Is It Dyslexia?

Hands-on resources for screening readers of all ages for dyslexia In Is It Dyslexia?, certified dyslexia assessment specialist April McMurtrey delivers an accessible, hands-on framework for screening readers of various ages for dyslexia.. The book offers comprehensive, clear, and step-by-step processes you can apply immediately to confidently and accurately screen readersfor dyslexia. The author shares the tools and strategies used by professional screeners, as well as first, next, and final steps you can take as you move forward with your screening results. The book includes: Explanations of what dyslexia is, as well as an overview of common talents and strengths often found in readers with dyslexia A collection of recommended accommodations for students with dyslexia in the home and school and effective literacy instruction for students with dyslexia A comprehensive dyslexia questionnaire, eleven different screening tests, and step-by-step instructions for administering them Ideal for tutors, homeschool teachers, parents, instructional coaches, counselors, and speech-language therapists, Is It Dyslexia? comes complete with reproducibles and links to video tutorials required for screening students of various ages.

About the Author vii Introduction ix Part I Understanding Dyslexia 1 1 Recognizing the Signs of Dyslexia 3 Michael’s Story 3 Signs of Dyslexia 12 Summary 23 2 Unraveling Misinformation about Dyslexia 25 John’s Story 25 Myths about Dyslexia 28 Summary 32 3 Embracing Dyslexia 33 Emma’s Story 33 Systematic, Synthetic, Explicit Code-Based Instruction 35 Summary 36 4 What to Do If You Suspect Dyslexia 37 Your Story 37 Summary 38 Part II Screening for Dyslexia 39 5 Understanding the Dyslexia Screening Process 41 Introduction to the Screening Process 41 Dyslexia Screening Q&A 42 Summary 44 6 Instructions for the Dyslexia Screening 45 Prepare for the Screening 45 Administer the Screening Tasks 47 Evaluate the Results 48 Summary 48 7 Dyslexia Screening Packets 51 Kindergarten Screening Packet 52 Grade 1 Screening Packet 60 Grade 2 Screening Packet 88 Grade 3 Screening Packet 117 Grade 4 Screening Packet 147 Grade 5 Screening Packet 178 Grade 6 Screening Packet 209 Grade 7 to Adult Screening Packet 240 Part III Moving Forward with Dyslexia 271 8 Taking 7 Steps after Screening 273 Step 1: Talk to Your Student 273 Step 2: Celebrate! 274 Step 3: Evaluate Your Current Reading Program 274 Step 4: Study the Effective Literacy Instruction and Recommendations in the Following Pages 275 Step 5: Talk to Your Child’s Teacher 275 Step 6: Read at Home 275 Step 7: Educate Yourself Further on the Topic of Dyslexia 276 Summary 276 9 Effective Literacy Instruction for Students with Dyslexia 277 Phonological Awareness 278 Phonemic Awareness 278 Knowledge of the Correct Sounds of Each Grapheme, Especially Vowels 279 Proper Teaching of Phonetically Irregular Words 279 Phonics Instruction 281 The Importance of Connected and Controlled Text 282 Fluency Development 283 Vocabulary Development 284 Comprehension Development 285 Summary 286 10 Recommendations for School and Home 287 Recommendations for School 287 Recommendations for Home 288 Summary 290 Index 291