Blog
“Takes Your Breath Away #Dyslexia”
Even though I’ve probably evaluated a few thousand dyslexic kids in my career, it still takes my breath away when I meet those who are on the more significant to severe end of the spectrum. This week my breath was taken away on back-to-back assessments. Both children...
In the Head & Out of the Head Factors
When parents come in to talk about their kids and why they are struggling there are the common list of factors that are usually discussed. Some of these include: Poor phonemic awareness Limited decoding skills Weak fluency Family predisposition toward dyslexia...
Anger You Can’t Make Me Parts II
In a recent blog post I discussed how anger can be depleting a child from the necessary emotional fuel to manage school. Many of the typical “ADHD” style behaviors such as avoiding responsibilities, procrastinating, not sustaining mental effort, may be due, in part,...
Piano Playing & Learning to Write
Let's say a child knows a few notes and chords on the piano and can play a handful of very basic songs. Would it make sense to ask him to play a challenging song that was clearly beyond his level? Or even learn the art of creating music using great software from...
On Floppy Rudders & The Day to Day Grind of School
It’s that time of year - the time when the kids with floppy rudders (mostly the boys) are starting to wear their parents down. They are the ones not handing in homework and playing on their iPads too long while their grades are plummeting. ...
Updates From Dr. Selznick & Shut-Down Learner
Dyslexia Teleseminar: Do you have questions about dyslexia/reading disabilities? Of course you do! Then join me for an open-forum teleseminar. Bring your questions for an open chat and dialogue. The seminar is free and is scheduled...
Dr Richard Selznick – School Struggles Shut Down Learners
Check Out Parents Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with The Coffee Klatch on BlogTalkRadio with The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio on BlogTalkRadio
A Frantic Mom: A Small, One Act Play
The Mom: (Coming in to the office for the first time sounding very frantic.) “Maybe I am overstressed, but I am starting to lose it. I have three kids. The first two were on what you called the ‘smooth’ road.’ They started out in...
“Prompt & Write:” Frustration in Kidland
Here’s a little interaction using an approach to writing that I call the “Prompt and Write approach” to teaching writing: Writing Prompt: “What is something you really wanted, but an adult would not let you have?”...
“Vocabulary Instruction Failing U.S. Students”
An article in "Science Daily" caught my eye recently adding to my ever growing "G.I." (Grumpiness Index). The headline said, "Vocabulary Instruction Failing U.S. Students, Experts Say." As noted: Vocabulary instruction in the early years is not challenging enough to...
The Stress Over Dyslexia
The stress over dyslexia (reading disability) goes on. Two recent examples seen recently exemplify the issues. As part of a larger assessment, seventh grader, Justin, read this little piece of text to me, The orchestra leader tried to organize the musicians. Instead,...