eReadingToGo!

As mentioned in a previous blog, many articles have been written about how beneficial iPads and iPods can be for children - particularly children with special needs. Using an iPad (or something similar) is a stress-free, fun way for a child to learn - and all children tend to be quite intuitive with them - sometimes even more so than their parents! These amazing little gadgets are cheaper than a computer, portable, and most apps can be purchased on iTunes for under $10.

As you may know, eReadingPro is a 'system' for teaching reading that is extremely helpful in teaching children with Down syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia and all other visual learners. In keeping with the trend towards technology, we have created an iPad/iPhone/iPod program called eReadingToGo!

eReadingToGo! follows a similar system as eReadingPro, in that it takes a child from reading single words, then into couplets, phrases and sentences. To my knowledge, it is (as well as our full reading program) is the ONLY app that uses such a system to help a child progress from just learning single words. After all - it is important for children to learn how to use words - not just the words themselves. One of the popular comments I often hear from parents is "my child has a vocabulary of about 75 words, but they just can't seem to use them in a phrase or sentence - they just have single-word utterances". Our system helps a child to overcome that, as it teaches them how words are put with other words in a meaningful way.

eReadingToGo! offers a free sentence so that you can get an idea of how our app works. Then, within the 'free' app, you will see the book options. You can purchase one complete book for $1.99, which contains 5 sentences and 5 matching images. Or, the best deal is to purchase all 5 books for only $7.99. That means 25 sentences with 25 matching images that are clear, colorful and engaging. These books will provide hours of fun and learning for your child.

If you're like me, you don't want your child playing just mindless games on their gadgets all the time. As one of our customers has already said: "With three young children it's always hard to maintain interest while at the same time educate. This app is fun, engaging, and develops reading skills in natural and intuitive way. I would definitely recommend it!".

The app is ideal for those parents who have already been using eReadingPro to teach their child to read, as it has a whole new set of vocabulary. Keep in mind also, that eReadingPro was originally designed for children with Down syndrome - so it is an excellent tool for individuals with special needs. That being said though, this app was intended for use by ALL children learning to read.

If you would like to read more about eReadingToGo!, please visit the website at www.ereadingtogo.com.

CLICK HERE to download eReadingToGo! from iTunes and try it with your child!

Upcoming workshop in Salt Lake City, UT

Just wanted to let you all know that we have a workshop coming up in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, February 28th, hosted by the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation. The 3-hour workshop will be held from 9:30am - 12:30pm at Murray High School.

Workshops attendees will learn:

· The importance of teaching a child to read early;
· An understanding of learning styles and learning strategies;
· Reasons why your child may be struggling with reading and how to help;
· How to set up a reading program;
· How to create flashcards and books;
· How to use flashcards effectively;
· How to progress with teaching your child to read single words, couplets, phrases, sentences and books using our program, and why this method is so effective;
· How teaching reading improves speech, language and memory development! (see: Teaching Reading to Teach Talking - Sue Buckley )
· How to teach reading to teens and adults. (see Reading & Writing for Individuals with Down Syndrome )

To register, click here. Hope to see you there!

eReadingPro goes to Knoxville, TN

eReadingPro is going to Knoxville, TN on Sunday, November 9th
from 1 - 4 pm at:
Tennessee School for the Deaf - Middle School Bldg.
2725 Island Home Blvd, Knoxville, 37920
(Directions at www.tsdeaf.org)

To REGISTER, click here.

You will learn to teach your child to read using the whole word approach, to teach your child to progress from reading single words to reading
sentences and books, and to implement a fun reading program that works for you and your child. Admission is free.

Each DSAG family (families that have an individual with Ds and are on DSAG’s mailing list) that registers and attends will receive a $40 voucher to use on take-home materials available at the workshop. (Be sure to check out www.ereadingpro.com for more information on the workshop and products for sale. Materials are for sale in complete kits or downloadable do-it-yourself programs.)

Childcare will be available – but must be reserved. Registration forms for workshop and childcare MUST be received by Wednesday, November 5.

Call or e-mail with any questions: 865.905.2968 or events@dsagtn.org.

Tips for Teaching Reading - for ALL ages!

Teaching reading can be a daunting task - especially for parents with no teaching background! I remember when my children were young I really wished that I had the knowledge and the tools to teach them to read. So I wanted to provide some tips for teaching reading to the visual learner/struggling reader! These tips are appropriate for ALL ages of readers.

Tips When Teaching Reading:

• Understand your child’s preferred style of learning (visual, auditory or tactile).
• Focus on using the whole-word approach first for visual learners.
• Only after mastery of the whole single word should you then show how the word is broken down into letters and sounds.
• Begin introducing words to which your child can associate a visual representation (i.e. food they are familiar with, names of people they know, etc.)

Keys to Success:

• When using flashcards, flash them quickly! (Approximately one second per word is all that is needed).
• Ensure the flashcards are large enough and colourful enough to have a visual impact.
• Begin with a well-organized plan that will be included in a day-to-day routine.
• Do not test the child or ask them to repeat the words as you present them! This can cause anxiety and then your child may not want to participate anymore.
• Keep your program moving along – do not be too repetitive just because you think they are not processing the information quickly enough.
• Avoid presenting similar looking words together, as this can be confusing (i.e. Grandma, Grandpa).

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Teaching Reading Early

Many of the blogs and social networks that I read and/or participate in online center around Down syndrome or Autism due to my own interests. Whether children are typical or have differing abiliites, it is important to teach reading as early as possible.

Here are some important points to keep in mind with regards to teaching reading:

1. If a child can learn sign language, they are ready to read! A sign is simply a visual representation of a word - which is exactly what reading using the whole-word approach is.
2. Just because a child is not ready to speak does not mean they are not ready to read. Remember that input and output are two different processes!
3. Teaching reading early increases brainpower!
4. Teaching reading increases your child's ability to communicate.
5. Teaching reading can teach talking and/or improve speech and language development. (Speech Pathologists and Therapists tend to love eReadingPro!)
6. Teaching reading is an important intervention for helping children overcome learning difficulties.
7. You can easily begin teaching children to read at 2 years of age.

It is so important for parents to understand that teaching reading can be easier than they may otherwise think. My next blog will provide pointers on how to teach reading - for ALL ages!