android jelly bean update

It's that time of year when "Football Frenzy" reaches its highest point. For some diehard football fans, the fast-approaching tribute to the two best teams in football can even eclipse other holiday celebrations like no other. It's time for the annual SUPER BOWL Game!

Why not harness some of that frenzy and use it as an excellent opportunity to entice a reluctant reader who loves football or a chance to provide reading and learning activities for your children as you prepare for a SUPER BOWL event at your home? No matter what the situation, you'll keep 'em reading all weekend long---AND longer!

We've gathered together a timely list of links to help you. The following resources will save you considerable time in locating just the right reading activities for your children or students. We're even publishing the article earlier than usual so that you can take better advantage of the resources it includes. We hope you'll find these resources helpful enough that you just might save the list for next year's big game, too!

Enjoy---AND may the BEST team win! Happy Reading, everyone!

Reading Resources for Football and the SUPER BOWL

Going to the Super Bowl (for Grade 3) from Reading A-Z
This informational text tells all about one of America's favorite championship games: the Super Bowl. The author explains how the famous football game began, how it got its name, and how it's changed through the years. Also included is a collection of game highlights, complete with a timeline of "Super Moments in Super Bowl History." Includes related vocabulary and a guided reading lesson plan.
http://www.readinga-z.com/book.php?id=1384

Top 12 Super Bowl Activities for the Classroom by Kim Haynes of TeachHUB.com
How can you take advantage of Super Bowl enthusiasm in the classroom or with your own children? These football-related activities are guaranteed to bring a winning attitude to your classroom or your home.
http://www.teachhub.com/super-bowl-activities-classroom

Super Bowl Activities from The Teachers Corner
These Super Bowl Activities will provide you with great resources that will help you bring the "Big Game" to life for children.
http://seasonal.theteacherscorner.net/super-bowl/

Superbowl & Football Theme / Unit - from Teaching Heart Teachers
Teaching Heart Teachers share some football ideas: Lessons, printables, links & more!
http://www.teachingheart.net/football.htm

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

Image courtesy of:
1. Dreamstime.com at http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-american-football-field-nfl-eps-image16200012
2. Sweet Clip Art at http://sweetclipart.com/rugby-ball-or-american-football-217
3. Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

The last article in a series of 3 (different age groups)

As the holiday season draws to a close, so does our series of three articles here with book lists and resources for challenged readers in various age groups. We thought that providing this information at this time would help parents and teachers discover books for gift giving to reluctant or struggling readers.

This last article is intended for younger readers (age levels provided with each selection). Some of the books listed are geared toward children who daily experience the challenges of dyslexia. Others touch on more general reading problems. One book even deals with bullying, which is an issue that, unfortunately, many students face in our schools today. At the end of the resources list, you’ll even find a link to a site that offers FREE e-books, which can be very helpful to young challenged readers (as e-readers and other tech devices for e-books can help diminish visual stress experienced by some challenged readers.)

We hope you’ll agree that each of these selections offers more than just one more book for a child to read. They each have something “special” to offer a young person whose self-esteem is at stake because of a struggle to read.

Happy reading---AND Happy Holidays, dear readers!

BEST Books for Younger Challenged Readers

Tacky the Penguin---by Helen Lester & illustrated by Lynn M. Musinger (ages 4-8)
This delightful tale of an odd penguin that doesn’t fit in with the “perfect” penguins in his colony is well suited to budding out-of-the-box thinkers who often do things differently from their peers. Stories give children a way to think positively about themselves and Tacky is a hero for children who struggle with differences. A Read-Along Book/CD combo is also available.
http://www.amazon.com/Tacky-Penguin-Helen-Lester/dp/0395562333/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386290429&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Tacky+the+Penguin---by+Helen+Lester+%26+illustrated+by+Lynn+M.+Musinger

It’s Called Dyslexia---by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos & illustrated by Nuria Roca (ages 4-7)
Whoever said that learning to read and write is easy? The little girl in this story is unhappy and she no longer enjoys school. When learning to read and write, she tries to remember which way the letters go but she often gets them all mixed up. After she discovers that dyslexia is the reason for her trouble, she begins to understand that with extra practice and help from others, she will begin to read and write correctly. At the same time, she also discovers a hidden talent she never knew existed!
http://www.amazon.com/Called-Dyslexia-Live-Learn-Books/dp/0764137948/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386286193&sr=1-1&keywords=It%E2%80%99s+Called+Dyslexia---by+Jennifer+Moore-Mallinos

Thank You, Mr. Falker---by Patricia Polacco (ages 5-8)
"This story is truly autobiographical. It is about my own struggle with not being able to read. This story honors the teacher that took the time to see a child that was drowning and needed help...Mr. Falker, my hero, my teacher, not only stopped this boy from teasing me, but he also noticed that I wasn't reading well and got a reading specialist to help." -Patricia Polacco
http://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Falker-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0399257624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386287339&sr=1-1&keywords=Thank+You%2C+Mr.+Falker---by+Patricia+Polacco

The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia---by Diane Burton Robb and Gail Piazza (ages 7-10)
"When Adam was little, he loved to sink into his mother's warm lap and listen to her read." Yet, reading becomes a frustrating, daily battle once Adam starts school. Finally, in third grade, Adam learns that he has dyslexia...and begins a journey back to enjoying reading.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Alphabet-War-Story-Dyslexia/dp/0807503029

FREE e-Books for Young Readers---from Pearson Education, Ltd. (for Primary Grades)
Everyone deserves a rest when they’re at home, but it’s also important for children to keep up with their reading practice if they can. To help make reading fun at home, this resource provides FREE access to a range of e-books for teachers, parents and children. No sign-up, no login, no fuss. http://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/Primary/GlobalPages/BugClubReadingChallenge/BugClubReadingChallenge%20-%20Teachers.aspx

Sources:

Young People’s Books Focusing on Dyslexia
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/EDU_YPbooks.html

Finding FREE Kids Books Online: Holiday Edition!
http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/free-kids-holiday-and-christmas-books-online

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: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

The 1st in a series of 3 articles (by age group)

We often receive calls and emails requesting children’s or teens’ book lists throughout the year. However, we had not created a list for any of the previous holiday seasons to help parents and grandparents choose the best books for young, challenged or readers.

To address this, we have gathered together over the past several weeks a series of 3 NEW book lists just in time for your holiday shopping. Each list is dedicated to a particular age group of struggling or even reluctant readers.

Our first booklist here is for ‘tweens and teens. We think this list could come in handy during the 2013 Holiday Season. In fact, you just might enjoy your holiday gift shopping a little bit more this year while at the same find a favorite book to read WITH your child any time of the year! (HINT: See the second book in the list to follow.)

Happy Reading---AND Happy Holidays, dear readers!

Close to Famous---by Joan Bauer (girls, ages 9-13)
Plucky, twelve-year-old Foster McFee is not going to let her inability to read keep her from reaching her goal of having her own television cooking show. In fact, her ambitions engage everyone around her, including an unlikely reading tutor who forces her to confront the vulnerability she is trying to keep hidden.
http://www.joanbauer.com/close_to_famous.html

What Is Dyslexia?: A Book Explaining Dyslexia for Kids and Adults to Use Together---by Alan M. Hultquist, illustrated by Lydia Corrow (ages 8-11)
Children with dyslexia can be left "out of the loop" when it comes to discussions about the reasons for their struggles at school. This book is designed to help adults explain dyslexia to children aged 8-11. Hultquist offers clear examples and explanations, interactive activities for parents (or other adults) and children to do together, and highlights of the courage and strengths of people with dyslexia.
http://www.amazon.com/What-Dyslexia-Explaining-Adults-Together/dp/1843108828/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386288535&sr=8-1&keywords=What+Is+Dyslexia%3F%3A+A+Book+Explaining+Dyslexia+for+Kids+and+Adults+to+Use+Together+by+Alan+M.+Hultquist

Eleven---by Patricia Riley Giff (ages 9-13)
Sam, a talented boy who can't read, is trying to discover his true identity through written documents. This action-packed psychological mystery is both suspenseful & touching. (Kindle edition also available)
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/188-8032550-4058664?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Eleven%20by%20Patricia%20Riley%20Giff

Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Underachiever---A series by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver (ages 9-13)
Henry Winkler's real-life experiences as a young "underachiever" inspire these humorous and exciting stories in the Hank Zipzer series. These books will engage even the most reluctant reader in a fun romp through the days of Hank Zipzer, who always manages to keep things lively and, in the end, helps deliver a message of understanding for all kids, especially for those who share Hank's learning differences.
http://www.hankzipzer.com/

The Lightning Thief---and others in the series by Rick Riordan (boys, ages 10-15)
Boys will like the books in this series. They are filled with excitement, danger and personal triumph. They can also be downloaded for an MP3 player. A graphic novel version is also available.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=The+Lightning+Thief---rick+riordan&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3AThe+Lightning+Thief---rick+riordan

Two-Minute Drill: Mike Lupica's Comeback Kids---by Mike Lupica (boys, middle grades)
Chris Conlan is the coolest kid in sixth grade—the golden-armed quarterback of the football team, and the boy all the others look up to. Scott Parry is the new kid, the boy with the huge brain, but with feet that trip over themselves daily. These two boys may seem like an odd couple, but team up when Scott figures out how to help Chris with his reading problem, while Chris helps him with his football and both boys end up winners.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=+Two-Minute+Drill%3A+Mike+Lupica's+Comeback+Kids+by+Mike+Lupica&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3A+Two-Minute+Drill%3A+Mike+Lupica's+Comeback+Kids+by+Mike+Lupica

River Rampage---and others in the Sam Cooper Adventure series by Max Elliot Anderson (ages 8-13)
Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries. His books are written especially for reluctant reader boys 8 and up, but they are also loved by avid readers, girls and even adults. If you happen to be a reluctant reader or are a parent of a reluctant reader, your life is about to change!
To purchase a copy signed by Mr. Anderson, email the author for details at: mander8813@aol.com.
You can also order via Amazon.com at:
http://www.amazon.com/River-Rampage-Max-Elliot-Anderson/dp/193560015X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386291672&sr=8-1&keywords=River+Rampage+by+Max+Elliot+Anderson

Next week’s article & book list: BEST Books for Challenged Older Teen Readers

Sources:

Young People’s Books Focusing on Dyslexia
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/EDU_YPbooks.html

Max Elliot Anderson’s Blog & Website
Blog: http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html

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: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

In several of our most recent articles, we have been discussing some aspects of “summer learning loss” or “the summer slide.” As many of you already know, these terms often refer to the waning of reading skills and a decrease in learning progress for children and teens during the summer vacation months.

This loss of skills and learning progress can be experienced by even the most academic of students. However, when this occurs in challenged or reluctant readers and learners, the results can have a very negative impact on student learning success throughout the coming school year. What strategies can help promote literacy and encourage improvement of reading and learning skills NOW during the summer---or anytime? We have some important tips this week to assist parents and teachers with this issue.

6 Tips for Struggling & Reluctant Readers

1. Set aside a comfortable place in the home or classroom where your challenged reader(s) can return again and again to read at will. This should be a quiet space with soothing colors, soft cushions and non-florescent lighting, especially for readers with sensory needs. Involve the reader(s) in choosing the features, colors and attributes of this space.

2. Place books within easy reach of the readers. Fill spaces with colorful baskets or bright, paper-covered boxes containing a wide variety of books. Set these filled containers on the floor or on short tables throughout the home or classroom.

3. Allow for structured time when reading for pleasure can be done. When chores are finished or after some physical activity, reading a favorite book can be a very welcome and soothing option.

4. Allow your child to “catch you reading”---often! This "visual" example can be PRICELESS, especially when it is frequently witnessed.

5. New vocabulary words or those that are challenging for a reader should actually be “celebrated” rather than associated with extra work or any penalties. This can be accomplished by using the words as often as possible in meaningful sentences on a given day, by posting and decorating a placard for each “challenge” word or by creating “fun” games with a group of new vocabulary words (Vocabulary Bingo, etc.)

6. For additional strategies to help challenged or reluctant readers and learners, please visit: http://www.focusandread.com/learning-strategies

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: Brennan Innovators, LLC
www.FocusandRead.com/products

This past week, our team of consultants at Brennan Innovators attended The St. Louis Autism Conference (June 5 & 6, organized and sponsored by Touchpoint Autism Services). As we talked with the parents and service providers who asked about our reading tools, we were reminded again and again that sensory resources are key in helping to first soothe and then teach important concepts to children and adults on the spectrum. In addition, the more senses that are incorporated into the teaching process, the greater the learning success and retention will be for the learner.

Last December, we published a blog article here entitled Help for Struggling Readers with Sensory Needs. Since then, there have been a large number of visitors to that particular post. This past week, many conference attendees requested sensory resources and tools to aid them in their methods of instruction and care. We referred them to our December post. However, we thought that in our blog this week, we would continue the discussion and provide additional sensory resources for the attendees and for our readers here.

The list to follow below here will provide just of few of the current online resources for sensory readers and learners. Please take advantage of them and feel free to let us know of others you have discovered. We’ll add them to our list!

Here are the sensory resources we have to offer this week:

FREE Sensory Resources (from Child 1st Publications)--Presents a powerful, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading - specifically for right brained learners including visual and kinesthetic learners and those with special needs.
http://www.child-1st.com/new_site/FreeStuff.html

Dyslexia and Multi-Sensory Reading Techniques--Students with dyslexia often learn best when taught using a multi-sensory approach.
http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/84889.aspx

10 Apps for Learners Who Struggle with Reading and/or Writing--(from Paul Hamilton)
http://paulhami.edublogs.org/2012/02/21/10-apps-for-learners-who-struggle-with-reading-andor-writing/

Sensory Integration Resources--Numerous articles are listed here to help your child with sensory integration issues, including an interview with Carol Kranowitz, author of The Out of Sync Child.
http://www.comeunity.com/disability/sensory_integration/

More Sensory Information and Resources--General information and links of all types related to sensory integration are provided for parents (and teachers) on this website.
http://www.sensoryresources.com/

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.123rf.com/clipart-vector/sensory_perception.html

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

Over the past few months, I have been receiving more than a few calls from parents, grandparents, and teachers about children from the 8-10 year-old age group. Many of these concerned adults have told me about the children's reading problems with focus, about "too many words on a page", and the actual resistance to reading in general. I could not help but think, “What is happening with reading in this particular group of children from ages 8-10?"

First of all, many children are often presented with their first, “large” text book somewhere between the ages of 8 and 10 years. For many, this will be a social studies (geography) or science book with two columns of text per page. Young students are easily overwhelmed by the appearance of this first example of just “too much text” on each page. This experience is more like a “shock” to them, given the other books they previously have read with one set of long text lines on each page. Trying to focus and read becomes that much more difficult.

In addition to this, these children can also experience more “visual stress”, not just from the sheer increase in the volume of text to be read, but in the increase of the white page backgrounds behind the greater amounts of text. Developmental optometrists will mention that this visual stress can contribute significantly to vision-related reading difficulties.

What can be done to help with this situation? Most probably, textbook publishers will not be changing their text formats anytime soon. However, a few things might be helpful. Prior to reading a new section in a “larger” text book, use the SQRRR method of reading and reviewing material:

1. http://www.odessa.edu/dept/govt/dille/brian/courses/1100Orientation/SQ3R.pdf or

2. http://www.psychologicalselfhelp.org/Chapter13/chap13_90.html .

This is an excellent method to adopt as an approach to life-long reading and learning.

Also, changing the white background of a page by using a colored overlay can go a long way to diminishing or eliminating visual stress for a reader. Another option, especially if focus and visual stress are suspected, is to introduce the Reading Focus Card, a solution that 1) changes any printed page's white background to a chosen color AND 2) blocks out more surrounding text than any other reading tool available.

These are some of the simplest, most inexpensive, and non-invasive options for helping children in this age group with reading challenges of this kind.

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

The last few weeks have been most interesting since an article about the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759) first appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch---http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/home/article_1bea7419-12fb-54e0-ba1a-7c542dc87a08.html (from 9/25/11).

Since September 25, I have received many phone calls and online communications from parents, grandparents, teachers, and tutors. What struck me, however, was the very motivated and enthusiastic grandparents who called to discuss their grandchildren's reading challenges. It was most interesting, yet sad, to hear the stories of struggling children from almost every age group and how they have so much difficulty with reading the written word. In addition to the Reading Focus Card orders received, it was my pleasure to listen, answer questions, and offer information, strategies, and professional referrals to enable the grandparents and others to help their challenged readers.

To all who called or visited www.FocusandRead.com, thank you for your interest and dedication to a child's reading issues and long-term academic success. Thank you, also, for wanting to DO something to help a child experiencing reading difficulties. It is hoped that the advice imparted, the resources given, and the Reading Focus Cards ordered will go a long way to benefit many children who are reluctant and/or struggling readers! A SPECIAL thanks to our helpful grandparents!

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

Whether you suspect your child has dyslexia or some other reading challenge, it is essential to obtain an official and appropriate diagnosis. However, sometimes there can be considerable “wait time” before an initial visit with a medical professional or other appropriate diagnostician.

Depending on the circumstances in your area (i.e. the number of individuals needing evaluation or the appropriate professionals available to the population), it can take some weeks before an appointment can be scheduled for testing, evaluation, and a proper diagnosis to be determined. What, if anything, can be done in the meantime to help a child or adult struggling with reading? There are some tips and strategies to consider that could be helpful.

Overlays, which are colored or clear transparent sheets placed over a page of printed text, can be beneficial to some challenged readers. Often, the white background on a page of text can be “visually stressing” or even “offensive” to many individuals with reading issues. Try a different colored sheet each week to learn if a specific color helps more than others in promoting focus, concentration, better comprehension, and retention.

Focusing tools can also help. These types of tools should block out surrounding text and promote the line(s) of text to be read at a particular time. They are usually inexpensive and non-invasive, which are added benefits to their use.

One such tool called the Reading Focus Card (U.S. Patent 7,565,759) actually blocks out more surrounding text than any other tool available at this writing. It is inexpensive, non-invasive, and created by an experienced teacher for her students. In addition, this solution for struggling readers is customizable for each individual and includes 3 different colored filters (like mini-overlays) from which to choose for changing the color of the white background of any page. The Reading Focus Card Combo Pack comes with all components for 2 tools (each a different length for different text line lengths. Visit www.FocusandRead.com to learn more or to order.

Other tips and strategies for readers who struggle should also be considered. The following are just a few that could make a difference:

1. Underline or highlight important key words in a set of directions BEFORE beginning an activity, worksheet, or other assignment.

2. Fold a worksheet so that only a small amount of text, information, or problems is visible at one time.

3. Allow for standing while reading or even moving to optional work areas with less distraction.

4. Try “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.

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

Part 3---Two Options to Consider

Regardless of the age of an individual with dyslexia or other reading challenges, it is important to consider obtaining an official diagnosis.

In the case of children and teens, some school districts use a relatively new process called Response to Intervention (RTI) to identify children with learning disabilities. For students who do not go through this RTI process, an evaluation to formally diagnose dyslexia is needed. Such an evaluation traditionally has included intellectual and academic achievement testing, as well as an assessment of the critical underlying language skills that are closely linked to dyslexia. For children, this may be accomplished through one’s school district; however, the wait time could be significant depending on available services in each district.

Another option is to seek such an evaluation through private testing. A developmental optometrist is an excellent medical professional to conduct such an evaluation. The “upside” with this option is that wait time can be significantly less. In addition, such an evaluation is available for either children or adults. However, this option can be quite expensive and often is not covered under traditional healthcare insurance plans.

Resources for Dyslexia

http://www.dyslexiasw.com/advice/help-andamp-advice-for-teachers/teaching-strategies-for-dyslexic-children Teaching Strategies to help Children

http://dyslexia.yale.edu/Stu_whatisdyslexia.html?gclid=CP2_q5e58qoCFUQCQAodgBiDOQ A supportive resource for parents, educators and others who want to know more about dyslexia.

http://www.smartkidswithld.org/ld-basics/signs-symptoms/dyslexia-article Signs and symptoms of dyslexia

http://www.BrennanInnovators.com/ Website for learning challenges offers a feature to change the background color of every page on the site. This changing of color can help with visual stress and some dyslexic symptoms.

http://www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages

http://www.fabresearch.org/473 Information on a possible link between Omega 3 fatty acids and dyslexia, AD/HD, dyspraxia, autism, and other challenges. Also, info on Dr. Alex Richardson (University of Oxford) and additional links to related articles. (professional articles here)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-146303/Could-test-spell-end-dyslexia.html#ixzz1W9EasK4z Could a simple breath test identify children with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder and behavioral problems before they start school? (mainstream media article)

Next week's article (Part 4) will be entitled What to Do While Waiting for an Official Diagnosis?

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

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

Part 2---Could Nutrition Be a Factor?

The exact causes of dyslexia are still not completely clear. However, brain imagery studies have shown differences in the way the brain of a dyslexic person develops and functions. In addition, most individuals with dyslexia often have problems identifying the separate speech sounds within a word and/or learning how letters represent those sounds, a key factor in their reading difficulties.

Important: Dyslexia is neither due to a lack of intelligence nor to the lack of a desire to learn. With appropriate teaching methods and strategies, individuals challenged with dyslexia can learn successfully.

For some years, Dr. Alex Richardson of the University of Oxford has been doing research in how nutrition can affect behavior, learning, and mood. Her current research focuses on the role of Omega 3 fatty acids in relation to disorders such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, AD/HD, autism, depression and schizophrenia. Recent and ongoing work includes investigation into the effects of dietary supplementation with fatty acids in relation to features of these conditions. For more information about Dr. Richardson’s and her studies, please visit http://www.fabresearch.org/473.

For information about dyslexia, including dyslexia symptoms, please visit http://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/BasicsFactSheet.pdf and http://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/Definition.pdf

Next week's article (Part 3) will be entitled What to Do If You Suspect Dyslexia?

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

It has been great hearing from all of our homeschooling parents and grandparents about the list of resources I began in last week's blog article here.

As promised, I wanted to pass along to my readers a few more great resources for challenged learners. The list was a long one, so I thought it would be best to break it up into 2 parts.

The resources in this post include tools and downloadables for parents of elementary students with AD/HD, a general resource guide for special needs, and a support website for autism, and other learning challenges.

Hope you find these helpful as well as those from last week! (Please see previous blog post.)

http://www.insideadhd.org/ToolkitSelect.aspx?id=718&fid=4230 FREE online tools and downloadables designed for use by parents of elementary school students with AD/HD

http://www.homeschool.com/resources01/specialneeds.asp Homeschool resource guide for special needs

http://specialneedshomeschooling.com/ Homeschooling with autism, AD/HD, learning disorders, or are you a parent with a special need? Need a hand? You have come to the right place.

To access Part 1 of this blog article, simply visit http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2011/07/great-resources-for-homeschooling.html

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

Clip art courtesy of: http://free.clipartof.com/pg4

Recently, there has been a significant amount of media coverage about how to encourage boys to read more. Some of the concern seems to be centered around the prevalence of video game playing and TV watching. Another issue is the perception that there is a lack of interesting and appealing literature available for boys.

First of all, as a parent of four sons, I have personally witnessed this "slide" in time spent reading as video game play has increased. At times, my husband and I found it necessary to limit the game play in favor of specific time periods of more "sustained" reading for the boys, especially during the summer. It did help that they participated in the local library's summer reading clubs and various community merchants' reading programs throughout the years. It was challenging at times, but I believe we reached a good compromise and balance that benefited our sons.

Secondly, as we approach the mid-summer, I thought this might be a good time to mention a couple of resources that could provide parents with information about good books for boys and how to encourage them to enjoy more reading. Here are several websites that could provide some assistance:

http://www.boysread.org/books.html Transforming boys into life-long readers and lovers of books is this website's mission.

http://guysread.com/ Offers a list of books recommended by the webmaster, children's author Jon Sczieska, and others suggested by visitors to the website.

http://booksandboys.blogspot.com Author and blog writer Max Elliot Anderson was once a struggling/reluctant reader himself but is now a writer of adventures & mysteries for readers 8 - 13. His blog, Books for Boys, is #1 on Google today.

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/676 Based on author Jon Scieszka’s own experience as well as input from “Guys Read voters,” the program’s website recommends books that boys say they like. Also discusses important topics such as the the very real literacy gap between boys and girls.

http://www.c-t-l.org/high_school_readers.html Book list for high school boys (Gr. 9-12)

http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/ Alan Sitomer's website. He shares a passion for literacy as it relates to adolescents/boys.

http://wowbooks4boys.com/ Deliciously "wicked" books for boys learning to read---Its mission is simple...to get young boys reading! Created and written by Angela Bueti of WOW books 4 boys

In addition, I would like to provide this Parent's Choice book list for the boys in your life. Hopefully, you will find it helpful in encouraging your young men to read more good books this summer---and beyond!

Boys' Book List

Here is the list compiled by Parents' Choice Magazine:

FICTION

Tony Abbott
Realism & Survival
Abbott’s series feature fun and adventure.

Danger Guys and the Golden Lizard (Danger Guys Stories)
HarperTrophy, ISBN: 0064420116, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (Secrets of Droon Series)
Little Apple, ISBN: 0590108395, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Avi
Avi writes good solid stories: Poppy is a deer mouse and her tales revolve around other animals in the meadow, while McKinley in The Good Dog is a sled dog torn between his human family and the wild world of Lupin, who is out to replenish his wolf pack.

The Good Dog
Atheneum, ISBN: 0689838247, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Poppy (Series)
Camelot, ISBN: 0380727692, Ages 9 & Up

Michael Chabon
Summerland is a treat where a “less than mediocre Little League player “ is recruited by a mystical 100 year old scout and accepts a mission to overthrow the evil, shape-changing overlord, Coyote. Shades of Narnia and the Hobbit say some. A challenge for older readers.

Summerland
Hyperion Press, ISBN: 0786816155, Ages 9 & Up

Eoin Colfer
Science Fiction
Colfer’s Artemis books are extremely popular and creative! “When a twelve-year old genius tries to demand a ransom, the fairies fight back with magic, technology, and a particularly nasty troll.”

Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl Series)
Hyperion Press, ISBN: 0786817070, Ages 10 & up

Mark Crilley
Science Fiction
Crilley’s Earthling hero, fourth-grader Akiko, joins an intergalactic cast of characters in a mission to rescue Prince Froptoppit of the Planet Smoo.

Akiko on the Planet Smoo (Akiki Series)
Delacorte Press, ISBN: 0385327242, Ages 10 & up

Franklin Dixon
Oldies, but still goodies.

Hardy Boys Starter Set
Platt & Munk, ISBN: 0448416719, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Edward Eager
Time Travel
Knight’s castle by Eager follows four cousins who find themselves back in the times of Robin Hood and Ivanhoe!

Knight’s Castle
Harcourt, ISBN: 015202073X, Ages 7 - 9 yrs.

Cornelia Funke
Fantasy and Survival
The Thief Lord by Funke is the newest book on this list: an exciting story about 2 brothers who run away to Venice, Italy, their aunt who hires a detective to track them down, and the mysterious thief lord who takes them under his wing.

The Thief Lord
Scholastic, ISBN: 0439404371, Ages 10 & up

Dan Greenburg

The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot (Zack Files Series)
Grosset & Dunlap, ISBN: 0448420414, Ages 7 - 9 yrs.

Jackie French Koller
Fantasy

Dragonling (Dragonling Series)
Aladdin Library, ISBN: 074341019X, Ages 7 - 9 yrs.

Gary Paulsen
Realism and Survival
In Hatchet, a boy is the lone survivor of a plane crash and is stranded in the wilderness with only a hatchet. This gripping tale is by Paulsen, who has written many wonderful stories including Mr. Tucket and Dogsong.

Mr. Tucket
Yearling Books, ISBN: 0440411335, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Dogsong
Simon Pulse, ISBN: 0689827008, Ages 10 & up

Hatchet
Simon Pulse, ISBN: 0689826990, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Emily Rodda
High Fantasy

The Forests of Silence
Apple, ISBN: 0439253233, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Deltora Book of Monsters (Deltora Quest)
Scholastic, ISBN: 0439390842, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Louis Sachar
Holes was a recent movie written by the talented Sachar; think “curse, desert correctional camp treasure and friends”. This is very different from the humorous tales that occur on the thirteenth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways with a classroom on each floor.

Sideways Stories from Wayside School (A Series)
HarperTrophy, ISBN: 0380731487, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Holes
Yearling Books, ISBN: 0440414806, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Jon Scieszka
Time Travel

See you later, Gladiator (Time Warp Trio Series)
Puffin, ISBN: 0142300691, Ages 9-12 yrs

Sam Samurai (Time Warp Trio Series)
Viking Childrens Books,ISBN: 0670899151, Ages 8 & Up

NON-FICTION
A variety for all tastes. Try to pinpoint some of your child’s interests; then browse the non-fiction shelves. It can be awesome! A strong alternate way to present non-fiction might be to use a narrative form, or group by topics i.e., true tales, poetry, biographies, and special interests.

Nathaniel Philbrick

The Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex
Putnam Pub Group Juv, ISBN: 039923795X, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Brian Colburn

Triumph on Everest: A Photobiography of Sir Edmund Hillary (Biography)
National Geographic, ISBN: 0792279328, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Mark Stewart

One Wild Ride: The Life of Skateboard Superstar Tony Hawk (Biography)
21st Century Books, ISBN: 0761326669, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Gary Paulsen

Puppies, Dogs and Blue Northers: Reflections on the Author’s Life with His Sled Dogs (Biography)
Yearling Books, ISBN: 0440418755, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Tomi De Paola
The author, creator of Strega Nona, grandmother witch, looks back on his childhood.

Twenty-Six Fairmont Avenue
Puffin, ISBN: 0698118642, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Here We All Are
Puffin, ISBN: 0698119096, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

What a Year (Biography)
Puffin, ISBN: 014250158, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Walter Wick

I Spy Gold Challenger: A Book of Picture Riddles
Cartwheel Books, ISBN: 0590042963, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Seymour Simon

Whales
Harpercollins Juvenile Books, ISBN: 0064460959,
Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Big Cats
HarperTrophy, ISBN: 006446119X, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Danger! Volcanoes
SeaStar Books, ISBN: 1587171813, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Muscles: Our Muscular Skeleton
HarperTrophy, ISBN: 0688177204, Ages 7 & Up

Animals Nobody Loves
SeaStar Books, ISBN: 1587171554, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Richard Platt

Eyewitness: Pirate
DK Publishing, ISBN: 0789466082, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Eyewitness: Spy
DK Publishing, ISBN: 0789466163, Ages 9 -12 yrs.

Jack Prelutsky

Monday’s Troll
Greenwillow, ISBN: 0688096441, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

A Pizza the Size of the Sun
Greenwillow, ISBN: 0688132359, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Douglas Florian
Poetry

Laugh-eteria
Puffin, ISBN: 0141309903, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Beast Feast
Voyager Books, ISBN: 0152017372, Ages 4 - 8 yrs.

Eyewitness Books
Eyewitness Books stand out in the non-fiction collection. They are bountiful and beautiful, including wonderful photographs along with information. Browsing these gems is a treat. Examples: Sharks, Whales and Dolphins, Islam or Money. The Eyewitness Juniors, which are mostly in paperback, are perfect for lower elementary grades i.e, Amazing bikes, Amazing crocodiles and lizards.

For more great books for boys, look for Kathleen Odean’s Great Books for Boys: More than 600 books for Boys 2-14.

SPECIAL NOTE: Don't worry---next week, there will be equal coverage for girls' books and encouraging their reading! Please check back with this blog!

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/