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SENCO SOS for Parents...Does my child have Dyslexia?

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SENCO SOS for Parents...Does my child have Dyslexia?

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Home educated in or in school it is common for a parent to query this question! Dyslexia can show up in different ways. Common signs include:

Difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling

Struggling to break words down into smaller sounds (phonemic awareness)

Difficulty with organising thoughts or remembering sequences

Avoiding reading or writing tasks

To learn as much as you can about its symptoms, and ways to support your child. There are plenty of resources available, such as:

British Dyslexia Association (BDA): Offers resources for parents, including guides and support.

Dyslexia Action: Provides information and courses on supporting children with dyslexia. Educating yourself will help you understand the potential challenges and the best ways to help your child.

Pre screener tools (checklists) are available free online there are a few if you search in any search engine.  If you want to have an assessment then a private educational psychologist or SPLD assessor could be used if you feel you / the children need additional support, you can pay for a private assessment. The BDA has a directory of certified professionals.

In school assessments are not frequently carried out due to the cost and that schools can meet the needs by making reasonable adjustments.

However, if you are Electively home Educating my advice is that if you suspect it maybe an assessment isn’t needed but make adjustments to support your child/ren.  Consider these strategies:

Multisensory Learning: Engage your child/ren using various senses (sight, sound, touch) to help reinforce learning. For example, use tactile letters, sound-based activities, and visual aids.

Phonics-Based Approach: A structured phonics program can be helpful. Consider using programs designed for dyslexic learners, such as Read Write Inc. or Lexia.

Visual Aids and Technology: Use tools like dyslexia-friendly fonts, coloured overlays, or apps that can5.

Provide Emotional Support Dyslexia can sometimes affect a child's self-esteem, so it’s crucial to be supportive and patient. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and help them stay positive about learning. Encourage a growth mindset—help them see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles.

Joining a support group for parents of children with dyslexia can help you feel less isolated and get practical advice from others in similar situations. There are online communities, like those offered by the British Dyslexia Association, or local groups where you can connect with others.

Even if you're home-educating your child, keep communication open with the local authority (LA) to ensure you're meeting the educational requirements. If your child has a diagnosis of dyslexia, you can request an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plan if needed, which can provide tailored support.

Every child learns at their own pace, especially when it comes to children with learning differences like dyslexia. Be patient and flexible in adjusting your methods to fit your child’s needs, and be prepared for things to take time.

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SENCO SOS for parents...  How can I help improve the self-regulation of my child?

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SENCO SOS for parents...  How can I help improve the self-regulation of my child?

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This advice can be for parents who electively home educate or who have children attending school.  It is tough at times when we are coping with a child that is not regulated. It is not nice to see a child like this so improving your child's self-regulation can have a positive impact on their behaviour, emotional well-being, and learning. Self-regulation involves managing emotions, behaviours, and thoughts in a way that is appropriate for the situation, especially when faced with challenges or frustration.

Children often learn by observing their parents. If they see you managing your emotions and behaviour effectively, they are more likely to learn how to do it themselves. So as parents we need to model:

Staying calm when you’re upset or frustrated.

Using positive coping strategies (e.g., deep breathing or counting to 10).

Being mindful of your own reactions and demonstrating how to express emotions constructively.

A consistent daily routine helps children know what to expect and feel more secure, which can support their ability to regulate themselves. Make sure to include:

Regular times for meals, sleep, play, and learning.

Predictable transitions (e.g., moving from one activity to another) to reduce anxiety or frustration.

Helping your child become aware of and label their emotions is a crucial step in self-regulation. You can:

Use books, videos that explore emotions.

Encourage your child to talk about how they’re feeling throughout the day.

Use "feeling charts" or emotion cards to help them recognize different emotions.  Emoji’s can be good for this.

Teach them how to use words to express emotions instead of acting out.

Help your child use strategies for calming down when they are becoming upset or overwhelmed. These can include:

Deep Breathing: Teach them how to take slow, deep breaths to calm their body and mind.

Counting: Encourage them to count to 10 or to 20 when they start feeling upset.

Time-Out (Not as punishment, but as a space to regulate): A quiet area where they can retreat to calm down if needed.

Body Movement: Sometimes jumping, stretching, or running can help release pent-up energy and tension or a walk outside!

Celebrate your child's efforts when they use self-regulation techniques, even if the results aren't perfect. Celebrating their progress helps reinforce and encourages them to keep trying.

"I noticed you took deep breaths when you were starting to feeling frustrated, that was a great way to calm down!"

"I’m proud of how you handled waiting your turn today!"

Help your child develop problem-solving skills to better manage frustration. When they face a challenging situation, ask questions like:

"What do you think would help you feel better right now?"

to solve this problem?" Encourage them to think through different options and help guide them to find a solution.

Ensure that your child’s environment is helpful for  self-regulation. Overstimulation can make it harder for children to regulate

·         Reducing distractions (e.g., too much noise, too many toys).

Setting aside quiet time for relaxation or activities like reading, drawing, or playing with calming toys.

Using soft lighting and calm music to create a peaceful environment when needed.

One key aspect of self-regulation is learning to wait for rewards or outcomes. You can help your child practice delayed gratification by:

Setting up small tasks where they have to wait a short time for a reward (e.g., “You can play a game after you finish your homework”).

Gradually increasing the waiting period as they improve.

Using positive reinforcement when they successfully wait for a reward.

Consistency is crucial when teaching self-regulation.

Physical exercise can help your child release energy and manage stress turn supports better self-regulation. Make time for activities like:

Walking, cycling, swimming, or running.

Yoga or stretching exercises.

Games like jumping rope or playing tag.

A garden trampoline is helpful too!

For younger children, visual cues can help them understand expectations for example:

·         Visual schedules: Use pictures or charts to show the steps of daily routines or tasks.

·         Emotion charts: Show facial expressions with different emotions to help them identify how they’re feeling.

·         Sticker or tick charts: Track progress and reward them for positive behaviours.

Introducing simple mindfulness practices can help children become more aware of their emotions and develop better self-regulation. You could:

Try simple mindfulness exercises like focusing on breathing, paying attention to senses (what they can see, hear, feel), or practicing guided relaxation.

Encourage short “mindful moments” where they pause and pay attention to their feelings and the present moment.

Remember, developing self-regulation is a gradual process, and every child is different. Some children will naturally pick up these skills more easily, while others may take longer. Stay patient and continue offering support and encouragement as your child builds these skills.

Self-regulation is a skill that improves with practice, and it’s about creating a supportive environment where your child feels understood and empowered to manage their emotions and actions. If variety of strategies, you'll help your child become more confident in their ability to regulate themselves over time.

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Chewelry, also known as chewelry or chewable jewelry, can help with fidgeting in several ways:

Oral Motor Input:

For some individuals, fidgeting stems from a need for oral motor input. Chewing provides a satisfying sensory experience that can help regulate their system and reduce the urge to fidget with other objects or their own bodies (like nail-biting or hair-twirling).

Sensory Regulation:

Chewelry can provide a focal point for sensory input, helping to calm and center individuals who are overstimulated or anxious. The act of chewing can be grounding and provide a sense of control.

Redirecting Energy:

Fidgeting is often a way for people to release excess energy. Chewelry offers a socially acceptable and safe outlet for this energy, preventing it from manifesting in more disruptive or distracting ways.

Attention and Focus:

For some individuals, particularly those with ADHD, fidgeting can actually help them focus. Chewelry can provide a subtle form of stimulation that allows them to better concentrate on tasks.

Reducing Anxiety:

Chewing can be a calming mechanism, similar to how some people find comfort in chewing gum or biting their nails (though chewelry is a safer and more hygienic alternative). It can help reduce anxiety and tension in stressful situations.

Replacing Destructive Behaviors:

Chewelry can be a helpful substitute for destructive oral habits like chewing on pencils, clothing, or fingernails.

Important Considerations:

Safety: It's crucial to choose chewelry that is made from safe, non-toxic materials and is appropriate for the individual's age and chewing strength.

Social Appropriateness: Chewelry is often more discreet than other fidget toys, making it a good option for use in school or other settings where disruptive fidgeting might be frowned upon.

Individual Preferences: Not everyone finds chewelry helpful. It's important to find a fidget tool that works best for the individual's specific needs and preferences.