October - Dyslexia Awareness Month

What is dyslexia?  What causes it?  What are the effects?  Find out the answer to these questions and more by clicking on the above graphic from the International Dyslexia Association.  

The international Dyslexia Association is just one resource you can tap into to find out the answers to your questions about dyslexia.  You can also check out The Nebraska Dyslexia Association website as well as the Nebraska Department of Education's Dyslexia Guide.  Take the rest of October to learn one thing about dyslexia and how you might be able to help these struggling readers.  

Sometimes we forget that parents need information on educating their children. Check out the Literacy Resources page from the Nebraska Department of Education and consider picking one or more of these resources to put in your weekly newsletter to parents. Click on the above quote to access the page.  

Progress Monitoring

You most likely have screened your students this fall and now it's time to for progress monitoring.  Are they making progress?  Are they progressing enough to meet the mid-year benchmark goals?  Take the time to listen to Stephanie Stollar explain what tools should be used for effective progress monitoring.  Click below to access the video. 

Do you teach older students who aren't proficient readers?  This one is for you! Check out these resources which will help you help the adolescent reader in your life. Click the graphic above to access the link.  

Banned Book Week

This year, Banned Book Week was held October 5-11.  Books are a way for us to understand and connect with those people who think differently and/or have different beliefs.  There are people who believe that we should not read about those who some might consider "different."  However, would a rainbow be as beautiful if it were only red?  If you're interested, check out the most banned books of the last few years and read one.  At the very least, to understand why some people may want it banned from your library. Click below to access the list of most banned books.  

Webinar with Lori Sappington

On Wednesday, October 16th, NSLA hosted a webinar with Lori Sappington from the Melissa & Lori Love Literacy Podcast.  Lori provided us with insights on comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and left us with several amazing resources that could be used tomorrow in our classrooms.  If you are a member, you can now access the webinar in the "Members Only" section of the NSLA website (neliteracy.org).  If you were one of the first 50 people to register for the webinar, we hope you enjoy your book.  Happy Reading!