Interviews with dyslexics or experts
This is the interview from johnny ray on video to help dyslexics who find it hard to read.
Interview with Johnny Ray
​
​
-
How old were you when you found out you are dyslexic?
-
What does dyslexia mean to you?
-
What was the biggest challenge you face with dyslexia when you were a child?
-
Is it still hard for you to have dyslexia at University?
-
Do you have any tips for dyslexic children?
-
What inspired you to make you “dyslexic-dynemo” website and make the cool dyslexic t-shirts and hoodies?
-
What are your dyslexic powers?
1.- 9 Years old, this was the recommended age that produced the most accurate results
2.- Dyslexia to me is a fantastic asset, Yes it has some disadvantages in your early years especially at school, but as you grow older, you realize how much dyslexia enables you to solve tricky problems, think outside of the box and see patterns that people without dyslexia can’t see.
Once you accept you have dyslexia and use it positively rather than complain about it, it becomes a great asset!
3.- School, Generic Tests, Time Management, Concentration on stuff I was not interested in.
4.- Yes, but as I have grown older, I am less affected by how I see grades and understand that these generic exams are designed for a specific learning type, and not for everyone. Therefore I am not worried about the outcome because I know from personal experience that I can be top of the class in practical exams and subjects I am passionate about
5.- Don’t give up, work hard but don’t get dragged down if you fail some exams. I failed my HL chemistry in IB after spending two years studying it hard with tutors making me work 4hours a day during every holiday I had.
Learn that Fail means First Attempt at Learning, You will fail sometimes, and it just depends on how you pick yourself back up and carry on with a positive mindset.
I would recommend keeping your head high and never giving up.
6.- Promote The positives of dyslexia, and help inspire people to see it in a fun way, build a community for people to help one another.
7.- Seeing Patterns, Communication skill, Very fast at learning something if I’m interested too!
​
my reflexion
I found it very interesting to hear the perspective of the dyslexic in university. I see that some of his strengths are like mine. I also know that he started to take action for the same reason as me.
Interview with patricia spencer
1. What inspired you to teach dyslexic kids?
When I was young, I moved schools a lot as a primary student and at times, struggled with reading/writing. Then, when I started teaching, I was naturally drawn to help the students who needed additional help. I was lucky enough to have a Principal who encouraged me in my interest to help these students.
​
2. What does dyslexia mean to you?
To me, dyslexia is a learning style. Someone with dyslexia thinks differently (not necessarily incorrectly) to other people – therefore, to help them read/write, they need rules/patterns/information shared with them in different and explicit ways.
​
3. What are useful tips for teachers that have dyslexic kids in their classes?
Understand that they learn differently and may need information explained to them in a variety of ways – especially in multisensory approaches (using their senses). Show empathy for the struggle they encounter in each learning activity they participate in. Encourage them that they can attain the same (and better) than many of their peers.
​
4. What are useful tips for parents with dyslexic children?
Understand, and encourage children on their learning journey and remember that their journey will be different from other children in the family. Reduce the number of instructions given out at one time, so that they have a higher chance of succeeding. Explain what dyslexia is to other family members – have open conversations about the types of difficulties their brother/sister might have. Explain to teachers what learning challenges your child has – open up the conversation in a supportive manner. Remember that they will get to the place they are meant to be – but it may not be the place their siblings are going/or where parents ‘think’ they should be going. They will make their own journey
.
5. What are useful apps for dyslexic children?
I don’t have a lot of suggestions – as they change frequently and it takes time to research them and check their content. However, storylineonline.com is a good (free) website for children to hear stories read; Handwriting without Tears is another useful app that helps children develop handwriting skills.
​
6. What are unique teaching methods that you use at Oakhill?
Short tasks (3-5 mins), small class sizes, specific training for teachers, assess for gaps/misunderstandings early on in the programme, teach skills step-by-step, ensure there is time for repeated practice of skills, revisit previously learned skills regularly, use multisensory learning where possible, ensure teachers keep up to date with current practise, discuss students’ progress/areas of difficulties weekly and plan next tasks after reflecting on this information, encourage students to believe in themselves, keep parents regularly updated on feedback (and teachers at the home school), encourage students to talk about their learning and become self-motivated, setting goals for themselves and looking for intrinsic rewards related to their education, provide support/training for teachers/parents where possible. Enjoy our work!
My reflexion
I like all of Mrs. Spencers answers. But I hoped for more app suggestions, and I love the tips she had for teachers and parents. Like for parents she gave a tip about tell the other children what dyslexia is and for the teachers that they have to understand that they learn differently.