The Little Book of Dyslexia: Both sides of the classroom
Author(s): Joe Beech (Author), Ian Gilbert
Publisher: Independent Thinking Press an imprint of Crown House Publishing
Publication Date: 18 April 2013
Edition: Illustrated
Language: English
Print length: 176 pages
ISBN-10: 1781350108
ISBN-13: 9781781350102
Book Description
A book for teachers, carers, parents or anyone involved in Special Educational Needs (SEN), that shares Joe Beech’s story but, more importantly, is full of practical ideas that can be used by students with dyslexia and by teachers teaching children with dyslexia and dyspraxia in the classroom. The Little Book of Dyslexia references both personal experience and current applied research and findings in order to highlight issues faced by people with dyslexia. It looks at a number of strategies and lesson ideas which can be used both inside and outside the classroom to help students with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. It also lists various resources which can be used alongside these strategies to create a successful learning environment for those with dyslexia. The book progresses through the various challenges that are faced at different age ranges, and support needed, starting with the youngest in early years, including some of the early signs you may see with dyslexia, moving up through primary and secondary school and finally onto higher education and university and being a student teacher. An outstanding guide for students, teachers, Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) and parents.
Editorial Reviews
Review
THE LITTLE BOOK OF DYSLEXIA, written by a dyslexic student teacher, references both personal experience and current research findings to highlight issues faced by people of all ages with dyslexia. It looks at a number of strategies that can be used both inside and outside the classroom as well as listing various resources all designed to create a learning environment that helps – not hinders – the dyslexic learner. The book works through the various challenges faced at different ages, starting with the youngest, including some of the early indications of dyslexia and moves up through primary and secondary school and finally onto university and being a student teacher. “This is a must-read for anyone who has met dyslexia – in their own approach to learning or in a child or children they know.” Roger Pask, Education Leadership and Management Consultant, Facilitator and Coach “This book will appeal to trainee teachers, newly qualified teachers and practitioners across all phases of education. It will also prove to be a practical guide for all parents on how to cope with a child who has dyslexia.” Debbie Coslett, Chief Executive Officer, The Hayesbrook School Academy Trust “Any parent of a child diagnosed with dyslexia would find this book excellent in that it is written by someone who really knows how that diagnosis impacts on a child’s life.” Andrew Massey, Fox In The Box Consulting Ltd “This is a gem of a book that will be useful for working with all pupils and students. It is packed with common sense strategies and insights that will make learning fun and productive.” Carol Frankl, leading personality of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) industry, founder of The Southover Partnership Joe Beech was diagnosed with both dyslexia and dyspraxia at age seven. He is currently coming to the end of studying a BA in Physical Education and Education before moving on to complete his PGCE. –From the Back Cover
Joe Beech is going to be an outstanding teacher. He is currently at the University of Chichester studying to be a PE teacher in secondary school. He is also the author of ‘The Little Book of Dyslexia’. This book is a very welcome addition to the library of books on dyslexia because it offers a personal account allied to a teacher’s perspective. Even in these relatively enlightened days, not many people are both dyslexic and a teacher. Joe Beech grew up in Kent where the 11 plus was still in operation so while his brother went off to grammar school, he went to a mixed high school. This had some key advantages. The school taught touch typing, which Joe acknowledges as ‘one of the most valuable skills that he possesses’. While so many books focus on endless spelling and phonics practice, ‘The Little Book of Dyslexia’ is a breath of fresh air when it comes to the practical uses of technology to support the dyslexic learner. Beech talks about mind mapping, dictaphones, e-readers, smartphones and all the panoply of ‘technology in your back pocket’. Joe Beech’s experiences have informed his approach to his new career. It is worth buying this book for the chapter on teaching alone. There is a wealth of practical tips: Do a lesson plan as a flow chart instead of in the conventional way so you can see exactly where you are and where you are going. ‘The best resource available to you in any classroom is the pupils themselves,’ says Joe. ‘If you can implement a system in which the pupils cover most of the organisation, half of the work is done for you!’ He suggests building on the ideas used in The Apprentice and setting up a system where pupils take on roles as Project Manager, Resource Manager, Team Motivator, the Accountant who is responsible for rewards and the Coach/Mentor who also acts as assessor. Not only does this motivate young people but it also prepares them for the world of work, too. Joe Beech has produced a very enjoyable read which offers an insight into the best teaching too: ‘The best lectures and lessons I have had are the ones that caught me off-guard and involved a novel experience which remained in my mind.’ I am sure his own lessons will be equally memorable. –Sal McKeown, freelance journalist and author of How to help your Dyslexic and Dyspraxic Child
The Little Book of Dyslexia is easily accessible, written in an almost informal and chatty way which makes the reader want to read on. The mix of fact and anecdote is timely and appropriate. The ‘human’ element of the book is its strongest selling point the author knows what it is like to be dyslexic and how it impacts on everyday life and the use of humour (often at the author’s expense!) is very apt, especially when describing situations/faux pas that can easily be made. The book will appeal to trainee teachers, newly qualified teachers and practitioners across all phases of education. It will also prove to be a practical guide for all parents on how to cope with a child who has dyslexia, and also some reassurance that a diagnosis of dyslexia is not life-inhibiting. –Debbie Coslett, Chief Executive Officer, The Hayesbrook School Academy Trust
From the Back Cover
THE LITTLE BOOK OF DYSLEXIA, written by a dyslexic student teacher, references both personal experience and current research findings to highlight issues faced by people of all ages with dyslexia. It looks at a number of strategies that can be used both inside and outside the classroom as well as listing various resources all designed to create a learning environment that helps – not hinders – the dyslexic learner. The book works through the various challenges faced at different ages, starting with the youngest, including some of the early indications of dyslexia and moves up through primary and secondary school and finally onto university and being a student teacher. “This is a must-read for anyone who has met dyslexia – in their own approach to learning or in a child or children they know.” Roger Pask, Education Leadership and Management Consultant, Facilitator and Coach “This book will appeal to trainee teachers, newly qualified teachers and practitioners across all phases of education. It will also prove to be a practical guide for all parents on how to cope with a child who has dyslexia.” Debbie Coslett, Chief Executive Officer, The Hayesbrook School Academy Trust “Any parent of a child diagnosed with dyslexia would find this book excellent in that it is written by someone who really knows how that diagnosis impacts on a child’s life.” Andrew Massey, Fox In The Box Consulting Ltd “This is a gem of a book that will be useful for working with all pupils and students. It is packed with common sense strategies and insights that will make learning fun and productive.” Carol Frankl, leading personality of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) industry, founder of The Southover Partnership Joe Beech was diagnosed with both dyslexia and dyspraxia at age seven. He is currently coming to the end of studying a BA in Physical Education and Education before moving on to complete his PGCE.
About the Author
Joe Beech was diagnosed with both dyslexia and dyspraxia at age seven. He is currently coming to the end of studying a BA in Physical Education and Education before moving on to complete his PGCE.
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