Online dyslexia programs?

[displace]

Any experience with online dyslexia programs?  I'm thinking with dealing with this and dysgraphia if we are HSing it will be teacher intensive and maybe I should consider outsourcing.  I'm wondering if an online dyslexia program (lexercise, dynaread, something else?) is a good idea, or if this is the one program I should be super involved in and try to outsource other subjects online if I need a break.  DS is in first FWIW in case those computer programs are better for older people.  :)  NP just recommended OG type of remediation.

[FairProspects]

Reading Assistant is awesome, but it is mostly for fluency and comprehension, not phonics remediation. Read, Write, Type is a great program for teaching typing and reinforcing OG phonics. RWT is literally the only program I've ever found that came even remotely close to OG phonics and we have tried almost every program at some point.

[OneStepAtATime]

I would suggest you start out doing a lot of one on one with a phonics based program.  Maybe outsource other things at first through a tutor or a co-op or even a bit of on-line.  With a 1st grader I would not think a lot of computer based courses would be a good idea, honestly.  Especially with remediation because most kids need some tactile interaction with the material.  If you are nervous about this you might seek out a really good Dyslexia specialist tutor in your area and see if they could help.  Just be wary.  Not all experts are created equal.

 

For outsourcing other subjects on-line with a 1st grader, especially since the year has already started, you might look at Time for Learning.  Not the most robust but DS really enjoyed the 2nd grade material as a side thing, the lessons are laid out so you can see what he needs to do and the progress he is making, and you can start classes any time and quit any time.  Also, you can adjust his level up or down as needed and he has access to the materials one grade below his assigned level (you assign the level) and one grade above.  So if he is needing 1st grade math but 2nd grade language arts, you can do that.  We haven't done 1st grade but I know they have that level.  I think the cost is about $20 a month and it isn't hard to register.

 

Another option that MIGHT be available right now is Currclick. Unfortunately, any class that takes two semesters is out since school is already underway, but some are for a limited time at Currclick (like sometimes 8 weeks or something and one might be starting soon) and there are also a couple of on-line clubs that he might enjoy through Currclick.  There may be classes that would start in January, too.  I think they may be having a sale right now.

 

For next year for on-line outsourcing you might look into Landry Academy or Athena Academy?  I think Athena is for gifted kids and apparently parents of 2e kids use it, too.  Not sure if they have any classes starting in January, though.  For next year it might be a great fit.  The kids interact with each other and frequently end up choosing classes they can attend together the next year, too.  Classroom bonding but you as the parent can provide the scaffolding needed to help him with output and you can read to him or have him listen to the required readings from an audio source without it being embarrassing or stressful.  I have no idea how expensive it is or how to register.  I have just seen it mentioned and it looked interesting.  I wish I had known about it sooner.  

 

The other option I mentioned, Landry Academy, is pricey unless you get their sales but they offer a ton of classes.  He is too young, right now, but because he is 2e, he might even be able to take one of their 4th grade classes next year if you were able to provide scaffolding and assistance with the interface.  Christian based so that might or might not be an issue for you.  Some classes are more heavily Christian oriented than others.  Sales for next year are going on right now but sales for the 2014-2015 school year are over so you'd be paying full price for anything starting in January.  

 

If you look over Landry website and think it might be worthwhile, you could buy a generic credit at the sale price right now and convert it at any time in the future into a specific class credit once you decide what class you want him to take (the generic credit essentially lasts forever).  He is too young for most of the classes right now but perhaps by next year he could do well in one.  The great thing about some of these on-line options is there is interaction with the other kids in some form or fashion (chat board or skype or microphone depending) and parents can provide whatever scaffolding is needed for output while the child can still do the content at their intellectual level.

 

With regards to Landry and Athena, don't get excited and place him in several classes.  These classes require work outside of class.  Even 4 classes can be overwhelming trying to keep up.  Start slow, especially since he is so very young and will still be very young even next year.

 

Another option, though I don't know much about it, is Verticy Learning.  I don't really understand the set up of this so maybe someone else can chime in.  They are specifically designed for kids with learning challenges and will test your child to see what levels in which subject he should start.  I don't know if they have a 1st grade level.  I believe that much of the material is mailed to you and you do the work with your child at home.  There may also be some on-line activity.  This is more learning in a box (sort of).  There is a counselor of some kind that will guide you through the process and get your child placed in the appropriate material for both content and remediation as well as provide support for the school year.  I think they do the grading and provide a transcript but I could be wrong.  I don't know what the cost is.

 

Other options that are not on-line but might be interesting to look at are Trail Guides to Learning and Oak Meadows if you want something that guides you through several subjects and provides the materials needed.

 

If I think of anything else I will post....

 

FWIW: I edited some of my post above for clarity and for additional info...

[Lecka]

I tried some computer programs for my son, before I really found out about OG programs or Barton or read Overcoming Dyslexia or anything like that.  

 

Well, I did not have a good experience.  My son just guessed.  On a lot, they say guessing doesn't work, but it turns out, it does work.  Or -- it just repeats the same thing, and then it is like -- no progress, no learning.  

 

He turned out to really need the multi-sensory with the tactile part (with sliding letter tiles).  He needed to have more with his hands, than moving a mouse or touching a keyboard.  He also needed more help, he needed one-on-one adult help, not a canned explanation from a computer, or another example on the screen from a computer.  

 

With that said -- Reading Assistant and Read,Write,Type both get really good reviews and I believe they are worth looking at.  I have not used them myself.

 

I have also looked at Reading Horizons.  It looks like, maybe, it is a cut above the programs I tried with my son.  But -- ultimately, when I have looked at it, I have not thought it would be a good choice for my son.  If you are looking at computer programs, though, of ones I have looked at, it looks like it is better than others.  BUT I really think that some kids need the level of interaction you get from real materials (not visuals on a screen) and that come from an adult.  The computer can only respond to what the child says (for ones that have voice recognition) or types or how the child clicks the mouse.  That is just not that much information, compared to what an adult can see from working with a child.  I strongly suspect, that it would not have worked for my son.  But -- I also think, I bet there are kids where it is a good fit for them.  But -- I would really not recommend it without a better reason to think computer instruction might be very motivating to a child, or a reason to think that one-on-one would not be an option.  I do not think it is better, is the honest truth.  But -- I can see reasons it would be a good choice, and I can believe that it would be a good choice for some people.

 

However for Reading Horizons -- I still get promotional e-mails from them.  It is kind-of irritating.  I would take their claims with a grain of salt, too.  They are selling a product.  And sure, so is everybody, but their website is particularly glossy.   

 

You should also consider, with RTI, what is the place of computer programs.  There are *always* kids where computer programs do not work, and in the end they need "direct support" that is one-on-one and multisensory, and stuff like that.  There are also kids who have lesser needs, who can learn from the computer programs, with a little support.  The purpose is to let schools use computer instruction for kids where they can, so that they can reserve the one-on-one for the neediest kids.  

 

So -- to me, this is like, yeah, direct instruction is *better.*  

 

I have looked into several RTI type of programs, that are known as "computer-based."  All of them also offer a level where it gets to direct one-on-one support -- b/c if they are saying they are going to have services for all levels of RTI, that is just how it is.  B/c -- they are even admitting, their computer program is not going to work for everyone, some kids are going to need direct support.  

 

So in that vein -- I wanted it for my son.  I also kind-of tried stuff and feel like -- it was not a way for him to learn.  

 

You could also look at Earobics, maybe.  It also seems like it is a cut above.  

 

But really -- I think that the reason to choose it would be thinking, that it is a better choice for some reasons.  

 

Thinking one-on-one tutoring is too hard, to me, is not a good reason.  B/c -- I don't think it is too hard!  A learning curve, yes, but at a certain point, if you are even going to be helping your child out, it will be better if you can help them in some way that is similar to what they are doing in their reading program -- you can't say "go ask the computer what to do" all the time.  So -- I am not sure you can just be out of it.  You might be called on to say "try this way" or "remember the blah blah rule" or you might be called on to notice your child stumbling and thinking "gotta review that."  So that is another negative to a computer, to me.  

[SandyKC]

Research shows one-on-one, direct instruction combined with an online practice program is the most effective means of overcoming dyslexia.  Yes, remediating dyslexia IS teacher intensive, but it isn't rocket science. It mostly requires a lot of repetitive practice using a variety of ways of teaching a child.  

 

The best online program I know of, written specifically for kids with dyslexia, is LexiaLearning's reading program.  There are others I recommend in my book, but Lexia and Earobics are the two we used, and the two I continue to recommend.  HOWEVER, if your child has significant phonemic awareness issues, it's better to start with something like HearBuilder.  

 

A lot of what you should use will depend upon your child's specific "flavor" of dyslexia.  There is more to overcoming dyslexia than just buying a program--you have to know what your child's individual needs are and meet those specific needs.  As an example, one of my DSs had severe dyslexia with a slow processing speed, ocular motor deficits, executive dysfunction, and secondary ADHD.  Since I have my Master's Degree in Instructional Design, I evaluated his learning needs very specifically, put programs into place for each need, and we defeated his dyslexia in a mighty way!

If you want encouragement, you can read our story at my website. We came from dire predictions by our school administrators to graduating from college, Magna Cum Laude!  Homeschooling was a HUGE KEY to being able to meet his needs effectively.. Simply put, he would not have gotten the one-on-one help, the reinforcement programs, vision therapy, cognitive enhancement, etc. that we provided if we had left him in public school.  It just wasn't going to happen. THANKFULLY, the programs we pulled together were the key to my son's success.

[FairProspects]

 

 

The best online program I know of, written specifically for kids with dyslexia, is LexiaLearning's reading program.  There are others I recommend in my book, but Lexia and Earobics are the two we used, and the two I continue to recommend.  HOWEVER, if your child has significant phonemic awareness issues, it's better to start with something like HearBuilder.  

 

 

 

I just want to note that AFAIK, Lexia has changed SIGNIFICANTLY since you made this recommendation, Sandy. We purchased Lexia this year and we find it completely unusable with my 2 dyslexics. It has been completely re-done for Common Core to align with whatever they think that means. We tried for 2 weeks and both my boys were in tears every day. I can't remember specifics now, but it had them doing tasks the opposite way recommended by the neuropsych.

[displace]

Thanks for all the input. Everything was theoretical before but now I feel the burden of choosing the best option. It makes sense one on one is the best fit, plus reinforcement in other ways (computer I guess?) to help combat from multiple areas.

[SandyKC]

I just want to note that AFAIK, Lexia has changed SIGNIFICANTLY since you made this recommendation, Sandy. We purchased Lexia this year and we find it completely unusable with my 2 dyslexics. It has been completely re-done for Common Core to align with whatever they think that means. We tried for 2 weeks and both my boys were in tears every day. I can't remember specifics now, but it had them doing tasks the opposite way recommended by the neuropsych.

 

 

Yes, Lexia has been reworked to include all aspects of reading instruction, which includes vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, but it still contains the core phoneme instruction at the starting levels.  I don't like that it isn't purely a phonemic awareness, reading decoding program anymore.  The alignment with common core basically amounts to the addition of the other components of reading instruction that make a "skilled" reader.

 

Not sure what you mean by having them do tasks in the "opposite" way recommended by the neuropsych.. Could you explain that so I understand what you mean?

 

Right now, I know of at least three kids with dyslexia who are using the current program successfully, so it makes me wonder if it matters what direct instruction program is "coupled" with Lexia's use.  Since Lexia isn't designed to be a stand-alone product, and is designed to be coupled with one-on-one direct instruction, that may be a factor too.  

 

As with all curricula, any given program will work with some kids and not with others, but that doesn't make the program a bad program.  I would like to do some detective work though to figure out what specific aspects of the program are problematic and for which kids. Anything you are willing to share about how your boys used the program, what additional programs you were using, and if you can recall specifically what put them into tears would be helpful.

 

It makes me think back to our attempts at using Singapore Math that left my boys in tears and hating math.. It was NOT a good program for us.  Math-U-See was our "perfect" program, but some other people's kids don't like it.

[SandyKC]

I just want to note that AFAIK, Lexia has changed SIGNIFICANTLY since you made this recommendation, Sandy. We purchased Lexia this year and we find it completely unusable with my 2 dyslexics. It has been completely re-done for Common Core to align with whatever they think that means. We tried for 2 weeks and both my boys were in tears every day. I can't remember specifics now, but it had them doing tasks the opposite way recommended by the neuropsych.

 

Wondering if Fast ForWord might be a better option for your boys.. There is an online option for FFW.. http://www.gemmlearning.com/fast-forword-software-program2.php.  Sorry Lexia wasn't a good fit. :-(

[FairProspects]

Yes, Lexia has been reworked to include all aspects of reading instruction, which includes vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, but it still contains the core phoneme instruction at the starting levels.  I don't like that it isn't purely a phonemic awareness, reading decoding program anymore.  The alignment with common core basically amounts to the addition of the other components of reading instruction that make a "skilled" reader.

 

Not sure what you mean by having them do tasks in the "opposite" way recommended by the neuropsych.. Could you explain that so I understand what you mean?

 

Right now, I know of at least three kids with dyslexia who are using the current program successfully, so it makes me wonder if it matters what direct instruction program is "coupled" with Lexia's use.  Since Lexia isn't designed to be a stand-alone product, and is designed to be coupled with one-on-one direct instruction, that may be a factor too.  

 

As with all curricula, any given program will work with some kids and not with others, but that doesn't make the program a bad program.  I would like to do some detective work though to figure out what specific aspects of the program are problematic and for which kids. Anything you are willing to share about how your boys used the program, what additional programs you were using, and if you can recall specifically what put them into tears would be helpful.

 

It makes me think back to our attempts at using Singapore Math that left my boys in tears and hating math.. It was NOT a good program for us.  Math-U-See was our "perfect" program, but some other people's kids don't like it.

 

The assignments are timed and our neuropsych specifically recommended working on reading/phonics in an untimed environment. My boys have very slow processing speeds (like in the single digits) and will get flustered if they have to be timed on their weakest areas. I felt like Lexia was penalizing them for being dyslexic and slow processors. There would be assignments to pick out the word "slop" as many times as you can and then words like "slope" and "slip" would run across the screen in addition to "slop" at a fast speed. So not only do they need to distinguish between VERY closely spelled words, but they also have to do it QUICKLY, and then they have to get their motor skills in gear fast enough to click on the word too before it disappears or they get no points and can't pass the task, assuming they can even identify which one the word is. It was so demoralizing to not have a chance of accomplishing the task and not being able to move on until they accomplished it that both would cry. It made them feel worse and was so NOT the direction I wanted to take us for reading.

 

I'm also not sure what you mean by the direct instruction program mattering, and I'm trying not to take it personally. I've been actively remediating them since K for ds 1 and Pre-K for ds 2 with plenty of direct one-on-one instruction with OG programs including AAS & AAR, as well as Barton and other resources. I do know what I am looking for in a reading program and it certainly isn't Lexia. Since so many dyslexics have issues with processing speed, I would have a hard time recommending it to any dyslexics.

[SandyKC]

The assignments are timed and our neuropsych specifically recommended working on reading/phonics in an untimed environment. My boys have very slow processing speeds (like in the single digits) and will get flustered if they have to be timed on their weakest areas. I felt like Lexia was penalizing them for being dyslexic and slow processors. There would be assignments to pick out the word "slop" as many times as you can and then words like "slope" and "slip" would run across the screen in addition to "slop" at a fast speed. So not only do they need to distinguish between VERY closely spelled words, but they also have to do it QUICKLY, and then they have to get their motor skills in gear fast enough to click on the word too before it disappears or they get no points and can't pass the task, assuming they can even identify which one the word is. It was so demoralizing to not have a chance of accomplishing the task and not being able to move on until they accomplished it that both would cry. It made them feel worse and was so NOT the direction I wanted to take us for reading.

 

I'm also not sure what you mean by the direct instruction program mattering, and I'm trying not to take it personally. I've been actively remediating them since K for ds 1 and Pre-K for ds 2 with plenty of direct one-on-one instruction with OG programs including AAS & AAR, as well as Barton and other resources. I do know what I am looking for in a reading program and it certainly isn't Lexia. Since so many dyslexics have issues with processing speed, I would have a hard time recommending it to any dyslexics.

 

No, please don't take anything about direct instruction personally.. What I mean is that I thought maybe the direct instruction programs themselves might be a good or bad match with Lexia... Like kids being taught with AAS might not do well with Lexia, but kids being taught with Barton may do well with it. It may make no difference whatsoever, I was just wondering if the direct instruction program choice made a difference.

 

Given what you've said about them adding a timed element, I doubt it would make much difference about whether a child used AAS or Barton---DEFINITELY having a timed element would be a frustration factor for a large number of students.  I ran through a demo of the new re-worked Lexia and it "looked" fine, but I didn't encounter the type of exercise you have revealed. I was comfortable still recommending it even though it had been worked to be more "public schooly", but I may have to rethink that too.  UGH.  The prior Lexia was research proven and ideal... sad that it has been undermined as an appropriate program. 

[FairProspects]

No, please don't take anything about direct instruction personally.. What I mean is that I thought maybe the direct instruction programs themselves might be a good or bad match with Lexia... Like kids being taught with AAS might not do well with Lexia, but kids being taught with Barton may do well with it. It may make no difference whatsoever, I was just wondering if the direct instruction program choice made a difference.

 

Given what you've said about them adding a timed element, I doubt it would make much difference about whether a child used AAS or Barton---DEFINITELY having a timed element would be a frustration factor for a large number of students.  I ran through a demo of the new re-worked Lexia and it "looked" fine, but I didn't encounter the type of exercise you have revealed. I was comfortable still recommending it even though it had been worked to be more "public schooly", but I may have to rethink that too.  UGH.  The prior Lexia was research proven and ideal... sad that it has been undermined as an appropriate program. 

 

Thank you for clarifying, that makes more sense and no offense taken. :)

 

It is frustrating. I was hoping Lexia could be a good resource for us and it is just not. That said, we have done very well so far with Keyboarding without Tears this year. It is not a reading program per se, but it moves slowly, builds up repetition of paragraphs, and my boys find the topics very interesting. They have to read the paragraphs several times closely as they type and the topics have been fascinating enough (artists, scientists, continents, etc.) that my boys have wanted to do additional research on them even after they completed their typing lessons for the day.

[OneStepAtATime]

Thank you for clarifying, that makes more sense and no offense taken. :)

 

It is frustrating. I was hoping Lexia could be a good resource for us and it is just not. That said, we have done very well so far with Keyboarding without Tears this year. It is not a reading program per se, but it moves slowly, builds up repetition of paragraphs, and my boys find the topics very interesting. They have to read the paragraphs several times closely as they type and the topics have been fascinating enough (artists, scientists, continents, etc.) that my boys have wanted to do additional research on them even after they completed their typing lessons for the day.

Hmmm, this sounds interesting.  The kids already have typing programs but actually typing something with some meaning to it might be a really good fit.  Going to have to look into this... :)

[SandyKC]

Thank you for clarifying, that makes more sense and no offense taken. :)

 

It is frustrating. I was hoping Lexia could be a good resource for us and it is just not. That said, we have done very well so far with Keyboarding without Tears this year. It is not a reading program per se, but it moves slowly, builds up repetition of paragraphs, and my boys find the topics very interesting. They have to read the paragraphs several times closely as they type and the topics have been fascinating enough (artists, scientists, continents, etc.) that my boys have wanted to do additional research on them even after they completed their typing lessons for the day.

GLAD to hear of your experiences with Keyboarding Without Tears! I saw they offered that as a new program and wondered how it would work and if kids would like it.  Having a keyboarding program geared towards kids who have LD issues was needed. Having a program that inspires additional interest is AWESOME! :-D

 

I've been doing research.. I'm Thinking I need modify my website and books (BIG UGH.. difficult with the print versions) to issue a caveat for the new Lexia programs.. Tell people to look for an old version if their kids have any issues with processing speed.  Do you think the programs would have additional problems for kids who have working memory problems?  I'm Wondering now how much they've changed other important aspects of the program that functioned well in the older version.  Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights.

[Heathermomster]

I purchased Lexia software on CD a few years ago, and it stopped running on software past Win 95. Older software may be problematic with Win 8.

[SandyKC]

I purchased Lexia software on CD a few years ago, and it stopped running on software past Win 95. Older software may be problematic with Win 8.

Know what I've been sitting here doing? Writing a letter to the Lexia folks to ask if they'd be willing to transfer the old Lexia program to Learning Abled Kids.  MY DH is a computer engineer and my BS is in computer science.  Between the two of us, maybe we could update the program and offer it on the market again.. It was a good SOLID program and I hate to see it go by the wayside because of changes for the public school market.  Who KNOWS.. maybe, just maybe they'd be willing to let us have the old code.  Say a prayer! ;-)

[SandyKC]

I purchased Lexia software on CD a few years ago, and it stopped running on software past Win 95. Older software may be problematic with Win 8.

Just found their UPDATES page.. wonder if it would help ? 

http://www.lexialearning.com/support/otherlexiaproducts/index.html

[Heathermomster]

Just found their UPDATES page.. wonder if it would help ?

http://www.lexialearning.com/support/otherlexiaproducts/index.html

 

Give me some time. I may have tossed the CD over the summer. If I locate the disk and can get it to work, I will get back with you. I wanted to use it with DD and couldn't last year. The video resolution was also messed up.

 

ETA:  Found it!  It is the LEXIA Primary Reading, family version 1.02f.

[Pen]

Any experience with online dyslexia programs?  I'm thinking with dealing with this and dysgraphia if we are HSing it will be teacher intensive and maybe I should consider outsourcing.  I'm wondering if an online dyslexia program (lexercise, dynaread, something else?) is a good idea, or if this is the one program I should be super involved in and try to outsource other subjects online if I need a break.  DS is in first FWIW in case those computer programs are better for older people.  :)  NP just recommended OG type of remediation.

 

 

For typing at age 6, helpful for dysgraphia: www.talkingfingers.com their Read, Write and Type and also works with some phonics.

 

We worked on reading with paper and ink type books, but the program we used, www.highnoonbooks.com now has components available for computer (I think as a disk, not online). I do not know how they would be.  I would still want to mostly be working 1 on 1, but maybe this could help to allow more practice when you are not available. The age for the Highnoon Sound Out Chapter Books, which is what I think now exists for computer, (plus intervention) program is around 7 years old, for which your ds is close, and maybe that with being gifted he would fit now.  Worth taking a look at and comparing to other possible things such as Barton, IMO. It worked incredibly well for my son. It is also, I think, less expensive than Barton if that were a factor for you.

[displace]

For typing at age 6, helpful for dysgraphia: www.talkingfingers.com their Read, Write and Type and also works with some phonics.

 

We worked on reading with paper and ink type books, but the program we used, www.highnoonbooks.com now has components available for computer (I think as a disk, not online). I do not know how they would be. I would still want to mostly be working 1 on 1, but maybe this could help to allow more practice when you are not available. The age for the Highnoon Sound Out Chapter Books, which is what I think now exists for computer, (plus intervention) program is around 7 years old, for which your ds is close, and maybe that with being gifted he would fit now. Worth taking a look at and comparing to other possible things such as Barton, IMO. It worked incredibly well for my son. It is also, I think, less expensive than Barton if that were a factor for you.

 

I just was researching that typing program yesterday! We are using keyboarding without tears and because it's slow DS doesn't mind. But I think the cartoon fun of read write type may be a better fit.

 

Thanks for the rec on the computer program for reading as well. I'm thinking if we do something like that on rotation it may be better if the research shows that. Still so much to learn!

[Heathermomster]

Know what I've been sitting here doing? Writing a letter to the Lexia folks to ask if they'd be willing to transfer the old Lexia program to Learning Abled Kids.  MY DH is a computer engineer and my BS is in computer science.  Between the two of us, maybe we could update the program and offer it on the market again.. It was a good SOLID program and I hate to see it go by the wayside because of changes for the public school market.  Who KNOWS.. maybe, just maybe they'd be willing to let us have the old code.  Say a prayer! ;-)

I just loaded LEXIA Primary Reading, family version 1.02f on my Win 8 machine and it seems to be working...We paid a lot of money for this CD.  Now, I am going to have DD check it out.

[Heathermomster]

I just was researching that typing program yesterday! We are using keyboarding without tears and because it's slow DS doesn't mind. But I think the cartoon fun of read write type may be a better fit.

 

Thanks for the rec on the computer program for reading as well. I'm thinking if we do something like that on rotation it may be better if the research shows that. Still so much to learn!

Displace, I need to forewarn you.  Sometimes children with dysgraphia/dyspraxia struggle to learn to type and that makes sense.  Motor planning is an issue. If your DS struggles with learning to type, it may be due to the dysgraphia and the fact that he is so young.  It is OK to back off with the typing instruction if he is struggling.  Just don't force the issue.  My DS learned in 5th grade, BTW.  

[OneStepAtATime]

Displace, I need to forewarn you.  Sometimes children with dysgraphia/dyspraxia struggle to learn to type and that makes sense.  Motor planning is an issue. If your DS struggles with learning to type, it may be due to the dysgraphia and the fact that he is so young.  It is OK to back off with the typing instruction if he is struggling.  Just don't force the issue.  My DS learned in 5th grade, BTW.  

:iagree:

 

Both kids, for different reasons, have taken quite a bit of time to learn fluency in their typing.  We are still working on it.  They were getting really stressed until I started having them do a lesson on Monday, then additional practice with just the current skills learned on Tuesday and Wednesday, then repeat the lesson Thursday before taking the test to move on to the next lesson on Friday (our program is structured with a lesson, games, then a test, which most kids could probably do in a day...just not mine).

[SandyKC]

I just loaded LEXIA Primary Reading, family version 1.02f on my Win 8 machine and it seems to be working...We paid a lot of money for this CD.  Now, I am going to have DD check it out.

AWESOME!! Hope that it functions fabulously all the way through! :-D YAY!

[displace]

Displace, I need to forewarn you.  Sometimes children with dysgraphia/dyspraxia struggle to learn to type and that makes sense.  Motor planning is an issue. If your DS struggles with learning to type, it may be due to the dysgraphia and the fact that he is so young.  It is OK to back off with the typing instruction if he is struggling.  Just don't force the issue.  My DS learned in 5th grade, BTW.  

 

Yes, that's a good point.  I am hoping that by incorporating it before bad habits form he may prevent problems.  But if our schedule is too full or DS is stressed we can drop it now that we're going to be HSing!!!  Goodbye stress from PS!!

 

[Pen]

I just was researching that typing program yesterday! We are using keyboarding without tears and because it's slow DS doesn't mind. But I think the cartoon fun of read write type may be a better fit.

 

Thanks for the rec on the computer program for reading as well. I'm thinking if we do something like that on rotation it may be better if the research shows that. Still so much to learn!

 

 

If you get RWT, note that there is a place where as parent you can set the goals for him--I don't recall the specifics, but suggest setting them very low so that he can succeed at doing it (that is low Words per Minute, and high tolerance for errors to start out, or however the settings work). You can always raise them if he is totally not challenged at all and wants more challenge.  But perhaps even better, go through the whole thing again at harder target settings. Especially where he is already feeling frustrated by school and where dyspraxia could be an issue, I'd try to make it as easy for him to feel successful in the program as possible.

 

What I especially liked was not so much the cartoons (though I guess my ds did) as that it would say to type "ssss" and you would hear the sound and connect the sound with the letter, thus reinforcing phonics at the same time as teaching typing. Also, because it goes from sound to typed letters/words, I think it helps a lot for when one then uses the keyboard to type ones own thoughts as they come, rather than to type from a manuscript like a secretary would do. Maybe KWT does that too. I never saw KWT which I think is pretty new.

 

We did the reading program with physical paper and ink books, which worked well. But it was very time intensive for me since we went through each little sound out chapter book over and over. If the first time through could be with you, and then some repeat readings could be with the computer  (or perhaps vice versa) that might help you some.

[Lecka]

My younger son is doing Lexia at school, and the newer version sounds like a good fit for him.  He has issues, but they are so different than my older son's were.

[Incognito]

FWIW, Dynaread is a whole-word program, which is appropriate for kids who are older.  It was something we were being offered before, and when I looked into it, found that if we still needed it in a couple of years it would be good, but not for a 7yo (there are other ways that are better for building a foundation if you can get them to work).

 

 

[myboyluvsdinos]

As another option, there are many certified Barton tutors who are now able to tutor remotely over the internet. You can get a list by asking Susan Barton. They go through training to be able to tutor over the internet.

[OneStepAtATime]

As another option, there are many certified Barton tutors who are now able to tutor remotely over the internet. You can get a list by asking Susan Barton. They go through training to be able to tutor over the internet.

Actually, there ARE certified Barton tutors that can tutor over the internet.  That might be a workable option.  You can request a list of local and on-line tutors as PP said.  I think Barton in person on a daily basis is preferable or baring that then a tutor in person at least twice a week would be a better option than on-line but, if that won't work and you are interested in Barton, they DO have on-line tutoring.  No idea how that works.  Maybe using Skype?