07746 017 632
Just returned from a visit to my book shelf with my favourite ones on dyslexia. Some of these recommended books I appreciate because they changed my perspective, others I treasure for their practical advice – all I love for their inspiration.
Neurodiversity by Thomas Armstrong is a beautifully written book that gives voice to many people whose thinking and processing style is diverse or does not fit the norm. With an abundance of examples, Armstrong shows that whether you are regarded as disabled or gifted depends on the time and place you are born in. He uses scientific research as well as stories of people’s lives to let the reader experience a completely new perspective. This is one of the few books that I couldn’t put down until I had finished it.
Armstrong reveals neurodiversity as a powerful way of being that allows us to see the inner strengths. Described with conviction and logic, this book opened my eyes and deeply moved me. It also presents a practical approach for those who do not fit the norm by addressing themes like finding a suitable career or creating a good network for yourself.
The Dyslexia Advantage by Dr Brock Eide and Dr Fernette Eide gives intensive insight into new findings in brain science. It allows a comprehensive understanding of the way the dyslexic brain structures and organises information. However, the Eides’ perspective is not about what fails to work in a dyslexic person’s brain, but about the remarkable abilities that people with dyslexia possess; abilities that are based on the same structures, functions and developments of the brain which cause dyslexic challenges in literacy and learning.
I love this book for its well-researched evidence of dyslexic strengths and the great number of personal examples of dyslexic individuals who have found and created their unique place in the world. Did you know about the architecture bureau in the US that only employs dyslexics as they are just so much better at their job than non-dyslexics?!
The Dyslexic Advantage is unfortunately not such an easy read but its academic style and excellent research makes it a worthwhile study resource. If it is not your kind of book to read from cover to cover, I still recommend you have a browse – it is well worth it!
100+ ideas for supporting children with dyslexia by Gavin Reid and Shannon Green
A pocket book that fits into every bag – most ideas laid out on one page, with themes covering teaching, learning, reading, maths and memory, strategies and ideas – this is a great hands on book based on Reid and Green’s extensive expertise and experience. Written as a contribution to teachers’ tool kits, this book will enrich parents as well as anyone else working with dyslexic children aged from 5 to 19. It offers tips for revision, making learning effective and more fun and it supports an independent learning style.
The ideas presented do not need extra equipment; they are there to offer support and stimulation to the teacher to create a dyslexia friendly learning environment. What I love about this book is that it is creative, practical and like a treasure chest for learning that is not afraid to address emotional issues either. Easy and fun to read, great to pick up and browse.
Great News! There are now also 100 Tips for Primary and Secondary teachers. I still have the old version but this gives you more choice and I am sure both are fantastic: 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers and 100 Ideas for Secondary Teachers.
The Gift of Dyslexia by Ron Davis was first published in 1994. It became an immediate best-seller and changed the face of how dyslexia is viewed – and how it can be remedied – worldwide. The third revised and expanded edition published in 2010 contains added information to help with the mental techniques for orientation and attention focus that are the hallmark of the Davis programme.
This is a practical, dyslexia friendly book that offers a real understanding of dyslexia and brings real help, a book about dyslexic thinking by a person who is dyslexic. In this way it is unique. I do receive calls from people who just read the ‘Gift of Dyslexia’ and consequently want to do a Davis programme.
Every book mentioned has a link to Amazon so it can easily be purchased. Remember that your local library can order any book for you which is a great way to browse. I hope you enjoy the book recommendations. Do get in touch and let me know your thoughts.
Gilda