New Paltz Multisensory

Did you know today is National Brownie Day? Ummm, talk about a holiday which needs a little more attention. What's your favorite brownie preference - the crispy edge pieces or the softer center? I'm definitely a fan of those soft center squares. Chocolate chips or nuts? No nuts for me! Comment below so we can drool together.

What’s wrong with predictable text books for struggling readers??

"Simpson revealed her diagnosis after the recorded version of Open Book was named one of the best audiobooks of the year from Apple Books. Turning my fears into wisdom has been a soulful journey to say the least. I appreciate the power of this praise with all of my heart, Simpson wrote. Fact: I’m dyslexic and this was the first time I have ever read out loud without hesitation. I did it for the listener. I did it for my family. I did it for myself."

Keep fighting warrior moms and dads. It does make a difference!

This game was requested by one of my reading students today. I do love how it covers all the bases- reading words, spelling words, reading sentences and writing sentences. Students of course like seeing how few words and sentences they can write! This version is a freebie on TPT and perfect for my students working on VCE syllables. @ortongillinghammama #ortongillingham #ortongillinghamteachers #teachersofinstagram #readingisfundamental #learninggames

"The reading wars are bizarre because the evidence behind how reading should be taught is so one-sided. Overwhelmingly it tells us that phonics must be explicitly and systematically taught within a literacy program that also develops language and reading habits."

"In the end, parental demand for effective reading instruction may be the most potent long-term lever for change."

Breaking down some morphology this sunny Thursday in October.

We often hear about the hidden gifts of dyslexia, or the fact that kids who have deficits with reading have tremendous strengths in other aspects of their lives. Here's an interesting take detailing how some of these strengths can lead to successful entrepreneurship. Do we have any future entrepreneurs among our clients - only time will tell!

Millions of children have had their ability to read impacted by these curricula and their approach to reading instruction. Admitting the approach is in need of rebalancing is an important first step, but will it be enough to really impact change?

These kind words from a current New Paltz Multisensory family made my week. If your child is struggling, we can help!

New Paltz Multisensory is signed up to pass out candy at this local event October 30th. In the Halloween spirit? Sign up and come on by! Would love to say hi to some of of our little clients in a safe, socially distanced way out from behind the computer screen!

Get in touch to learn more!

The statistics are sobering. We need to do better.

This video, created by a mom, shows some of the challenges students encounter when learning to read without sufficient phonics instruction. If you're not sure about your child's reading skills, take a book at their level and type up the words separately from the picture. I often do this as part of my literacy evaluations. If your child has sufficient decoding skills to read the words, you'll know as they will decode the words without the pictures. If they stumble and have difficulty reading, then perhaps more decoding instruction is warranted as they may be relying on the pictures to guess at the words.

October is Dyslexia Awareness month. #dyslexia #neverstoplearning #dyslexiaawareness #untilallcanread

As a new Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force Executive Council member, I'm very pleased to be a part of the planning process bringing information parents need especially during these difficult times. This will be a very informative session - sign up if you're interested!