From one of the world’s leading experts on reading and dyslexia, the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical book yet to help us unders...
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Jan 17, 2012
Katie
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Dyslexia is not a discrete state. It's not "yes, you are" or "no, you're not." There are ranges of disability. So even though my child has not been diagnosed dyslexic, he's behind on his reading, and I worry. This book alternately made me worry more, and then eased my mind. This book gives you the facts and the research-based programs that will work. More of a guide to how to make sure your school is doing its best to help your reading-challenged child than how to do it y
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Jan 25, 2009
Sheila
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I listened to this on audio. I only got through the third cassette tape before I couldn't take it anymore. I thought it might have some fun ideas for playing with language with children. But it was so mainstream in its thinking about education. It spent so much time giving examples of children who had "problems" and proving why late readers had something wrong with them. There were example after example of kids who were in remedial reading programs and continued having problems in
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Oct 23, 2009
Jenny
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Shaywitz packs this book with tons of information on dyslexia including the science on how the dyslexic brain learns. She also includes the best ways to teach reading for dyslexia and the importance of keeping the dyslexic student's sense of worth intact. She reminds us that people with dyslexia are bright, creative individuals who simply learn in a different way. I love her positive view of dyslexia and her desire to be an advocate for all who suffer with this disability. This is an excellent b
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Mar 20, 2011
Tiffany
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If you have a child who has or you suspect might have Dyslexia, this book is a must read!! I went into Barnes and Noble, picked this book up, and didn't realize until afterwards that this author truly is one of the leaders of the field, and if you're going to read a book on this topic- you want to read what she has to say! First section talks about the scientific/biological differences that happen in the brain of a dyslexic child, and the second half talks about what schools and parents can/sh
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Jun 21, 2011
Jac
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Wonderfully informative! My only major criticism is that the book felt increasingly repetative as it progressed. Shaywitz begins with the nature of dyslexia, moves on to diagnosis, then continues with how to help dyslexics become better readers and finally finishes with how to overcome dyslexia. Because so much information is given in the first part in regards to the how and why of dyslexia, I found myself bored when Shaywitz restates the same information as it relates to diagnosis and teachi
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Dec 14, 2010
Amy
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This is a must read book for everybody. With 1/5 people having dyslexia you are sure to know somebody with this issue (although there is a large spectrum of how it affects people). I think there are more myths about dyslexia than any other disability out there. I consider myself a pretty well educated person and I believed every single one of those myths until I started researching dyslexia when my middle child was diagnosed with it earlier this year. I now constantly hear those same myths f
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Apr 04, 2009
Rachel
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Shaywitz explains that in brain imaging studies, fluent readers show activation in the back of the brain and very little in the front, while dyslexic people show underactivation in the back and more up front. She asserts that these images reveal "exactly where and how dyslexia manifests itself in the brain." I say they mostly just show us that dyslexic people don't read fluently. Um, duh.
So what's the difference between dyslexic and illiterate? Shaywitz offers the "sea More...
So what's the difference between dyslexic and illiterate? Shaywitz offers the "sea More...
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Jul 22, 2008
jacky
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I chose to read this book because when I was tested for a learning problems in about 1987, the testing resulted in my mother being told that I am dyslexic. When I received my permanent record as an adult, I didn't see the word dyslexia anywhere in the documents including my IEP. Growing up, I was told that dyslexia was why I made reversals in my spelling and it was why I read slowing, but that was the extent of my knowledge on the subject until I did limited internet research on the topic in
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Dec 23, 2011
Jennifer
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This book was very informative! The only complaint that I have about it is that the author believes that teaching reading should be left to professionals. (ie- not parents). Otherwise, this book is great and I was really pleased with the repeated references to the, "sea of strengths," that are usually a part of dyslexia. I think that teachers and therapists within the school system would do a better job of identifying and understanding dyslexia if they were to read this book.
Oct 19, 2011
Laura
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I'm the dyslexic contact for my school. I teach dyslexic students in middle school. My brother and uncle are both so dyslexic that they are functionally illiterate. I am dyslexic. I had a lot of reasons to read this book when I saw it on the shelves of the teacher library.
It took me forever (and a day) to read the book. It's jam-packed with information. As when I read any dense book, I had to take breaks in my reading. There's lots and lots to read, understand, and internalize.
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It took me forever (and a day) to read the book. It's jam-packed with information. As when I read any dense book, I had to take breaks in my reading. There's lots and lots to read, understand, and internalize.
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Jul 28, 2009
Michelle
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If you have a child that struggles to read, spell, or write, you need to read this book! Sally Shaywitz and husband Bennett have been the leading researchers at Yale in the study of dyslexia for the last few decades. Their research is groundbreaking, and it's eye-opening as to how widespread and unaddressed this problem has been. Shaywitz presents her research in very clear and understandable terms, and she gives very hopeful and promising solutions.
Jul 07, 2010
Teaching reading is not rocket science. It's neuroscience. I'm enjoying reading Dr. Shaywitz's in-aepth, yet easy to understand analysis of the nature of reading and dyslexia. Having just completed my 6th year degree in reading, I feel somewhat disappointed that my program did not include more study into the latest brain research and its impact on reading instruction.
Mar 16, 2011
Ellie
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Hard to say: I bought it to help my son and I wasn't able to use it for that. The information was too difficult for me to access but then I guess it's not a "how-to" kind of book. But the title & cover certainly lead me to believe it was.
I'm thinking of re-reading it to see if it's of any help in my teaching. Maybe that will give me a different perspective.
I'm thinking of re-reading it to see if it's of any help in my teaching. Maybe that will give me a different perspective.
Apr 14, 2009
Marissa
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As my first full book I've read about dyslexia, this was a good one. The book follows through with a bit of history on dyslexia and a great section on understanding exactly what it is--very helpful. The last section guides through a few people's experiences with dyslexia and some things to do to help it.
Very helpful, informative, and still interesting to read!
Very helpful, informative, and still interesting to read!
Nov 11, 2011
"A piercing and clarifying light on what we so inadequately call ‘dyslexia.' What is more, she shows how almost everyone can overcome it." - Daniel D. Federman, M.D., professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School
Listen to Overcoming Dyslexia on your smartphone.
Listen to Overcoming Dyslexia on your smartphone.
Sep 15, 2011
Elizabeth
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This is a very techincal book, but exactly what I needed. I did not purchase it but I think I will to have to as a reference. My favorite quote from the book is the following: "The encapsulated weakness [of dyslexia] is often surrounded by a sea of strength: reasoning, problem solving, comprehension, concept formation, critical thinking, general knowledge and vocabulary." Pretty much describes my child to a T :)
Sep 30, 2010
Stephanie
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Sally Shaywitz has put together a very informative book here if you have a child with Dyslexia or are an educator who teaches children who are dyslexic. The begining chapters are full of interesting interesting information about the developing brain and the history of this disorder...Loved it!
Dec 15, 2008
Bonnie
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This book provides comprehensive insight into the neurological workings of the dyslexic brain as well as effective coping mechanisms for the dyslexic. It is a must read for anyone concerned about this subject! Sally Shaywitz is phenomenal.
Jan 26, 2009
Deanne
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I picked this book up after my son was diagnosed with dyslexia. It is a great resource for parents and teachers. It is a good book to start with because she presents the information in a way that is understandable.
Jan 13, 2010
Jeanette
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“Fascinating look at how we read and why some people struggle with what many of us do so effortlessly. This well-written book is a great resource for parents and educators alike.”
Aug 17, 2011
Rachel
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A GREAT science-based resource for teachers and parents who need to understand reading struggles in ANYONE, and an encouraging book to help teachers and parents advocate for students/children with dyslexia. A wonderful book filled with research that makes sense!
Jul 29, 2011
Kristie
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I read this book in one of my college classes and I have to say it was a very insightful book on Dyslexia. If you or someone you know has Dyslexia, this is a must read.
Mar 28, 2008
Daina
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This is a great book for understanding how we learn to read. My son is really struggling with reading and even though he doesn't have a true diagnosis this book at least helped me understand the process a little better.
I have a degree in education and unbelieveably we were not actually taught how children learn to read. I went to school during a time when "whole language" was hip and it has since been proved to be completely useless when it comes to actually teaching chil More...
I have a degree in education and unbelieveably we were not actually taught how children learn to read. I went to school during a time when "whole language" was hip and it has since been proved to be completely useless when it comes to actually teaching chil More...
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Dec 28, 2008
Reyna
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If you have ever had questions about dyslexia, this is the book to read. As a parent with two children with dyslexia, this is a great resource.
Aug 08, 2009
I read this book every summer and am in the process of rereading it for the third time. Love it. It helps me understand my students better.
Nov 30, 2008
Meghan
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Wow- if you want to really truly understand dyslexia and know its a real, and is serious. My head hurts from the information in this book.
Mar 27, 2010
Molly
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I'm really trying to understand dyslexia and how to effectively help struggling readers in my class. . . this book was mildly helpful.
Nov 12, 2010
Laura
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I figured that since it took me so long to read this book, I should add it to my shelf. A great resource for educators.
Aug 10, 2011
If you can only read one book and need to understand how people with dyslexia learn, choose this book!
Feb 06, 2010
Michelle
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This book renewed my passion for teaching reading. The brain research they are doing with dyslexia is amazing.
