The Writing Glitch: Hack Dysgraphia No Pencil Required

In a world where education is constantly evolving, it's essential to explore innovative approaches that cater to students' diverse needs. Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Jeffrey Benson, a seasoned educator, author, and advocate for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. In our conversation, Benson shared his wisdom on empowering students, fostering interdisciplinary teams, and the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in today's classrooms.

Empowering Students Through Focus and Understanding:
Benson emphasizes the significance of understanding students' needs and creating a classroom environment that encourages engagement and productivity. Cheri discusses her method, "Focus Triggers," which is designed to help teachers improve classroom dynamics by addressing the specific needs of each student. By acknowledging students' unique challenges, educators can tailor their teaching methods to foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

The Role of Interdisciplinary Teams in Education:
One of Benson's passions is creating interdisciplinary teams within schools to support students' writing skills. He believes that collaboration among different subject teachers can provide a more holistic approach to education, ensuring that students receive consistent support across all areas of learning. This collaborative effort can bridge gaps in education and provide students with a well-rounded educational experience.

The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning:
Benson also highlights the critical role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in modern education. He argues that SEL should be integrated across the entire education system, not just treated as a buzzword. Educators can create a more empathetic and self-aware generation by teaching students to advocate for themselves and understand their own emotions. Benson's approach to SEL involves making it explicit in lesson plans and encouraging students to participate actively in their learning.

Conclusion:
Jeffrey Benson's insights into education are a testament to the power of innovative thinking and compassion in teaching. Educators can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment by focusing on students' individual needs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and prioritizing social-emotional learning. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, it's clear that approaches like Benson's will be instrumental in shaping the future of learning.

Call to Action:
Are you an educator looking to implement these innovative strategies in your classroom? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation on creating more supportive and inclusive educational environments for all students.

Biography

Jeffrey Benson has over forty years of experience as a teacher, mentor, and school administrator. His passion is supporting schools to be more successful with more students. He is an internationally known author, including the books "Hanging In-- Strategies for Working with the Students Who Challenge Us Most;" "Ten Steps for Managing Change in Schools;" "Teaching the Whole Teen: Everyday Practices that Promote Success and Resilience in School and Life;" "Improve Every Lesson Plan with SEL;" and his newest book, "Hacking School Discipline Together." Jeffrey leads school change initiatives, facilitating interdisciplinary teams that convert long-standing dilemmas into cutting-edge growth and community building and creating more inclusive school and classroom cultures. He is a member of the ASCD faculty, is frequently published in education journals, and speaks at conferences on working with challenging students, integrating SEL into everyday practices, restorative practices, decision-making skills for leaders, and the science of learning and teaching. His website is JeffreyBenson.org.

If you like The Writing Glitch, join my new podcast, Tier 1 Interventions. 

Welcome to a special edition of The Writing Glitch podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of puppetry and its role in enhancing literacy skills. In this episode, we enjoyed hosting Carol Richards and Linnea Smith, the dynamic duo behind Richard's Learning Systems. This revolutionary literacy program incorporates puppets, animation, and multisensory learning to teach reading. Join us as we explore the magic behind their approach and how it's transforming how children learn to read.

The Genesis of Richard's Learning Systems
Carol Richards, the founder of Richard's Learning Systems, shared her journey from starting a tutoring service to developing a comprehensive literacy program. With the challenge of making her science of reading program accessible and practical, Carol had a eureka moment that led to creating a unique video-based curriculum. These videos, devoid of adult presence, feature puppets and animation to engage children in learning sounds, blends, digraphs, and eventually syllables, culminating in the ability to read complex words like "antidisestablishmentarianism."

The Puppets of Literacy
The program boasts a cast of charming puppets, each with a specific role in teaching literacy concepts. Miss Alice teaches the short "a" sound, while Silly Ball, the syllable scientist, helps students break words into syllables. Chef Cookie teaches blends with her whisk and animated ingredients, and Sophie introduces non-phonetic "red words" through arm tapping.

A Family Affair
Linnea Smith, Carol's daughter, brings her creative expertise and personal experience as a struggling reader. She played a pivotal role in producing the video series and creating the puppets, transforming them from simple sock puppets to the engaging characters used today.

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Richard's Learning Systems is not just for young learners. The program has succeeded with older students, refugees, immigrants, and even adults in the workforce. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for many learners, including non-verbal students who have shown remarkable progress.

Incorporating Writing Skills:
The program also addresses writing skills through tracing practice, spelling exercises, and gentle introductions to sentence structure. The focus is on making learning as multisensory as possible, with tactile letter cards and activities reinforcing the connection between reading and writing.

Accessible and Affordable:
Richard's Learning Systems is designed to be both accessible and affordable. With a subscription model, teachers and parents can access the materials and videos needed to implement the program effectively. The emphasis is on short, daily sessions that fit easily into any schedule.

Conclusion:
Richard's Learning Systems is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in education. By harnessing the appeal of puppets and the principles of multisensory learning, Carol Richards and Linnea Smith have created a literacy program that teaches children how to read and instills a love for reading. As we explore the potential of puppetry in education, Richard's Learning Systems stands as a shining example of how thinking outside the box can lead to remarkable outcomes in literacy development.

Visit Richard's Learning Systems for more information and to explore the magical world of literacy puppets.

Contact Carol and Linnea

Contact Cheri

Upcoming Event: May 11, 2024
Being Recorded

Tier 1,2,3 Non-Academic Interventions to enhance structured literacy and writing skills

In this episode of The Writing Glitch podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Joe Houghton, a remarkable educator, photographer, and University College Dublin Innovation Academy fellow. Our conversation delved into the evolving landscape of education, particularly in the context of remote learning and the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion:

Embracing the Challenges and Opportunities of Remote Teaching
Joe shared his experiences with the sudden shift to online teaching due to the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of adapting to this new environment and finding innovative ways to engage students. By incorporating tools like breakout rooms, Kahoot, and Mentimeter, Joe has created dynamic and interactive learning experiences for his students.

The Power of Storytelling in Education
Both Joe and I are strong advocates for storytelling as an educational tool. Joe's approach to teaching involves using stories to make complex concepts more relatable and memorable for students. This technique enhances understanding and fosters a deeper connection between educators and learners.

Prioritizing Accessibility and Inclusivity
A significant part of our conversation focused on the importance of accessibility in education. Joe's journey with his son Danny, who has dysgraphia and hypermobility, highlighted the need for educators to be aware of and accommodate diverse learning needs. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessible technology ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Educational Practices
The pandemic has undoubtedly been a catalyst for change in the education sector. Joe and I discussed how it has prompted educators to rethink traditional teaching methods and embrace more flexible and inclusive approaches. The shift towards online learning has opened up new possibilities for innovation and underscored the importance of adaptability in facing challenges.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Education
As we look to the future, it's clear that the education landscape will continue to evolve. The experiences and lessons learned during the pandemic will undoubtedly shape teaching practices for years. Educators like Joe Houghton are at the forefront of this transformation, leading the way in creating engaging, accessible, and effective learning environments for all students.

In conclusion, my conversation with Joe Houghton was a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity of educators in the face of adversity. His insights into remote teaching, storytelling, and accessibility are valuable lessons for anyone involved in the field of education. As we navigate the ever-changing world of learning, it's clear that adaptability, innovation, and inclusivity will be vital to empowering students and shaping the future of education.

Notable Quote from Joe Houghton: "As educators, we have to pick up on these cues from mainstream media and build this stuff into what we're doing. Having a visual eye for photography also translates into all the other education. And then, hopefully, I'll bring in, as I've done in the last couple of years, a little bit more awareness of accessibility. Because again, that was a bit of a moment for me when one of my students came up to me and said that he had dyslexia."

Contact Joe: Linked In
The Plus One Podcast

Contact Cheri: Website

In this heartfelt episode of The Writing Glitch Podcast, host Cheri Dotterer, an Occupational Therapist and recovering dysgraphic, delves into the transformative power of play and emotional learning with guest Paul Zolman. Zolman discovered an unconventional path to aiding children's social and emotional development through his groundbreaking game and shared his journey from personal struggles to inspiring change in educational settings. This game, rooted in the principles of the Five Love Languages, offers a simple yet profound way to enhance self-regulation, leadership, and classroom engagement with no pencil required. Join us as we explore how this game not only addresses dysgraphia but also sows the seeds of empathy, understanding, and self-awareness in young minds.

Quote from Paul Zolman:
"Through this game, we're not just teaching children to recognize and express love in various forms but also empowering them to take ownership of their emotions and actions. It's about transforming our approach from one of reacting to one of responding with intention. My hope is that by integrating these practices into daily routines, we can create a more compassionate, understanding world where every child feels valued and understood."

Contact: Paul Zolman Role of Love  https://roleoflove.com/
Cheri Dotterer. https://www.cheridotterer.com/

In today's episode, we leave school and enter the workplace with special guest, Katherine McCord, HR Diversity Specialist. Having disabilities herself, she is sensitive to the impact diversity and inclusion have on long-term employment. She provides actionable insights and resources to support and advocate for neurodiverse individuals.

Bio: Katherine is neurodiverse (Bipolar, OCD,  Misophonia) and physically diverse (multiple diagnoses including a seizure disorder). She says, "My neurodiversity is my superpower!"
My missions are integrity, innovation, and inclusion.
I enjoy speaking and providing actionable advice about:
* Entrepreneurship
* Breaking the ego mechanism to respond in curiosity
* Vulnerability and psychological safety
* Leadership
* Neurodiversity
* Diversity and inclusion (inclusion cannot be exclusive!!)
* Innovating hiring and HR
* HR Tech
* General empowerment

Notable Quote:
"Neurodiversity is not a deficit; it's just a difference. It does have its challenges, but there are also benefits. By understanding and accommodating these differences, we can transform workplaces and educational settings into more inclusive, productive environments. It's about breaking down barriers and responding with curiosity and flexibility."

Contact: Katherine McCord
KMcCord Speaking

Contact Cheri:
Cheridotterer.com

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the unique and motivating journey of Hillary Glaser, who overcame her personal challenges with reading comprehension and dysgraphia to carve a successful path in digital marketing and dedicated her business to her mother and stepmother. As a mother of children with ADHD and autism, Hillary shares her insights on the importance of individualized education and the use of assistive technologies in enhancing learning experiences. The conversation also explores the intersection of these personal experiences with her professional expertise in SEO and web accessibility, providing a fascinating look at how personal challenges can transform into professional strengths.

She mentions the difference between dyslexia and hyperlexia. Listen in to learn the difference.

Significant Quote:
"One of the most powerful things I've learned through my journey and experiences, both as a professional in digital marketing and as a mother, is the profound impact of understanding and accommodating individual learning needs. Whether it's adapting to hyperlexia or leveraging assistive technologies for my children, these experiences have deeply influenced my approach to creating inclusive and accessible digital content. It's about recognizing that at the heart of every challenge lies an opportunity to innovate and empower." - Hillary Glaser

Contact Hillary
https://www.ellienjojo.co/

Contact Cheri
https://www.cheridotterer.com/

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In today's episode, Cheri engages in a profound conversation with Russell Van Brocklen, a dyslexia specialist from Westlake, New York. Russell shares his unique journey of overcoming dyslexia and details his innovative approach, known as the Writing Method, which has significantly improved the writing skills of high school students with dyslexia. Dive into a discussion that spans from personal struggles to groundbreaking research, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and related conditions. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the neurobiology of learning disabilities.

Bio: Russell combined the brain research in Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz with the three default writing strategies in Strategies for Struggling Writers by James Collins while in graduate school.  As a result, his initial research program was funded by the New York State Senate and is owned by the SUNY Research Foundation.

He found that motivated high school students with dyslexia increased their writing skills by 7 to 8-grade levels in one academic year. His approach is called The Writing Method.

Russell presented at The Everyone Reading Conference in Manhattan in 2006 and from 2014 to 2019.  He also presented in November 2018 at a conference by The Learning Disability Association of NJ.

Notable Quote:
"What we're going to do is we're going to force the brain to organize itself, by using writing as a measurable output. Again, we're going to force the brain to organize itself by using writing as a measurable output."

https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

In today's episode, Cheri delves into the world of digital solutions for learning disabilities. Joined by Marty Schultz, co-founder of Objective Ed, they explore groundbreaking tools designed for students with dyslexia, visual impairments, and other reading challenges. Discover how Objective Ed's digital curriculum, including the Braille AI tutor and Buddy Books, transforms the educational experience for students across the country. Cheri shares her personal journey with dysgraphia, offering insights into overcoming learning obstacles. Marty sheds light on the impact of their products in enhancing reading fluency and confidence, revealing how technology can revolutionize learning for those who struggle with traditional methods.

Bio: Marty is a cofounder of ObjectiveEd, which builds a reinforcement digital curriculum for students with disabilities.  He has coordinated several NSF, NIH, and HHS grants for developing products for students who have dyslexia and students with vision impairments.   ObjectiveEd products are used in hundreds of school districts, including some of the largest districts in the country.    He has degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University and Harvard Business School.

https://www.objectiveed.com/

Notable Quote:
"Anytime you can share that with the computer, kids love being with a computer, playing on it, and having it interact with them. As you've heard at the beginning, the voice on the reading, even though it's a computer-based voice, sounds even better than Siri or Alexa. So kids really like to read with that computer." - Marty Schultz.

Cheridotterer.com
thewritingglitch.com

Today's episode is from a masterclass that I presented several years ago. Form Constancy is a visual perceptual concept that impacts letters like b,d,p,q or numbers 2 and 5. The event began by defining dysgraphia.  If you need to see images, check out the YouTube channel @cheridotterer.

Introduction:
The episode starts with an exploration of dysgraphia and its impact on written expression, spelling, and more.

• The host mentions their background as an OT (Occupational Therapist) and their goal to establish correlations between OT concepts and dysgraphia.

Segment 1: Foundations of Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is introduced as a condition encompassing various aspects, including sensory motor development, visual-spatial relationships, and memory.

• The host categorizes dysgraphia into three levels:
  • The basic foundation, involving sensory motor and neurological development.
  • Word and sentence formation, which is language-based.
  • Paragraph formation, which relates to conversational writing styles.

Segment 2: Dyslexia vs. Dysgraphia

A listener question about the difference between dyslexia and dysgraphia is addressed.

• Dyslexia is explained as a reading difficulty or intake issue, while dysgraphia pertains to output issues in writing.
• Mention is made of dyscalculia, another related condition.
• The importance of considering oral expression, such as dyspraxia of speech, in understanding dysgraphia is emphasized.

Segment 3: Cognitive Level of Dysgraphia

• The highest level of dysgraphia is discussed, focusing on cognitive aspects and their connection to conversational speech.
• The host introduces the topic of "form constancy" and its link to abstract thought.
• A quote from the host's book mentioning the connection between form constancy and abstract thought is mentioned.

Segment 4: Form Constancy and Abstract Thought
The episode delves into the concept of form constancy and its significance.

• The host explains how form constancy issues can affect a child's abstract thinking abilities.

Segment 5: Audience Questions

• The host invites questions from the audience regarding dysgraphia or any related topics discussed in the episode.

Conclusion:

• The episode wraps up with a reminder of the main topic, dysgraphia, and the opportunity for listeners to ask more questions in future episodes.

Outro:

• The host thanks the audience for tuning in and encourages them to subscribe for more insightful discussions on various learning and developmental topics.

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Join us in this transformative episode as we dive deep into the world of dyslexia and dysgraphia, exploring the personal journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs experienced by those who have navigated these learning difficulties. From the very beginning, we set the stage with an insightful discussion on overcoming reading struggles with our guest expert, Lois Letchford, a renowned reading specialist who has turned her own journey with dyslexia into a beacon of hope for others.

Ever wondered about the link between early childhood ear infections and language development? We've got you covered! Letchford unravels the challenges of teaching children with dyslexia, providing valuable insights on strategies that work. Discover the transformative power of connecting oral and written language through poetry and playwriting, and learn how even the most complex texts can be made accessible and enjoyable to students with reading difficulties.

As we venture further, we unveil teaching strategies specifically designed for students with dysgraphia, with Cheri Dotterer discussing her upcoming book "Math Disconnected" and the pivotal role of concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract teaching methods. Lois Letchford chimes in, sharing innovative ideas to bring these methods to life, urging listeners to take action in their own educational settings.

This episode is not just a collection of stories and strategies; it's a call to action, an invitation to understand, empathize, and empower. Whether you're a teacher, parent, professional, or someone navigating dyslexia or dysgraphia personally, this podcast is a treasure trove of knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice. Don't miss out on the chance to transform your approach to learning and teaching, and join us on this journey of empowerment and discovery.

Lois Letchford
Cheri Dotterer

• (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0