Jack Trelawny School Author Blog: Kernowland series - Dyslexia

Dsylexia and Kernowland books - Teacher review - Training and Courses for Education Professionals

A teacher of dyslexic children kindly reviewed the Kernowland books in a letter. This helps other teachers to decide if they could choose Kernowland books and ebooks as reading material and/or if they would like a FREE Jack Trelawny author visit to their school...

'Dear Mr Trelawny,
I wrote to you with my comments after having read The Crystal Pool.
Now that I have finished Darkness Day, I felt I should write again and congratulate you...
There are so many things about your books that strike me as reader-friendly, from the size and shape, accessible style, short chapters with relevant headings, choice of vocabulary, plenty of action, humour, things to make the reader think ... I could go on, but won't.
Suffice to say that I think they are excellent.'
Mrs E. Tackley
Teacher (of dyslexic children)

A parent of children with reading problems reviewed Kernowland Book 1 on Amazon.co.uk as follows:

5.0 out of 5 stars A modern classic! 30 Nov 2008
This review is from: Kernowland The Crystal Pool: Bk. 1 (Kernowland Series) (Hardcover)
Jack Trelawny presented his book to my sons school. The story and interactive introduction inspired both my children to request signed copies. My eldest told me exactly where to go and at what time! Considering he has problems with his memory, this is no mean feat! I might also add that he is a reluctant reader and very few books capture his attention.
My 7 year old ASD child who cant read was also taken by the book and even though he usually throws books away in frustration, he really treasures this one.
I have read this book with my children and its brilliant. Not just the story which is an adventure set in Cornwall but the text, the layout of the book, the colour of the pages and the length of each chapter. These points may not seem important to some but those parents who have reluctant readers or those with dyslexia, irlen syndrome, ASD etc will appreciate how important these are.
If you want to buy a child a gift then make it this one!
Note the author: Thank you!

By S. D. Williams (North Wales, GB)
Source: Amazon.co.uk reviews

People First Education offer Dyslexia, Autistm, Asperger Syndrome, and ADHD training and courses for Education Professionals.

The following is their advice on
Ways to Increase Communication and Language

There are a variety of ways to increase communication depending on a child’s age and ability level. Below are some ideas for increasing language and communication throughout the day.
1. Expand Sentence Length – When children answer a question or request an item using one or two words, increase their sentence length by repeating their answer with an expanded phrase. For example, if you ask a child, “Would you like orange juice?” and they answer “Yes,” model a longer response. “Yes, I would like orange juice.” Then have the child repeat the phrase.
2. Use Books for Language - Reading stories is an excellent way to incorporate language into a fun activity. Ask questions about the pictures, the story, and the characters. Even very young children can identify colours, gender, words, or concepts (e.g. the boy that is the tallest/shortest) by pointing to pictures. Ask the children to predict what is going to happen next throughout the story. After finishing the book, review what happened in the story.
3. Create Situations that Promote Language - Favourite toys, clothes, and foods can motivate young children to use language. Store favourite items in eye sight, but out of reach, so children have to use their words to request the items.
4. Provide Choices – Give children choices in activities, stories, toys, and foods so they communicate their preferences. You can create an opportunity for communication even if you know a child is going to select a favourite story or game.
5. Find Time to Communicate – Many children like being entertained by technology, but opportunities for communication are lost when families spend a good deal of time watching television and playing video games. Turn off the television during meals and refrain from using portable video games in the car. Time spent together at the dinner table and in the car are wonderful opportunities for learning about a child’s day and increasing communication and language skills.
6. Be Supportive – Children are more likely to communicate if they feel valued. Encourage language by listening attentively to children and asking them questions. If children answer questions incorrectly, teach them the correct answers using kind, supportive words. Repeatedly asking a question a child does not know how to answer or condescendingly correcting them can hurt their feelings and decreases the chance they will answer questions in the future. Instead, encourage them to say, “I don’t know,” and use the situation as a learning opportunity.
7. Be a Role Model – Children learn from the adults around them. When adults speak in full sentences, use correct grammar, and articulate well, children hear and are reminded of how words and sentences should sound.

Visit the People First Education website and blog for more.

I hope this information is useful.

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See you next time in the Story House.

Happy writing... and reading!

Jack

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