Spring Branch ISD Featured News

During Dyslexia Awareness Month, Spring Branch ISD hosted three simulations (in both English and Spanish) to give parents and classroom teachers a taste of the challenges and frustrations people with these language-based learning disabilities face daily.

Presented by the Dyslexia Department, those in attendance learned about the similarities and differences of dyslexia (difficulty reading) and dysgraphia (difficulty with the physical act of writing). They share symptoms and often occur together. Click here to see a helpful chart.

The dyslexia team lead participants through four simulation exercises: two for reading and two for writing.

“The simulations are designed to raise the level of empathy and awareness of those who struggle with dyslexia and dysgraphia,” said Aissa Painter, dyslexia lead teacher in the SBISD. 

In one of the dysgraphia exercises, the participants wrote sentences with their opposite writing hands. They learned when handwriting is difficult for a student, it can affect his or her spelling, math, and the development of ideas.

Tackling the skills needed to adapt for better leaning is more than improving penmanship, a common misunderstanding.

“The teachers who attended the simulations gained a new perspective on how important accommodations are for our students,” said Painter.

Possible social and emotional impacts of these disabilities were shared with the parents and educators. In addition, the experts provided some practical coping skills and accommodations for learning at home and school.

“In this 1.5 hours I learned how to recognize what the impact of dyslexia is,” commented a parent. “It opened my eyes.  I came for one of my children and now I realize my other child might be struggling with it.”

If you have questions about Dyslexia services in SBISD, contact Aissa.Painter@springbranchisd.com.

 

Submitted by Becky Wuerth, SBISD Communications
Becky.wuerth@springbranchisd.com