Autumn Lecture
“Understanding Working Memory”
Tammy van der Meulen
How does each part of our working memory work?
How do associated problems affect learners?
Tuesday 27th November 7.30
Marlborough College Science Lecture Theatre
This presentation is about working memory, the parts which make it up and how each part works. Tammy will explain the complexity of working memory in practical ways and will look at how associated problems may affect learners. There will also be an opportunity to discuss ideas and methods that may help those with working memory issues, with time for questions and answers.
Tammy van der Meulen is a SENCo and Specialist SpLD teacher in an EBD primary school. She has 20 years teaching experience on 2 continents and is passionate about Special Educational Needs.
If you need more information see our web site or ring our helpline 07729452143, 01672 514162 or email
Our Spring Lecture on ‘ICT for the Dyslexic Learner’ was well attended and it is felt that a follow-up lecture that looks more closely at individual software such as Clicker or Write on Line would be beneficial to both schools and parents. We would like to hear your views on this.
We enjoyed our Coffee Morning in May! There were some fantastic displays of games and activities from Golden Time Toys and Ducklings Toy Shop. Both are local companies who have SpLD experienced staff available to help you chose appropriate games and activities to support educational development.
A selection of our resources (available on loan) were on display and some guests made good use of them. Entertainment was provided by the Kennet Accordion Training Orchestra (made up of children and adult beginners) and led by Marilyn Mason. Gina and Emily did a sterling job in the coffee and cake department. Many thanks to everyone who helped and who attended. We probably won’t be adding it to our annual events as it was very time consuming to arrange and although we had fresh coffee and fantastic homemade cakes we didn’t attract the number of people that we would have liked.
Our Flag Day, however, was very successful this year with more volunteers coming forward and a total of £390.98 collected. Thank you to Krista for all her hard work in organising the Flag Day and to all those who helped with the collection. This is one of our main sources of income at present (along with our membership fee which has remained quite low) and this is an important fund raising event for us. The committee feels that we may need to find an alternative method of funding in the future. Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
As the Annual General Meeting Approaches we would be interested to hear from any members who are interested in joining the committee. The duties are not onerous and consist of three meetings a year, helping at our two lectures and inputting fresh ideas! We are proud to be part of an independent, voluntary organisation still providing support for the dyslexic community. Please consider joining us.
Sources of dyslexia information and resources for parents and educators
www.thedyslexia-spldtrust.org.uk
Calls to our helpline show that more information is needed for parents/carers and in the resources section you can find information such as:
- Parents and Schools Working Together to Help Your Child Achieve Their Potential
- What should parents expect from schools if they think their child has difficulties?
- The best way for parents to approach their child’s school – top tips on the Do’s and Don’ts
- What to do if you are not getting the support you want from school
While on this site consider becoming a Parent Champion.
Adult dyslexics may be interested in The Adult Dyslexia Organisation Newsletter ‘Dyslexia in the 21st Century’ which can be found at ado.dns@dial.pipex.com
In the September issue they comprehensively covered the Government initiative ‘Access to Work’. See also https://www.gov.uk
The November issue has a very good article about the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) for students in Higher Education. There are also many useful dyslexia related links for both adult dyslexics and parents of dyslexics.
The Dyslexia Online Magazine is also a good source of information for parents and teachers and can be found on
http://www.dyslexia-parent.com
We would be interested to hear from you about other useful websites, books or resources etc.
The British Dyslexia Association’s e-petition, to make specific learning difficulties training a mandatory component for all teacher training course, is getting close to 20,000 signatures. 10,000 signatures triggered a response from the Government and you can read this on line at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/ The petition remains open to signatures and 100,000 signatures will trigger a consideration for a debate on the issue by the Back Bench Business Committee. If all the original signatories each encourage five more people to sign it will be possible to reach the 100,000 target!
Surgery Dates
Marlborough Library from 10 am to 12 pm (2nd Saturday each month)
December 8th – January 12th – February 9th – March 9th – April 13th – May 11th – June 8th
A dyslexia specialist will be present who can offer advice on dyslexia matters and give help in selecting appropriate resources from our huge range of books, games and assessments.
OUR WEBSITE
Our web address:
http://www.marlboroughdistrictdyslexia.org
Helpline number 0772 945 2143 messages can be left 24 hours a day.