How Technology Can Help Your Struggling Reader
The tears were coming yet again and I didn’t begin to know how to make it stop. I felt like his worst nightmare because I had zero ability to understand his frustration. It was starting to take a toll on both of us.
This constant cycle of push and tears was becoming all too familiar. If you have a kiddo that struggles with learning disabilities or executive function issues, you know what I am talking about too.
The issues that this particular kiddo faces were obvious in preschool. He could not memorize his colors, shapes, the alphabet and the first 10 sight words became a nightmare. These were the first tears.
That is also when I began to think about homeschooling. Traditional methods of teaching and learning did not meet his needs and it would take a long time for both of us to get a better idea of how to teach to his strengths.
Dyslexia intervention isn’t easy.
We have a core reading curriculum that works. It is Orton-Gillingham based therefore it is designed with dyslexic students in mind. Spelling, writing, and memorization of math facts have also been areas where we have needed to spend additional time.
Working memory deficits means that spelling can become a nightmare as kids are worked to the max to both remember the letters long enough to write them down and remember correct letter formation. Intervention has been necessary.
We have done therapy, tried public school, and have done formal evaluations. We have used online programs. No matter what programs we have used there was always hit a wall. His reading has improved over time, but finding extra practice time where he had some checks and balances (without my constant supervision) proved almost impossible.
I cannot spend hours each day on one on one reading instruction. Remember the tears and frustration this all started with? I don’t have the personal patience or time. I have been searching for something that is online and worked without my direct instruction.
It takes trial and error and a lot of luck.
We had used LOTS of programs that were just more of hassle for me and tears for him. I would have to stop working on something else to go back and figure out the program and where the problem was. Then I stumbled upon a program that didn’t cause those tears.
I was compensated for my time reviewing this product and writing this honest review. The opinions represented are my own and reflect our experience. You can read my full disclosure here.
The Nessy Parent Pack has been an exciting edition to our studies that we will be keeping for a while. We have been using the program for a couple months and I have not had to answer questions or stop what I am doing to “HELP” a kid a single time.
We are using the parent pack for a 12 year old with moderate to severe dyslexia and a 10 year old with sensory processing issues. Both my boys have multiple executive functions delays as well.
When I saw this opportunity to review, I really never dreamed that I would have anything positive to say about the program. Well, I was wrong.
What is the Nessy Parent Pack?
The Nessy Parent Pack is a bundle of programs designed by Nessy. You can screen your child for dyslexia, and get help with reading, spelling, writing and multiplication all from one place. A free copy of the ebook Dyslexia Explained is available as well.
Dyslexia Quest is a screening program for dyslexia. It looks like at the different components of reading: phonological awareness, working memory, auditory sequential, visual sequential, processing speed, and visual memory. It will provides scores in each area and will tell you if the score reflects a risk of dyslexia. This is not a diagnostic test and is just used as a screening tool. I thought this tool was pretty accurate in comparison to other evaluations we have used in the past.
Nessy Reading and Spelling.
We have used reading and spelling the most because that is our area of most needed intervention. My kids are cruising along with no complaints, tears, or help from mom. I test my kids every fall and look forward to seeing the scores improve as a result of these programs.
Writing Beach and Nessy Numbers.
Writing and Numbers will be things we continue to play with over the next few weeks. Mutliplication has been a huge obstacle in our homeschool and this program creates a review with gamification. The same is true in the writing portion.
Digital natives seem to love gamification and my kids are no exception. This is perfect for parents that want to start from the beginning of the concept and make sure there aren’t any holes in their knowledge. The math and writing start from the same point for everyone.
The reading and spelling are adaptive to your child’s progress.
Want to know more about Nessy?
The current price for the parent pack is $130 a year, but Nessy is sharing a coupon with my readers for 15% off either the annual subscription or a single month (if you choose the month to month option). The coupon code is PPBLOG15. The code expires October 16. 2017.
We plan to continue with them in our upcoming school year to help get some extra practice without tears and frustration from me or the kids.
Nessy wants to help you help your kids and is offering a free ebook on dyslexia. You can also connect with Nessy on Facebook.
If you are looking for additional tips to support your struggling learner, check out ways to support a struggling student.
