OT: Dyslexia and NOT using OG method

[psreit]

I know I did not begin this thread, but it is near to my heart, because of our experience. Since my last post on this thread, I am happy to say that I am no longer concerned that we are no longer using an OG program. I stated that I had decided to use Phonics Pathways along with continuing ER books and even moving on to DITHOR in the fall. I am very comfortable now with that decision. I read on the blog of the lady who developed Phonics Pathways how it helps those with dyslexia. It was enough for me. I believe success can be gained without the very expensive OG programs. I believe that, despite her dyslexia, taking Angie through that program, along with the eye exercises they recommend, she will be able to decode longer words and will gain more fluency in her reading. Phonics Pathways is geared to helping those with dyslexia, just like an OG program would, only in a simpler way. Since Angie is already reading well in the ER books, I don't feel she needs all the components of an OG program. I do feel she does need this extra boost to push her toward independence and even help with spelling, but it is not being done at the expense of HOD reading or dictation. It will just add a short lesson/exercise to her day, which is no big deal. I just wanted to share this with those dealing with the dyslexia issue. I was feeling guilty for not continuing an OG program, but now I have the confidence that the desired results can be attained without it.

[my3sons]

WOW! What a wonderful outpouring of encouragement here - I am bookmarking this! I just wanted to share that Carrie and I both had good luck using "The Reading Reflex" with dc struggling with reading, some who were dyslexic and some who were not. It is inexpensive, and you pick and choose the lessons you feel would be most beneficial. Parents liked it so much they bought their own copy to have at home to use. Just thought I'd mention it!

In Christ,
Julie

[Mumkins]

My 9yo has auditory processing and visual perception issues. We used All About Reading. We quit after level 3 and moved into the ER set. It's going great! AAR was killing any joy in reading for her. If I had to do it again, I would have done a standard phonics program, then start the ERs. If she wasn't ready for the next book, I would have looked for books with the same reading level as the previous one and given her more practice reading before moving on. We are doing AAS as well, but started dictation after Christmas. I think it helps her to see the written and try to copy from memory.

[my3sons]

My 9yo has auditory processing and visual perception issues. We used All About Reading. We quit after level 3 and moved into the ER set. It's going great! AAR was killing any joy in reading for her. If I had to do it again, I would have done a standard phonics program, then start the ERs. If she wasn't ready for the next book, I would have looked for books with the same reading level as the previous one and given her more practice reading before moving on. We are doing AAS as well, but started dictation after Christmas. I think it helps her to see the written and try to copy from memory.

Thank you so much for sharing this, Mumkins!!! I think that this is so helpful, and I know it will be encouraging to many moms as they are working through reading with dc with auditory processing/visual perception issues. I am so glad your dd is making great gains in both reading and dictation!!! It is often the things I have struggled through with our dc that prove to be the most satisfying when we reach the other side of them. Writing, math, grammar, narrating - with different dc - come to mind. It is a good feeling to see progress, and actually, progress can sometimes be something we MISS seeing if we aren't watching for it as homeschool moms. Being entrenched in the day to day all day lives of our dc sometimes makes it tough to notice progress. So, really looking for it mindfully, and then taking time to tell our kids we noticed their progress and really celebrate it, THAT is time well spent!!! Thank you for sharing dd's progress with us today!

In Christ,
Julie

[psreit]

Angie did not enjoy doing Barton. She loves reading the ER books and others I have her reading, because I don't plan on beginning DITHOR until the fall. But, she is still doing a good deal of guessing by shape and context. I am not planning to modify any of Bigger while going through Phonics Pathways. These exercises are to help her gain fluency in reading, along with eye tracking, and help her with her spelling. She still spells many words phonetically, even though I have taught her the silent 'e' rule, for example. She will still spell words like bone, 'bon'. Unless she has them in her 'photographic memory', she still spells by sounds. Catch is 'cach'. So, hopefully, these exercises, along with reading, copywork, and dictation, will help improve her spelling. Going through this book is nothing like an OG program where you have maybe 10 levels, like Barton, and could be working on it into high school. I am pleased with the progress Angie has made this past year, but I am hoping by doing this, she will become more independent in her reading, so that when we get to Preparing, probably by the middle of next school year, she will be able to do the independent box independently.

[mom23]

Becky, are you talking about therapy such as is offered by Lindamood-Bell? I went to a workshop last week, and couldn't believe the price. Or is there some other vision therapy? LMB does offer training for parents that is reasonable, so I know that I can do that if I think I need to. Where do I get him tested for vision issues? I'm a little confused by all of it.

When I say that we've had our best school year yet, I really mean as a whole group. We've kept a routine, we are on schedule, etc. For him specifically, he's doing well, but definitely hitting a wall. I know this is a crucial year for making progress, so I want to make sure we hit this hard and fast.

I'm not familiar with Lindamood Bell; I did a quick check of the website just now and it does not seem exactly the same as what we're doing. Ours is through a pediatric-specialzing optomitrist. She oversees the program with progress checks and recommendations based on his progress, is continuing struggles, and our concerns. Then he works weekly with an occupational therapist, and we have daily "homework". They work with eye tracking issues, focusing problems, eye-hand coordination to name a few. Ours is not a national chain of any sort, it's called Vision Therapy Academy, but one in your area would probably be called something else. Perhaps you could call some optometrists and ask if they offer any type of Vision Therapy, or I found this one doing a web search for Vision therapy near our zip code.