Partners with Parents Spring Newsletter May 2007                                                אייר  תשס"ז Dear Parents, In this newsletter, we focus on giving you a better understanding of dyslexia.   Often, both laypeople and professionals, make the mistake of using the word "dyslexia" as an umbrella term for all language based learning disabilities.  Actually, dyslexia is a specific reading disability with a neurological basis and proper diagnosis and remediation is essential for academic success.  We will provide you with specific information about this learning disability and discuss the particular challenges faced by students with dyslexia growing up in a dual language environment. Sincerely,    Gayle and Esther   Did you miss our Pesach newsletter?  Click Here Featured Articles: Right Brain Kids and Reading: A Bit About Dyslexia By Gayle Shimoff, MA Dyslexia is a label we hear often used by parents and professionals trying to determine the cause for poor school performance.  Here in Israel it is also mistakenly interchanged with the general term of learning disabilities.  A Little Advice About “ח’ (chet) and ‘n”  Gayle Shimoff, MA By understanding the process of reading, just a little bit, as educated parents we can learn to make decisions, which best suits the educational needs of our children - and not our own. About Dyslexia:  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Read answers to frequently asked questions about dyslexia on the website of the International Dyslexia Association. התאמות בדרכי ההיבחנות לנבחנים בעלי ליקויי למידהTesting accomodations for students with learning disabilities  This hebrew language document from the Israeli Department of Education website discusses the legal rights of children with learning disabilities to receive testing accomodations on the Bagruyot.   Early Childhood  Tip! Pre-Schoolers with speech and language delays are at high-risk for encountering reading difficulties in grade school.  Early intervention is essential to give children with potential learning disabilities the best chance to succeed academically.       School Age Tip! Students who are at risk for learning disabilities should not be encouraged to learn to read two language simultaneously.  If your child is having difficulty learning to read Hebrew, do not insist on English language lessons until Hebrew reading skills are well established.     High School Tip! Gemara and Rashi are challenging subjects for students with dyslexia.  Many students need specific remedial instruction in order to acquire the skills necessary to succeed academically in these areas. Featured Service:  Bilingual Reading Assessments Bilingual Reading Assessments provide parents with information about the learning needs of their bilingual reader. This informal assessment includes two parent meetings and two meetings with the student. read more Newsflash! ADHD Drug Gets FDA Approval A new AD/HD Drug has received approval for use in the United States.  The new drug, Vyvanse, is not yet available for purchase here in Israel. Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov to Richard and Joyce Levitas on the bar mitzvah of their son Ben! (Richard and Joyce's company, PBCS Technology, is responsible for designing and providing technical support for the Partners with Parents website.) Mazal Tov to Esther and Myles Wolfson on the bar mitzvah of their son Chanan! Recommended Reading For Parents: For Kids: ?מה קורה לי  על הקלות והקשי  בקריאה ובכתיבה   רות יצחקי ומיכל שני הוצאת הקיבוץ   המאוחד   Condolences: We want to wish sincere condolences to Richard Levitas on the loss of his father. Check out the Partners With Parents Website to read more about Our Services! What New at Partners with Parents! A social skills group for boys in first and second grade began meeting shortly after Pesach.The group focuses on educating students about social thinking skills in a fun and informal way.  The group is taught by Sharon Fishman, M.A.         Helping Israeli Children with Learning Difficulties Succeed! Educational Consulting Services - יעוץ חינוכי The purpose of our newsletter is to keep you regularly informed about events at Partners with Parents, as well as provide you with tips and information about helping kids with learning disabilities, both in Israel and around the world. Partners with Parents places the highest priority on safeguarding the privacy of all who subscribe to our e-newsletter list. We guarantee that neither your e-mail address, nor any other personal information will ever be disclosed or sold to any third party. Partners with Parents is an educational consulting service, which helps parents help their children, with learning disabilities or other difficulties, succeed in school. ©2006 Partners with Parents, Educational Consulting Services, Gayle Shimoff.   Gayle Shimoff, MA Learning Disabilities & Reading Specialist Esther Wolfson, MA Specialist, Early Childhood Special Education HaChavatzelet Street 17/1 Beit Shemesh 99590 ISRAEL 001-972-2-999-4817 info@partnerswithparents.co.il www.partnerswithparents.co.il

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