Resources for parent to help her (possibly) dyslexic dc

[hockeyforjockeys]

I teach Year 6 and have a child in my class who has poor phonic skills (both reading and spelling - finds it almost impossible to sound out unfamiliar words), as well as language and emotional/social difficulties, and is EAL (arrived in the country from Eastern Europe approx 5 years ago). She was assessed by an EP 18 months ago who found she had poor verbal reasoning skills, but wasn't particularly poor in other areas. Due to budget cuts the LA has removed pretty much all external SN supports for all but the most severe cases. At school she is obviously getting specific support from me in English and guided reading sessions, but I am limited by the amount of time and needs of other children. She is getting 15 mins a day phonics group with a TA and half an hour language group once a week to work on expressive language. Currently she is working around a 2a for a reading and writing.

Anyway after lengthy explanation of what is going on, I need ideas to give to her mum to support her. She has specifically asked for things to support her phonics learning, and would like things that are free/cheap (limited income) and easy to understand (her English is good but not fluent). I just wondered if any lovely mns had used any books/websites at home that they found helpful and would recommend. I give her homework at her level, and suggested reading/spelling strategies her mum could use with her, but looking for any additional ideas. Thanks in advance!

You have no idea how depressing this thread is.

If she can afford it toe by toe would be appropriate.

All the online free phonics web sites are aimed at 5 year olds.

Familiar with toe-by-toe (have used it in the past at a previous school where they bought a set to loan to parents) but didn't suggest it as was worried it was a bit expensive, plus I know that mum may struggle to use it simply because of her own language skills.

I hope you don't think that I am a rubbish teacher Indigo, because I regularly read your posts and respect your opinion. First time in Year 6 and feeling so cross at the amount of children that aren't getting the appropriate help. I'm not a SEN expert, really only learnt through experience with individual children, and I do feel inadequate not being able to give children the best teaching for their needs because of my lack of knowledge and time.

Thing is, if she's getting 15 mins a day phonics with a TA there's no reason to think an extra 15 mins a day with her mum will help.

I don't think you're a rubbis teacher. I do think you should be getting more support from your SENCO and EP.

For starters the EP should have diagnosed dyslexia. Very low verbal reasoning is a clear sign of dyslexia.

SENCO is massively overwhelmed with workload, as I know the kids who are top of her priority list I am not prepared to take up too much of her time when there are others in far more desperate need (including other Year 6 children).

I will agree that the EP is crap. She was referred as her behaviour at the time suggested ADHD, the EP didn't find any evidence for this but simply sent back a negative to the question posed, i.e. didn't look for other possible causes/issues. Again though, the LEA has reduced it's EPs by more than two-thirds, so trying to get an appointment even for a child in dire need of statementing is nigh on impossible.

Agree you with that her mum doing extra won't make a massive difference, my main aim is to help mum feel a bit less helpless when it comes to her daughter as I know she is incredibly anxious about her needs, but just isn't sure what to do.

Reading your other thread about your daughter, not able to offer anything constructive but hope somebody with more knowledge can, and it's great that she is enthusiastic about writing at the moment! I just hope you can find a 'solution' asap.

OK, well what the mum can do (that you can't) that might help, and doesn't cost (much) is - cut out gluten and dairy!

Leaky gut can cause 'foggy brain' and 'poor memory' which can look an awful lot like dyslexia.

My DD does appear to be doing much better after going gluten / dairy free.

(The thread you read - that is DD doing much better :( )

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A one-on-one remedial reading program for students of any age who have already received some reading instruction but who are struggling with reading. Caution UK users: there are some N. American accent/sound differences.