Taking a different look at reading

YOUNGSTERS from Ennis National School’s specialist reading class for children with dyslexia have helped to create a new book which, it is hoped, will help other children with dyslexia, their parents and teachers.
The book, Dyslexic Brains Learn Differently, will be launched this Thursday in the civic offices, Waterpark House. The 40-page book sees each child tell their own unique story, from discovering that they have dyslexia to learning how to cope with it. It also highlights their many talents and abilities.
Fíona de Buitléir of Ennis National School explained, “I was aware for a long time that there were very few resources out there for children who, when they discover they are dyslexic, want to know what it is. There are one or two books out there, but they are English or American so I thought it would be lovely to have an Irish-made book.”
The idea stayed with Fíona for a number of years until this year she was approached by parent Joanne O’Brien who went on to project manage this new book. Ten fifth and sixth-class children from the Reading Class helped to bring the book to life. Limerick School of Art and Design student Ann Marie Cawley, who was diagnosed with dyslexia during her Leaving Certificate year, illustrated the book.
“We got all of the children to tell their own story and Joanne talked them through it. The stories in this book is their own personal stories of their own experiences with dyslexia. Every one of them is different because dyslexia is different in every person,” said Fíona.
She explained that one of the goals of the book is to educate people about dyslexia. “There are a lot of misunderstandings out there, which means some children with dyslexia still experience an unhelpful response to their difficulities. It’s not that they have low IQs, in fact many have very high IQs. It’s just that they have this thing called dyslexia which means they cannot process information the way non-dyslexic people do.
“With this book we wanted to celebrate their strenghts and their abilities, giving them a chance to see their own story in print which is also a boost to their self esteem. This book shows all the things these children are good at and what they plan to do with their lives.”
Neidín Mooney from the class said, “I liked working on the book because we could tell people our story and it was fun because you could say anything about yourself, things you probably haven’t told people before.” Saoirse Boyce added, “It was good to get out something that might help someone else.”
As well as giving support to children with dyslexia, the book also aims to help parents who often find it difficult to find support and information. Fíona believes parents are not helped by the fact no one agency is tasked with providing support when a child is found to have dyslexia.
“I get a lot of phone calls from parents who have just had a diagnosis of dyslexia for their child who have heard there is a class for children with dyslexia here in Ennis National School. They haven’t a clue where to go for help and what to do. Some don’t even know what dyslexia means and they are absolutely shattered. We thought it would be lovely to have this book to give parents an idea of what dyslexia is like in a child and that it gives hope as well,” she said.
As well as the children’s stories and illustrations, the book also features information pages for parents and teachers, Joanne has told her story of being a parent of a child with dyslexia and there are website and app recommendations. A QR code is on the back which will allow people to hear audio versions of the stories on their smart phones or ipads.
The foreward of the book has been written by Richard Egan, educational psychologist with NEPS, the National Educational Psychological Service. He described the book as a “wonderful achievement”.
He added that children with reading difficulties need continued intensive support, “Early literacy intervention and specific interventions such as the Reading Class can further enhance the lives of these children.
“It is our hope that the recognition by all schools that some children learn differently and need adapted teaching strategies will make for ­happier children in our schools.”
The book has also had the backing of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland. Rosie Bissett, CEO, stated, “This is a lovely book which enables children with dyslexia to voice their personal experiences of living with dyslexia. While acknowledging the challenges they face, it and highlights their talents adn the progress they can make when the right supports are put into place.”
Ray McInerney, school principal commented,  “This book is a wonderful achievement for the pupils from the Reading Class at Ennis National School. The stories are beautifully written, told from the heart and can inspire others to overcome the challenges of dyslexia. Dyslexia Brains Learn Differently is a book of hope for people with dyslexia, for their parents and for their teachers. While each of the stories highlight the difficulties posed for people with dyslexic brains; they also highlight the strenghts, achievements and happiness that can be fostered by parents and teachers in an understanding, supportive environment.”
Pat Hanrahan, director of Clare Education Centre, which supported the publication of the book, will officially launch Dyslexic Brains Learn Differently at 7.30pm on Thursday. All those with an interest in dyslexia or books are invited to attend. The book will be available for purchase from the school website and app, and in various locations around the county after the launch.