LD OnLine Newsletter

Understanding Children Who Face Challenges with Self-Control

January 2009

Some children just can't seem to "get it together." They have trouble gathering materials to start an assignment, finding their clothes to get dressed in the morning, and deciding which task to do first. They are often frustrated — and frustrating to others. And this can cause them to "melt down" or "lose it."

Sometimes, the cause of these problems is trouble with executive functioning. LD OnLine brings you the latest information. Read "What is Executive Functioning?" from Late, Lost, and Unprepared, a book that was recently published.

Read the story of Robin, a woman who fails to properly plan a road trip. The result: her family piles into the car without a map or hotel reservations. The two authors — both psychologists — describe the aspects of executive functioning in an understandable and accessible way. And you learn how to help your child deal with issues of executive functioning.
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Let Your Strengths Shine in 2009

We hope you enjoyed the e-card we recently sent to you; feel free to use it through January. And don't forget to include a personal message. At LD OnLine, we want your strengths to shine. We aim to bring out the best in each child with a learning disability and to be your ally as you beat down the barriers that get in the way.
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The illustration on the e-card was produced by Arron, a 15-year-old from Herndon, Virginia, who entered his artwork in the LD OnLine art gallery. His scenes of nature are realistic but allow you to escape into your imagination. Click on:

Then visit the LD OnLine Art Gallery to see more children's art.

Help LD Children Set Goals

Teachers and parents play an important role in helping children with learning disabilities make decisions about their actions and character. Be the caring adult who encourages them to become self-directed and helps them to plan ahead. Read Goal Setting for Children with Learning Disabilities to find out what to do. Some suggestions from the article include:

Helping them set goals that relate directly to their desire, which will fuel their motivation.
Helping them work around their disabilities as they work toward their goals.
Teaching them that mistakes are opportunities to learn and that setbacks are part of success.

Featured Articles

For Administrators

Feeling Safe at School: How New Technologies Can Help
When children feel unsafe, learning suffers. Read Feeling Safe at School: How New Technologies Can Help for ways to make your school buildings safe and nurturing. For example, new way-finding technologies can help your students get to and from class.
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For Teachers

Memory Strategies for Students: The Value of Strategies
Help your students learn to remember the facts they need to know even if their disability affects their working memory. The article Memory Strategies for Students: The Value of Strategies outlines key strategies and offers information on how to teach your students to use them independently as they study.
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For Parents

Help Your Child Do Well in School
Children with LD and ADHD need parents to get involved in their education — especially when they are not doing well or do not like school. Read Help Your Child Do Well in School for steps to take.
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For Adults with Learning Disabilities

The Dyslexic Writer
Read the humorous story The Dyslexic Writer by Christopher Lee in which he tells how people with dyslexia can become successful. And watch the video Access Granted to hear him explain how technology helps him do his job. His solutions might help you do your work, too.
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In the News

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Each month, a half-million parents and professionals visit our educational websites seeking information and resources. LD OnLine Yellow Pages gathers in one place the services and products parents and professionals are searching for. It's a fast and easy way to find what you are looking for — simply search by location, specialty, or service. Browse the LD OnLine Yellow Pages for products and services geared towards your needs.
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