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Guild Gallery May 2018

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Guild Conference 2018 Aston

Dear Guild Member,

The Dyslexia Guild Conference, Birmingham 28 June 2018 Book Now!

We are pleased to announce our Thursday keynote speakers, Professor Judit Kormos, an expert in second language acquisition, Professor Clare Wood, presenting a paper on Speech-Rhythm Based Reading Interventions, and Dr Adrian Wallbank who will be speaking on Academic Writing for students with dyslexia. We also look forward to a talk from Tina Horsman Fellow (FDG) and Karisa Krcmar from the Counselling and Disability Service at Loughborough University, who will be discussing Mindfulness for Study. Take home a certificate for your Continuing Professional Development (5 hours).

Conference Options:

Wednesday and Thursday £247.00 inclusive of VAT* includes seminar, dinner and accommodation

Thursday 10am-4.15pm – early bird (book by 04.05.18)
Thursday only (members) £95 inclusive of VAT early bird*
Thursday only (non-member) £125 inclusive of VAT early bird*

Thursday 10am-4.15pm – standard rate booked after 04.05.18
Thursday only (members) £125 inclusive of VAT*
Thursday only (non-member) £150 inclusive of VAT*

You MUST be logged in as a Guild member BEFORE you book for your discount to be applied.

For more details of our agenda and to download the brochure, see our webpage here

*payments not made online by debit or credit card at time of online registration are subject to a £25 plus VAT charge.

Training Courses online in 2018

Specialist teacher or assessor courses

Find out how to become a specialist teacher or assessor with our guides here

Our Professional Programme courses are accredited by Middlesex University and will give you a comprehensive academic basis to progess on to a Masters.

Continuing Professional Development

Looking for continuing professional development? Our courses start in May, July or September. A comprehensive list of our CPD courses are available here

For those working with Adults in the Further or Higher Education sector

Working with Adults? CPD courses are here

For those working with International learners in the UK or overseas

Working with International learners in the UK or overseas? See our courses here

CPD for qualified SpLD practitioners

New! Using Morphology to Enhance Reading Comprehension

For those who have been previously trained to use a multisensory literacy programme and who are looking to refresh and update their teaching practice. The materials provided in the Morphology course are designed to give specialist pratitioners the knowledge, strategies and materials they need to conduct interactive word-building and word-exploration sessions. The approach and materials are suitable for learners of 12 years of age upwards and would also benefit many adult learners.

The course runs over a period of four weeks with a special offer to Guild members, find out more here

Coming Soon:

  • Developing Placement Processes to Effectively Target Specialist Support available July 2018
  • Developing Phonemic Awareness in Learners available September 2018
  • Promoting Word-building and Sentence Analysis Skills in Learners available November 2018
  • Working with Syllables – Using Syllable Patterns to support the reading and spelling of longer words available January 2019

Applying for and renewing an Assessment Practising Certificate

This specialist assessment CPD training course covers current best practice in report writing and preparation for those looking to gain or renew an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). It will give you insight into the SASC requirements before you apply for your APC Certificate.

The course is recognised as fulfilling the 5 SASC Approved assessment cpd hours (of the 20 hours) required for renewal of APC. Book now for 16 May or find out more

Don't Forget to Smile! Don't Forget to Smile book cover

Jo Rees MDG, alumni of Dyslexia Action, has written a book Don’t Forget to Smile, about her personal journey revealing the hidden difficulties of Dyslexia. Jo gives great insight into how she struggled but also how she has triumphed, completing her Postgraduate course with Dyslexia Action and becoming a fully qualified specialist teacher and assessor. The book is available on Amazon here

Researchers find connection between Dyslexia and Visual Processing

A new study by researchers at the University of Iceland have found their may be a connection between dyslexia and face recognition. Findings indicate that people with dyslexia see just as well as people without dyslexia, however, past experience does not play the same role in their vision systems. Having seen something before does not necessarily help people with dyslexia process what it is that they are looking at or to remember it later. Researchers said, “We speculate that reading difficulties in dyslexia are partially caused by specific deficits in high-level visual processing, in particular for visual object categories such as faces and words with which people have extensive experience.” The research group behind this study have also recently completed research on visual perception at the Icelandic Vision Lab and will continue to research the topic, including the role of visual perception in reading and reading disorders.

The findings were published in the scientific journal Cognition. Sigurdardottir, H.M., Fridricksdottir, L.E., Gudjonsdottir, S., and Kristjansson, A. (2018). ‘Specific problems in visual cognition of dyslexic readers: Face discrimination deficits predict dyslexia over and above discrimination of scrambled faces and novel objects.’ Cognition, V175 (June), pp. 157-168.

Genetics in language differences

In a new study of languages spoken in 43 different populations worldwide, Yale School of Medicine researchers and their colleagues identified variants of a dyslexia gene that correlates with consonant use, establishing a role for genetics in language differences between populations. The brain uses distinct strategies to process and encode vowels and consonants, which are modified by at least one dyslexia gene, according to the study.

“READ1 is a highly variable and powerful control element embedded in a gene called DCDC2,” said Jeffrey Gruen, M.D. Professor at Yale School of Medicine, who adds that both READ1 and DCDC2 have been associated with reading disability and specific language impairment as well as normal reading performance and phonological processing studies of children whose primary language is English, Italian, German, Mandarin, or Cantonese.

“While conventional theories mostly attribute language changes to random fluctuations, historical conquests, and migrations, these results suggest that genetic variants affecting auditory processing may also be important,” said Gruen. More can be read at the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, here

Books Unlocked

The National Literacy Trust have launched a Books Unlocked programme, which provides free copies of Man Booker Prize-shortlisted titles for prisoners to read, discuss and keep. The scheme is being supported by several high-profile authors making prison visits and taking part in National Prison Radio Interviews. Read more here

The scheme also supports community reading groups, schools and libraries, to read for enjoyment and share their thoughts on the Man Booker Prize-shortlisted titles

Learning Zone

Learning Zone is an online, professional platform for teachers and researchers to discuss learning topics. This free online forum allows teachers to chat to educational researchers and other teachers about the science behind learning and how research applies to the classroom. They have different topics each fortnight. The platform is ideal for any SENCOs or class teachers keen to engage more with research.

More details here

Picture Dictionary from Microsoft

Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) have been introduced to Microsoft’s Learning Tools. Those who have used Texthelp’s Read&Write or ClaroRead’s Spell Check will already be familiar with symbol and picture support. PCS are now available at no extra cost and are built-in to the Immersive Reader within Word Online, OneNote Online, Outlook Online, OneNote for Windows 10, and OneNote for the iPad.

Immersive Reader is part of Microsoft’s Learning Tools, and will offer six different colour backgrounds and fonts, options to change text size with a slider bar, nouns, verbs and adjectives can be customised or highlighted, text-to-speech, and line focus acts to aid concentration. For more details and an easy to read summary see the excellent CallScotland website

CALL Scotland for Assistive Technology workshops

CALL Scotand – Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning, based at the University of Edinburgh help young people across Scotland to overcome disability and barriers to learning. They offer specialist information and expert advice. They often run 30 minute free webinars on Assistive Technology which you can find here
Low literacy linked to low life expectancy

The latest research for the National Literacy Trust shows a link between improved literacy levels and life expectancy. The report, Literacy and Life Expectancy, is the first research to show a correlation between the two. It was drawn up by analysing existing data and found that children born in areas where literacy levels are low are more likely to live in areas of deprivation; to do worse at school; grow up to be less financially well-off; and have poorer health – all of which combines to reduce life expectancy.

Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We want to double our presence in local communities in our 25th year, and ensure that every child in England has the chance to live a happy, healthy, successful and long life, regardless of their background.” The report is the first of a series that the National Literacy Trust will deliver throughout the year of its 25th anniversary campaign to reiterate the importance of improving literacy. The full report can be read here

Designing for digital capabilities in the curriculum

JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) are running several one day workshops to build confidence in designing and delivering a digital curriculum that will prepare students to learn in digital settings and to thrive in a digital world.

Participants can use the associated resources to run similar workshop in their own organisations.

Find out more here
Match funding for primary schools

Booklife, an independent publisher, is offering primary schools the chance to double their spending power by match funding. If a school purchases £100 of books, Booklife will give them an additional £100 to spend on more books. Any school wanting to know more should visit their website here
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Have you booked to attend the COBIS Annual Conference yet?

 

12-14 May 2018

 

InterContinental London O2

in Greenwich

 
Book now

Visit Stand 13 to find out about:
•

Real Training online courses including our new qualification for international SENCOs and aspiring SENCOs.
•

Real Training face-to-face and bespoke courses.
•

Real Psychology services available for international schools.
•

Dyslexia Action courses for a wide range of support roles.
•

The Dyslexia Guild membership benefits and options.
•

Dyslexia Action Shop products and discounts
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Next Issue

Next issue of Guild Gallery will be sent out in September 2018

Next issue of Dyslexia Review is Spring/Summer 2018 and will be published May/June

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Guild Gallery September 2018

       The Dyslexia Guild logo
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Dear Guild Member,

Welcome back to the start of a new term.  We have worked hard over the summer to refresh and renew our membership offer.  You can now find The Dyslexia Guild Policies under Guild Home once you are logged in to the members' area.  You can find advice on the use of our logo, and our Code of Practice. 

For those of you who have not used the Guild Forums, this is an excellent way to ask questions of your peers and experts within Dyslexia Action.  You can find a guide to netiquette under the Guild Forums area.

We are developing many new cpd courses and some of them attract discounts for Guild members, see below.  You MUST be logged in as a Guild member BEFORE you book for your discount to be applied.

Do not forget to visit the Dyslexia Action Shop Sale and grab some bargains!

 

Training Courses online in 2018

SASC accredited courses for qualified SpLD professionals

New! TOMAL-2 course

Examining the Test of Memory and Learning TOMAL2

This Level 7 Specialist Assessor course (SASC Approved) has been designed to enable you to explore the popular learning and memory assessment battery, TOMAL-2.  It will enable practitioners to develop their knowledge of the test through a cycle of study, focused activity and reflection.

Guild members get a discount!  Book before 28th September for the October course.

Professional Programme courses are accredited by Middlesex University and will give you a comprehensive academic basis to progress on to a Masters.

Continuing Professional Development

Looking for continuing professional development?  Our courses start in September, November, January, March.  A comprehensive list of our CPD courses are available here 

For those working with Adults in the Further or Higher Education sector

Working with Adults?  CPD courses are here

For those working with International learners in the UK or overseas

Working with International learners in the UK or overseas? See our courses here

CPD for qualified SpLD practitioners

New! Using Morphology to Enhance Reading Comprehension

For those who have been previously trained to use a multisensory literacy programme and who are looking to refresh and update their teaching practice.  The materials provided in the Morphology course are designed to give specialist practitioners the knowledge, strategies and materials they need to conduct interactive word-building and word-exploration sessions.  The approach and materials are suitable for learners of 12 years of age upwards and would also benefit many adult learners.

The course runs over a period of four weeks in November with a special offer to Guild members, find out more here 

Coming Soon:

  • Developing Placement Processes to Effectively Target Specialist Support available November 2018
  • Developing Phonemic Awareness in Learners available January 2019
  • Promoting Word-building and Sentence Analysis Skills in Learners available March 2019
  • Working with Syllables – Using Syllable Patterns to support the reading and spelling of longer words available May 2019

Applying for and renewing an Assessment Practising Certificate

This specialist assessment CPD training course covers current best practice in report writing and preparation for those looking to gain or renew an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).  It will give you insight into the SASC requirements before you apply for your APC Certificate.

The course is recognised as fulfilling the five SASC Approved assessment cpd hours (of the 20 hours) required for renewal of APC.  Book now or find out more about the APC online course

Dyslexia Awareness Week          

Dyslexia Awareness Week starts on Monday 1st to Sunday 7th October this year, and many events are planned by different organisations.  Dyslexia Action and Real Training will be exhibiting at the TES SEN Show during this time.  The show runs from Friday 5th to Saturday 6th October at the Business Design Centre, London.  Siobhan Mellor will be giving advice about gaining a Masters level qualification as part of the Exhibitor Workshop Theatre on Saturday 6th at 11.45 a.m. Dyslexia Action Shop, The Guild and Training will be there so do come along and find out more about our products and courses.  

  
Dyslexia Scotland Conference - Dyslexia: my wider world          Dyslexia Scotland logo

Dyslexia Action will be attending the conference on Saturday 27 October 2018 at the University of Strathclyde. Visit our exhibition stand and find out how our online courses can enable you to study around your existing commitments, all from the comfort of your own home or office.  The Dyslexia Action Shop will also be there for all your purchasing needs.  The conference is of interest to primary and secondary teachers, headteachers, and support for learning practitioners.  Find out more here. 

A new name for Children's Charity      

Springboard for Children has changed its name to The Children's Literacy Charity.  The charity can help set up a Literacy Lab within schools or community centres to provide one-to-one literacy interventions.

Visual function and dyslexia study

Children with dyslexia had more difficulties with visual function when compared with typically developing readers, a study has found.  The research, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, suggests deficits in visual function such as ocular motor tracking, are more prevalent in school-aged children with dyslexia.  However, they have also stated that further study is needed to determine the extent to which treating deficits can improve visual symptoms and/or reading parameters.  Read more here

Dyslexia and Decoding         

A new joint study identifies the brain mechanism that accounts for the discrepancy between low decoding skills and high reading comprehension in some children with dyslexia.  The research was recently published in PLOS One.  The research points to a larger volume of grey matter in resilient readers in the part of the brain responsible for executive functions and working memory.  Read more here

A Mature Student with dyslexia gains her Master's degree                             

Alexandra Pyle found out she had dyslexia while studying at Plymouth University but did not let it affect her studies.  She moved to Cardiff to work at the hospital there and decided to begin her masters, after discovering a gap in knowledge about a rare ulcerative condition.  Read her story here
 
Maths Struggles and Dyscalculia 

Those that struggle with maths may have dyscalculia, new research has discovered. 

The Queen's University study found about one in 20 Northern Ireland primary school pupils had symptoms of dyscalculia.  Dyscalculia is a learning disorder characterised by struggles with arithmetic.

The study tracked the maths performance of 2,421 primary school children over a number of school years.  Only one of the children had a formal diagnosis of dyscalculia, but the researchers identified 112 others likely to have the condition.  

But it can be argued that these children have basic numeracy difficulties...

Dr Morsanyi from the School of Psychology at Queen's said that dyscalculia was much more than that.

"What we are talking about is the extreme end of not being good at maths," she said. "It is when you really struggle with basic things."  

"We found in a related study that these children often have difficulties in other contexts such as remembering how to get to a place, remembering the route and where you turn right or left."

Dyscalculia can also lead to people struggling to tell the time, work out prices in shops or how fast something is going.  You can read more here.

Why not broaden your knowledge and understanding of numeracy difficulties with the Dyslexia Action cpd course Level 4 Developing Numeracy Skills in Learners with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (DACPD99) 

 

Can Apps improve Literacy?

Earlier this month, education secretary Damian Hinds announced his plan to halve the number of children starting school with inadequate speaking and reading skills. 

Figures collected by the Department for Education (DfE) show that 28 per cent of four and five-year-olds do not meet the basic communication and literacy levels. A recent survey of teachers by Oxford University Press suggests that the problem is getting worse.

DfE research shows that children who have a limited command of vocabulary at age five are twice as likely to be unemployed at age 34 as their more articulate peers. “When you’re behind from the start, you rarely catch up: your peers don’t wait, the gap just widens. This has a huge impact on social mobility,” Hinds said in a speech at the Resolution Foundation.  “That is why the department will be launching a competition to identify high-quality apps, with the aim of making these free and easily accessible, making sure that disadvantaged families don’t miss out.”

Lisa Guernsey, director of the Learning Technologies Project at New America, worked as part of a research team to examine the packaging of literacy apps in the app store. She remains guarded about the potential benefits of smartphone apps.  

“Based on studies and evidence that I have reviewed, it is incorrect to make a blanket statement that apps can improve literacy skills,” she says. According to her research, the most popular apps were not designed to support a full range of literacy skills, focusing instead on basic skills such as letter identification or the association between letters and sounds.

“Many apps do not divulge any information about their developers, and among those that do, very few of them stated that their development team included a literacy expert,” she says. “Developers may be focusing on just a few of the skills that children must master to learn to read."

“Reading with an adult and practising these skills with a parent at home will always be the ideal scenario,” says Colleen Russo Johnson, co-director of the Children’s Media Lab at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. “But we know this is not always the case, and it’s better to supplement with something rather than nothing,” she says.  “Technology needs to be meaningfully implemented into libraries and schools, and thus in children’s lives,” Russo Johnson says. “It doesn’t matter how amazing an app is, we can’t simply hand a tablet off to a parent and expect it to be used in the intended way.”  Read more at Wired
National Accessible Library  

This library is for people who are unable to enjoy reading a printed book because they are blind, visually impaired, have print blindness due to dyslexia or are physically impaired.

All the books are available in a variety of formats, including Microsoft Word, plain text and Braille. The books in Microsoft Word format are marked up in order to make it as easy as possible to customise the book to suit the way you want to read them. They continue to add books to the library all the time, on every subject.  Sign up here
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Next Issue

Next issue of Guild Gallery will be sent out in December 2018

Next issue of Dyslexia Review is Autumn/Winter 2018 and will be published Nov/Dec
 
 

If you received this message in error and would like to stop receiving further emails from Dyslexia Action, click https://training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?rese…


Copyright © Dyslexia Action is a trading name of Real Group Ltd, Company No 06556128, VAT Reg No 837306132

Registered Office: Insight House, Riverside Business Park, Stoney Common Road, Essex, CM24 8PL.

guild@dyslexiaaction.org.uk
http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/da-guild/

Follow Us

Dyslexia Action Training
Centurion House
London Road
Staines, TW18 4AX
United Kingdom

Guild Conference June 2014

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