Dyslexia and Early Childhood: An essential guide to theory and practice

Taking a developmental approach, this accessible text addresses the ever increasing interest in identifying the characteristics of dyslexia in young children and reflects on the best way to reach and support these learners. Drawing upon current research, the author considers our current understanding of dyslexia and calls upon best practice to advise professionals, students and family members alike who seek to fulfil the potential of young children with, or showing the signs of, dyslexia.

This book considers key topics explored in current best practice and dyslexia research, including:

• the importance of the role of speaking, hearing and understanding language
• dyslexia in relation to other languages and orthographies
• dyslexia and overlapping characteristics, particularly dyspraxia
• the role of play
• identifying and assessing dyslexia in the early years.

Adopting a dyslexia-friendly position, Barbara Pavey acknowledges the ethics associated with a social model of disability, so that the focus is upon modifying teaching and learning, and respecting the views of children and parents throughout. This book includes assessment and practice strategies, good practice points, helpful ideas, first-hand narratives of dyslexia, pointers for further reading, resources and online tools, and will be of enormous practical use to anyone supporting a young child with potential or diagnosed dyslexia.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Understanding Developmental Dyslexia today
2. Who Are the Young Children Experiencing Dyslexia and Dyslexia Precursors?
3. Identifying and Assessing Dyslexia in the Early Years
4. The Emotional Impact of Dyslexia
5. Wider Learning Characteristics Associated with Dyslexia
6. Dyslexia in the context of English as an Alternative Language
7. Dyslexia and the Emergence of Reading, Writing and Spelling
8. Dyslexia and Developing Reading, Writing and Spelling
9. Developing Mathematics and Science Skills in the Presence Of Dyslexia
10. Play and Creativity in the Support for Dyslexia
11. Dyslexia-aware Practice in Early Childhood

Appendices

1. Some Published Tests
2. Movement Tracking Plan
3. Timed Observation Record
4. Approval/ Disapproval Monitoring Chart
5. A Dyslexia-aware Multiplication Table
6. Some Text-based Resources
7. Fidelity and Self-evaluation Tool