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We have two main trainings:

AID - This training gives people information about what dyslexia truly is. We cover the three main ways that a dyslexic persons brain process differently. AID is our acronym to help us remember those three main areas. The three primary ways that a dyslexic brains functions differently are auditory processing, information processing, and directionality (AID).

STORM - This training goes through key strategies and tools that both teachers and support people (parents, grandparents, classroom aids, etc) can use to help a dyslexic be successful. So many times how we run schools, businesses, and even our homes can be challenging for a dyslexic based off their unique way of processing. After this training people walk away with practical ways to support the dyslexics in their lives.

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Do you recommend when learning handwriting to teach cursive or manuscript?

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Do you recommend when learning handwriting to teach cursive or manuscript?

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We would suggest that you use manuscript. There are far more struggles when it comes to directionality when dealing with cursive. The way that the letters connect and are written can cause more issues with directionality than manuscript. Furthermore, manuscript is easier to read/differentiate letters because they are not connect and with this separation between letters comes more distinction of what each letter looks like individual.

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Dyslexics ARE capable of so much. They have created the lightbulb, phone, computer, Disney, heart valve, airplane, and so much more. We cannot let this go to waste. Here are some practical strategies that you could implement in your classroom or home to support the dyslexics in your life.

S - strategies: songs, chants, hand motions/movement, color overlays, brain breaks (not TV or tablets)
T - trade-outs: book on tapes, verbal tests, creative projects instead of papers, manipulative
O - Open Minded Thinking: MY way is not the right away... allow for different types of assessments! View learning as a living flow chart.
R - Remediation and Repetition: Barton tutoring and 40-80 times of repetition to maybe get recall.
M - Multi-sensory Learning: dancing, moving, singing, hand motions, color coding, etc.

To learn more book our trainings! Here is our website.
https://mybrainisbigger.com

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This book is full of resources and helpful information. I read it with my dyslexic son when he was in 3rd grade and it helped him to understand what was going on in his own brain. We also read it as a family so that everyone would understand that dyslexia doesn't just mean someone mixes up b's and d's.

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My student's teacher thinks that she should be held back.  What do you think?  

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My student's teacher thinks that she should be held back.  What do you think?  

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We would say no for two reasons.
NUMBER 1 - They have done many different studies on students who have been held back. It increases the likely hood of students dropping out and has not been found to improve a students academics. Most students do not improve academically by the end of the second year. The biggest effect is emotional. Students confidence is deeply shaken as they watch their friends move onto the next year.
NUMBER 2 - Going over the information will not help a dyslexic student. Their brain actually functions differently, so what they need is trade-outs and specific tutoring for auditory processing! Barton is an amazing tutoring program and if you need a tutor reach out. We have a relationship with a great tutor in the area.

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My child cannot memorize their times tables.  Do you have any suggestions?

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My child cannot memorize their times tables.  Do you have any suggestions?

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A great way to learn times tables is through music! We are currently uploading these songs to YouTube. I will attach the link when we are done. Times tables are RANDOM FACTS, so giving students songs or chants to memorize times tables allows them a greater chance of pulling the information from their brain.

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Would a dyslexic benefit from listening to books on tape?

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Would a dyslexic benefit from listening to books on tape?

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YES! Book on tapes are a great example of trade outs. Dyslexics use 5 times more brain energy than the average person especially when decoding. Allowing them to listen to more challenging and stimulating books without having to do all the work of decoding is such a gift! Also, students are able to hear higher academic vocabulary.

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Is vision therapy worth while in your opinion?

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Is vision therapy worth while in your opinion?

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Our amazing Katie from Mandonstrategies went through eye therapy and it changed her life. We would highly recommend eye therapy to those who need it. Reading for a dyslexic already taxes their brain immensly, then when you add in weak eye muscles or various other eye issues reading will feel impossible. We strongly support eye therapy, but would suggest trying to do eye therapy and dyslexia tutoring at different times. The reason being that both are extremely taxing on a student and doing both at the same time would be overwhelming.

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How old were you when you learned how to read?

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How old were you when you learned how to read?

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Most of the Mandon women did not read on grade level till junior high. Many teachers wanted to hold the girls back, but Sharon would not have them be held back. If you know your child is dyslexic and you are working through tutoring everything WILL click. However, it will be at a slower rate than our school systems would like. Keep advocating for your kiddo. Also, allow them to read things that are interesting to them (graphic novels etc.) and if what interests them is too hard for them to read let them listen to book on tapes.  All the Mandon women are successful. We have two educators, a nurse, and a tutor! We are all avid readers. Reading takes longer for a dyslexic and that is OKAY.

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Typically parents and teachers will start with an SST (student study team). This meeting goes over what supports have already been in place to support the student. To get a 504 your student would have to have some kind of medical diagnoses (dyslexia, ADD, ADHD etc.) or they would have to go through testing at the school. As a parent you have SO much power. If requested they have to set up a meeting within a certain amount of days. At this meeting you would write out a plan for your student. Within the plan there would be accommodations that follow them throughout their educational career even into college/job.

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Do college students need testing accommodations? 

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Do college students need testing accommodations? 

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Testing accommodations can be extremely helpful to a college student. Students can have extended time on tests, word banks, quite spaces to test, etc. All of the Mandon girls used these accommodations in college. Bethany got extended time on Spanish 1 tests and when she was unable to complete Spanish 2 she was able to take another cultural class to fulfill that requirement. Being dyslexic learning a second language can be extremely difficult. ASL is a great option if your students school provides it. Sarah was in nursing school and was able to have word banks on tests to help with spelling. Again, dyslexics are EXTREMELY smart and when given support WILL thrive. We strongly recommend accommodations even through college.

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Do you do lectures for kids? I believe this could change the life of my 13 year old. 

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Do you do lectures for kids? I believe this could change the life of my 13 year old. 

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One of our trainings is geared toward students. We not only want to educate them on what dyslexia is, but empower them. Many dyslexics do not feel smart and we MUST flip that narrative. Our goal is to teach dyslexics about what dyslexia is, empower them to believe in their unique brain, and advocate for themselves moving forward.

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In what areas would you push your dyslexic student or remove supports?

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In what areas would you push your dyslexic student or remove supports?

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Dyslexics have high IQ's. They are smart people. However, within our educational system where success is measured by memorization of random facts and reading dyslexics begin to crumble. We would propose that instead of trying to figure out how to push your dyslexic academically or remove supports empower them. Empower them by teaching them about how their brain process input in a unique way. Empower them by GIVING them strategies that will help them be successful. Empower them by allowing their strengths to shine. We believe that many dyslexics, if not all, will want to move away from supports once they feel confident because they are wildly smart and want to feel independent.

Bethany teaches and had a dyslexic in her class who struggled with writing. He struggled with spacing, spelling, penmanship, etc. and Bethany implemented a strategy of writing lines on his paper which created boxes. He knew to write one word in each box and it revolutionized his writing! He had been writing this way most of the school year. One day he came up and asked Bethany, "Mrs. Warren can I try writing without the lines this time? I think that I can do it.". Bethany said, "Of course!" and he wrote on the line with approriate spacing. Bethany did not push him to get rid of this tool, but rather empowered him with the tool and he took the tool away himself.