Blog
Dyslexia: Not a Score
A number of years ago, I had the good fortune to take part on a panel during a symposium on dyslexia sponsored by the grassroots parenting group, Decoding Dyslexia: NJ. Dr. Sally Shaywitz, the author of “Overcoming Dyslexia” was the keynote speaker. While talking...
Sense & No Sense (or Nonsense)
Let’s say I want to improve my tennis game, so I go to a pro to have him size up my skills. Watching me serve, hit a few forehands, some back hands and a few at the net, he comes up with his recommendations. “First I want you to go the gym and go on the treadmill. ...
Dyslexia Mythology Part 2 – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick covers more common dyslexia myths. Does dyslexia mean reversing or flipping letters? Will dyslexic children "grow out of it"?
Accommodating: Finding the Right Ratio
Last week we talked about 504 Plans and ADHD/ADD diagnosis (504 Plans & the Pie Chart). 504 Plans in the schools are (theoretically) for disabled children with the intent of “leveling the playing field” for the child with a handicap. The vast majority of children...
Dyslexia Mythology Part 1 – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick discusses common dyslexia myths, including parents' confusion over the idea of dyslexia itself- What is it? Does it even exist?
Big Word Problem – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick revisits to an essay in his book "School Struggles" on the difficulty many children have with large words.
Children Who Give Up Easily – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick discusses how to help children who give up easily when confronted with difficult problems.
Musing on 504, ADHD & the Pie Chart
Accommodations in school are typically formalized in what is called a 504 Plan. 504 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) grew out of ADA (Americans with Disability Act) legislation. Since the 1990’s, 504 found its way into the schools and has been firmly...
Training Active Working Memory – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick discusses his interview with Dr. Peg Dawson and how to train active working memory.
Getting “Buy-In” – Recharging the Battery
A major premise of “The Shut-Down Learner” is that children who are struggling by degrees become discouraged over time. Effectively for these children the air leaks out of the tire and it becomes increasingly difficult to motivate them. They shut down. Since much of...
The Lens Through Which We See or the Doorstep We Land
To help parents better understand the issues with their kids, I have so have so many expressions that I use that are in heavy rotation. Among my favorite are the following two: “It depends on whose doorstep you land on.” “It all comes down to the lens through which...