LD OnLine Newsletter

Avoiding the Summer Slump

July 2010

As the temperature rises and summer relaxation sets in, it's tempting to let reading slide down the list of priorities. But don't let that happen! Kids with LD and ADHD need to practice reading daily to prevent skill loss and help them start off the year on par with their peers.

Summertime and the Learning Is Easy

Reading research shows that children who do not read over the summer lose fluency and comprehension skills while students who engage in summertime reading actually gain skills. By focusing on your child's interests, involving the family, and setting goals, it's possible to motivate even the most reluctant learners during the summer months.
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Teaching Time Management to Students with Learning Disabilities

Time management can be hard for anyone — but it's particularly challenging for students with learning disabilities. Start a summer project to teach kids how to analyze tasks and estimate how much time it will take to complete them, so they'll be equipped with these critical skills when heading back to the classroom.
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Crickets, Books, and Bach: Develop a Summer Listening Program

Listening is a cornerstone of literacy. Give kids a variety of listening experiences over the vacation — through audio books, text-to-speech tools, and raising awareness of the surrounding summer sounds — to develop this primary reading skill.
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NJCLD on Assessment and Evaluation

In this paper, the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities explains its strong support for identifying students with LD through comprehensive assessment — that is, evaluation by a multidisciplinary team and with multiple data sources. See a summary or the full PDF.
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Ask the Legal Expert

A parent wants to know: Is there a legal definition for special education case manager/IEP case manager?

Our legal expert, Matt Cohen, says there is not — but that doesn't let schools off the hook for a job description.
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Recommended Book

Every Child Ready to Read: Literacy Tips for Parents
This book offers advice for parents on the best read-aloud books, ways to build vocabulary and promote language, and the warning signs of a learning disability.
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