kidlutions Seal of Approval. On April 25, 2011, the Reading Focus Card Combo Pack of sensory-appealing focus tools for struggling readers was distinguished with this award. The Kidlutions Seal of Approval is only awarded to products that solve problems for children, parents, educators and others as well as change lives!

We are very proud and grateful to receive this award. We wish to thank Ms. Wendy Young, LMSW, BCD, and her team of mom-reviewers for evaluating the Reading Focus Cards and for making the decision to award this Kidlutions Seal of Approval to our product for struggling readers.

We invite you to read the blog article written by Ms. Young at http://kidlutionssfk.blogspot.com/2011/04/reading-focus-card-changes-lives.html. Feel free to enter your own comments if you, your child, or someone you know has benefited from using our Reading Focus Cards. We will appreciate your comments!

To read testimonials from teachers, parents and students who have used the Reading Focus Cards, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/rfc%20testimonials.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For AD/HD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Did you know that the white background on a page of text can be "visually offensive" to some readers? Most definitely! By changing the background color of a page of print, focus, concentration, comprehension, and retention can be improved for many. Certain colors can actually "unblock" pathways in the brain, making it possible to improve brain connectivity. This can result in improved reading success.

At several recent conferences, many parents, teachers, and students were able to test colored overlays and the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759) that were available for them. For some, yellow overlays worked well to bring words into focus and to "stop the letters from moving". For others, amber (an orange color), green, deep blue, or tan (like the blog here) worked best.

For those readers who needed color AND focusing help, the Reading Focus Card kits were the best option. With a choice of blue, yellow, and clear/non-glare reading window filters in every kit, readers can customize their Reading Focus Cards to suit their individual reading needs.

Developmental optometrists can evaluate and diagnose individual reading problems. Many times, the treatment will involve vision therapy or other options. This can be expensive and time consuming; however, the benefits can be significant.

An inexpensive and timesaving alternative can be the introduction of colored overlays or the use of Reading Focus Cards. They certainly provided some much needed help for readers at the recent conferences.

Source

Press release: Patented ADHD Reading Tools Can Help ALL Kinds of Readers
http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/patented-adhd-reading-tools-can-help-all-kinds-readers

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Strategies and Accommodations for Challenged Learners

Learning does not come easily for every student. Sometimes because of learning differences, disabilities and even learning styles, individual students learn differently and at different rates. Parents and teachers often look for specific strategies and resources to assist struggling readers and learners, especially those with ADHD, dyslexia, or other issues that can affect student reading ability.

Here are just a few that you might consider for the challenged student(s) in your life:

1. Have the course and book content available via audiotape.

2. Use a portable, hand-held spell checker (such as the Franklin Spelling Ace) for unknown words.

3. Use graph paper or other tools like the Reading Focus Card for math to promote accurate placeholder work.

4. Use interactive computer reading programs that require only a limited number of tasks at a time.

5. Underline or highlight important key words in a set of directions BEFORE beginning an assignment.

6. Fold a worksheet so that only a small amount of text, information, or problems is visible at one time. Using individualized tools can help with this as well.

7. Allow for moving to optional work areas with less distraction.

8. Allow for the experience of a variety of sensory learning techniques such as those from the use of a computer, tape recorder, projector, and manipulatives. The more senses you appeal to in the learning process, the more success the student will experience.

9. Use word processors or computers to complete written work, especially when writing is a struggle.

10. Allow for kneeling or standing at a desk (if needed), as long as it does not cause problems or distractions for others.

11. Have access to a copy of prepared notes, especially after a teaching session or discussion.

12. Arrange for a second set of textbooks at home so that materials are always at hand when needed.

13. Use very low-volume music (instrumental) or environmental sounds (seashore or other nature sounds) while doing independent work.

14. Work cooperatively at times with others as part of a "buddy" system of support.

15. Use colored paper for all printed materials including worksheets, outlines, notes, etc. Experiment with pastels as well as bright shades. One particular color may produce the best results for an individual.

16. Consider colored overlays or the Reading Focus Cards for focus and reading challenges because the white background of a page of text can be visually “offensive” to some readers/learners.

Copyright 2010 Brennan Innovators, LLC

For more information:

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897