Is It Dyslexia?

April McMurtrey is the developer of the Learn Reading program, a reading curriculum designed for struggling and dyslexic learners. As a professional reading and dyslexia specialist, April has helped thousands of students break through their reading barriers and unlock the world of words. Her desire is for struggling readers of all ages to have access to quality reading instruction that will change lives and strengthen generations.

About the Author vii

Introduction ix

Part I Understanding Dyslexia 1

1 Recognizing the Signs of Dyslexia 3

Michael’s Story 3

Signs of Dyslexia 12

Summary 23

2 Unraveling Misinformation about Dyslexia 25

John’s Story 25

Myths about Dyslexia 28

Summary 32

3 Embracing Dyslexia 33

Emma’s Story 33

Systematic, Synthetic, Explicit Code-Based Instruction 35

Summary 36

4 What to Do If You Suspect Dyslexia 37

Your Story 37

Summary 38

Part II Screening for Dyslexia 39

5 Understanding the Dyslexia Screening Process 41

Introduction to the Screening Process 41

Dyslexia Screening Q&A 42

Summary 44

6 Instructions for the Dyslexia Screening 45

Prepare for the Screening 45

Administer the Screening Tasks 47

Evaluate the Results 48

Summary 48

7 Dyslexia Screening Packets 51

Kindergarten Screening Packet 52

Grade 1 Screening Packet 60

Grade 2 Screening Packet 88

Grade 3 Screening Packet 117

Grade 4 Screening Packet 147

Grade 5 Screening Packet 178

Grade 6 Screening Packet 209

Grade 7 to Adult Screening Packet 240

Part III Moving Forward with Dyslexia 271

8 Taking 7 Steps after Screening 273

Step 1: Talk to Your Student 273

Step 2: Celebrate! 274

Step 3: Evaluate Your Current Reading Program 274

Step 4: Study the Effective Literacy Instruction and Recommendations in the Following Pages 275

Step 5: Talk to Your Child’s Teacher 275

Step 6: Read at Home 275

Step 7: Educate Yourself Further on the Topic of Dyslexia 276

Summary 276

9 Effective Literacy Instruction for Students with Dyslexia 277

Phonological Awareness 278

Phonemic Awareness 278

Knowledge of the Correct Sounds of Each Grapheme, Especially Vowels 279

Proper Teaching of Phonetically Irregular Words 279

Phonics Instruction 281

The Importance of Connected and Controlled Text 282

Fluency Development 283

Vocabulary Development 284

Comprehension Development 285

Summary 286

10 Recommendations for School and Home 287

Recommendations for School 287

Recommendations for Home 288

Summary 290

Index 291