What is Dyslexia?

What is dyslexia?

What is dyslexia? As part of my series for homeschooling – we’re learning about teaching students who struggle and those who are kinesthetic learners. We begin by defining what it is.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke definition describes dyslexia as “difficulty with spelling, phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds), or rapid visual-verbal responding”. It is considered a cognitive disorder, not a problem with intelligence. However, emotional problems often arise because of it.

 

*Disclosure – Affiliate links are included in this article. If you purchase a product using my links, I may make a profit. Thank you in advance for helping to support this site. I only recommend products we use and love, as well as ideas that I’ve found to be beneficial for homeschooling. 

Characterization

Dyslexia is characterized by great difficulty with reading despite normal or higher intelligence. People are affected differently and to varying degrees. Problems may include difficulties with spelling,  reading, and writing, sounding out words, pronouncing words and reading comprehension.

Those of us teaching students with dyslexia may witness a variety of effects from such a struggle. These include, but are not limited to – frustration, lack of cooperation, lack of focus, bad attitude, anger, hopelessness, and struggles with self-esteem. And that’s just the mom! Seriously though, dealing with dyslexia without the proper support and tools is not a good idea. We need it, and our children deserve it.

The longer you go without dealing with suspected signs of dyslexia, the bigger the chance is that your child will deal with depression, anxiety, strained relationships, and feel like giving up on their school work.

Dyslexia Resource Library

Signs of Dyslexia

In finding and understanding this disorder, we must look at the signs. Students may struggle to recognize words used regularly. Recalling sequencing of events in reading is difficult. They may appear to not be paying attention at all as they have little memory or recall of words and letters.

If you find yourself going over the same words and letters over and over again – without your child recognizing them (sometimes even immediately after review) . . . you may have a problem with dyslexia on your hands!

More Resources for Dyslexia

Learn more HERE

Learn more about the signs HERE

In this series, we will be learning more about how dyslexia affects your child, and what you can do about it! We will be sharing tips for dyslexic and kinesthetic learners with encouragement and freebies along the way.

I recommend products from All About Reading

What is Dyslexia?

 

Unit Studies and Hands on Learning

We developed our unit studies and hands on learning kits in the process of many years of  successful homeschooling. I’m happy to share that our oldest is graduating 2020 with a full academic scholarship to his favorite university! 

Adventure Pack

Free Homeschool Resources Preschool

Free Homeschool Resources

Free homeschool resources preschool – for teaching children at home! Welcome to Adventure Homeschool. I’m a homeschool mom and teacher for many years now. As a matter of fact, our oldest is heading off to college soon.

The resources, ideas, and information I create and share have helped us school our three boys successfully. Be sure to check out our Hands on Learning Adventure Packs and Learning Kits!

Preschool and Early Learning is all about engaging your student in the material. If you can inspire a child to enjoy learning and take an interest, you can change their life by setting a course for a lifetime of learning.  

Children are born with an innate curiosity and an inquisitive nature! This is how we learn. I’m a firm believer that the key to success throughout their schooling is by helping them discover the delights of how, when, and why the world works. 

As they grow, they begin to learn where to find more information and soon you will find that they spread their wings and seek out knowledge of many sorts. Much like a coach or cheerleader, you encourage, train, and inspire them to overcome further challenges. 

Preschool and Early Learning is all about play, curiosity, and delight in discovery. All too quickly, they will take off on their own! 

Free Homeschool Resources

Check back frequently as I will be adding to the list.

Preschool and Early Learning

at Word Family Preschool Printable

Beginning Sounds Worksheet – Also for Dyslexia

i – e – a – Beginning Sounds

Ocean Math and Writing Multi-age Pack


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Welcome to Adventure Homeschool

Everyday Exploring - Extraordinary Learning

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Educational Kits

The Adventures educational kits are full of tools and adventure gear to help students get invested in their own learning. Hands-on learning, interactive unit studies, and adventure gear options include Seashell Kit, Owl Pellet Kit, Fossil & Sharks Teeth Kit, and the popular Adventure Pack.

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Interactive Unit Studies

The Adventure Homeschool Unit Studies are designed for multiple ages with the homeschool family in mind. Each interactive, hands-on unit includes options for preschoolers through high school to participate. The lessons teach primarily elementary through middle school.

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Learn more about how to homeschool from speaker, and homeschool curriculum creator - Kelli Becton. After teaching three boys, with needs ranging from gifted to dyslexic (and everything in-between) for over seventeen years, she's sharing why hands-on learning is key to success from preschool to college!

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Testimonials

”By and large, I’ve been a teacher for over 30 years, and THIS . . . is what real learning is all about! I'm buying this now for my granddaughter who will be homeschooling this year.” 

Teacher - Grandmother
~ Mrs. Thelma R. 

“Thank you! My kids are so excited. First, they went straight out to the yard and started exploring. Second, they are gathering all sorts of scientific data to learn about.” 

Homeschool Mom
~ Jennifer S. 

"As a homeschooler of two girls that are several grades apart, I loved this wildlife adventures study of Owls. I have a first and 7th grader and because of the quality and variety of material provided, I was able to tailor the lessons according to both girls levels of reading, history etc. The unit engaged both of my girls and got them excited about an animal they had not really thought much about. It is gratifying to hear my first grader explain the proventiculus to the kiddos in her Awana’s class. I love that all I have to do with this study is to add mathematics and we have covered all the core subjects (reading, spelling, history, geography, art, writing) and it all ties together. I wish I had discovered unit studies when I first started homeschooling. The girls loved it."

Homeschool Mom
~ Amy Rohrer 

"I can’t thank you enough for this curriculum! Nature Science is our learning connection with him (our little aspergian student). He is loving it, so far he’s really enjoying this unit study."

Homeschool Mom
~ Brenda Green

Seashells Unit Study – Florida State Study

Seashells Unit Study

Seashells are a terrific way to capture the interest of your child! Discover the differences between vertebrates, and invertebrates. Animal Profile pages and Design in Creation pages show us the fingerprints of the Creator.

Seashells Unit Study

Seashell matching game, recipe and State Study of Florida with hands on learning projects make learning fun and effective.

109 pages total – Bible (print & cursive), Science, History, Geography, Spelling, Vocabulary, Memory game & more!

Seashells Unit Study

Discover the differences between vertebrates, and invertebrates. Animal Profile pages and Design in Creation pages show us the fingerprints of the Creator.

Unit Study

Seashell matching game, recipe and State Study of Florida with hands on learning projects make learning fun and effective.

Seashell Unit Study

Seashells Unit Study

109 pages total – Bible (print & cursive), Science, History, Geography, Spelling, Vocabulary, Memory game & more!

Seashells Unit Study

Seashells Unit Study

Inspire a lifelong desire to learn in your children! Adventures Interactive Unit Studies will bring everyday exploring into your home and take you on a journey towards a lifestyle of learning together.

 Unit Study

Seashells Unit Study

Other Details About Seashells Unit Study

  • Bible Study – Revelations 4:11, Worthy of our praise. He created all things.
  • Language Arts & Grammar – phonics, interactive vocabulary, writing
  • Geography – Florida state study, Everglades, mapping and more
  • History – history of the Calusa and other Florida natives, cowboy culture of the Florida “cracker”, Spanish, Civil War and Revolutionary War history from the Sunshine State
  • Science – seashell science, muscles and bivalve anatomy,
  • Reading – woven throughout the unit as well as optional library list
  • Kids in the Kitchen Recipe – Oyster Stew
  • Teen Pages -additional projects and research for teens and advanced students
  • Hands on Learning – cowboy culture, Florida field trip ideas and virtual visiting links, fun videos about Florida life and more, Florida foods with the Kids in the Kitchen feature, diorama, poster display, lapbooking and more

Inspire learning with hands on activities and tools kids will love. Effective teaching means students retain what they learn.

Everyday Exploring – Extraordinary Learning!

Products you’ll love:

Already have our Seashell Unit Study and just need the shell kit? Seashell kit comes with a jar of shells – harvested responsibly by hand, along the beaches of Florida. No living shells are harmed in the process.

Seashell Kit – Discount $10 – Free Shipping 

Use Code: ONLYSHELLS at checkout

Seashell Kit

 


*Read about How to Use Notebooking Pages for Kinesthetic and Dyslexic Learners HERE 

 

ADVENTURE PACKS On SALE – 12 Unit Studies with Hands on Learning Kits Included!

Adventure Pack

 

Shark Teeth Fossil Kit

fossil kit

Shark teeth fossil kit for STEM learning! This hands-on kit comes with an ID chart, magnifying glass, and suggested activities. Includes the Sharks Unit Study!

Sorting, categorizing, identifying fossils, and labeling are just a few skills your child can acquire using this extraordinary fossil kit. Most of all, these tools can help to develop a lifetime love of learning as they discover the vast wonders of the world they live in.

Shark Teeth Fossil Kit

Each kit is unique as the teeth and fossils are harvested responsibly by hand from the beaches and rivers in southwest Florida. Kits include a variety of fossilized sharks teeth such as: Great White, Megalodon, Sand Shark, Mako, Dusky, Snaggletooth, Lemon, and Tiger. We do our best to select some from each category as available.

100 – 120 Fossilized Shark Teeth in each pack. Some are tiny and perfectly pointed while others are medium size and rounded from being tossed through sand. We choose a couple of teeth that we call “necklace worthy” that can be wired and worn on a rope chain.

Additional fossils collected by hand are barbs, scoots, drumfish or dolphin teeth, mammoth or mastodon tooth chip, pufferfish mouthplates snails, clams, tusk pieces, and a variety of manatee and other bones.

Both the chart and the kit are labeled for identification. If you cannot identify a fossil, kids are encouraged to make their best educated guess or add it to miscellaneous.

*Ammonites, Brachiopods, Crinoid Stems, Gastropods Clams, fossilized Branch Coral and Orthoceras are purchased in bulk from a trusted teaching supply source to add value and variety to the kits.

Seashell Kit

Seashell Kit

Seashell Kit – and unit study! Seashell Kit comes with an array of beautiful seashells, responsibly harvested on Florida’s gulf coast. Kit also includes magnifying glass, tweezers, and unit study for all ages!

Unit Study

Who were the Shell People? Learn about their interesting history along the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Within the unit study, you’ll find ID chart and fun shell memory game along with the rich culture of Florida history. Sort, identify shells, count shells and much more. Even art projects, recipes, and videos are included in this exciting study.

Details About Seashells Unit Study

  • Bible Study – Revelations 4:11, Worthy of our praise. He created all things.
  • Language Arts & Grammar – phonics, interactive vocabulary, writing
  • Geography – Florida state study, Everglades, mapping and more
  • History – history of the Calusa and other Florida natives, cowboy culture of the Florida “cracker”, Spanish, Civil War and Revolutionary War history from the Sunshine State
  • Science – seashell science, muscles and bivalve anatomy,
  • Reading – woven throughout the unit as well as optional library list
  • Kids in the Kitchen Recipe – Oyster Stew
  • Teen Pages -additional projects and research for teens and advanced students
  • Hands on Learning – cowboy culture, Florida field trip ideas and virtual visiting links, fun videos about Florida life and more, Florida foods with the Kids in the Kitchen feature, diorama, poster display, lapbooking and more

Inspire learning with hands on activities and tools kids will love. Effective teaching means students retain what they learn.

Everyday Exploring – Extraordinary Learning!

Real Learning

Hands on – life learning projects are included to teach high level thinking and critical skills. Younger students will enjoy coloring pages, phonics and a variety of learning lessons for all ages.

Fun learning opportunities like this help your student discover a lifelong love of learning and discovery. When they are invested and take ownership of their own education, they retain more of what they learn. Once students discover that learning is an adventure – they find ways to incorporate more of it into daily life.

Discover what real learning is all about with Adventure Homeschool Unit Studies and Hands on Learning Kits.

*We ship only to the United States. Contact Kelli: [email protected] to discuss shipping options elsewhere.


Get the whole Kit and Kaboodle with our exciting Adventure Pack!

Pack contains 12 complete Unit Studies containing every subject but math for multiple ages in the family

ON SALE NOW

Adventure Pack

Owl Pellet Kit with Unit Study

Owl Pellet Kit

The owl pellet kit comes with the Owl Unit Study and includes a state study of Virginia. Created for multiple ages so the whole family can learn together, this study ranges from preschool to high school level material.

UNIT STUDY

Learn the history of Virginia as well as the science of the owl. Bible, handwriting, creative writing, phonics, grammar . . . even art are include in this fun study. The unit studies are designed for all ages.

OWL PELLET KITS

For those who don’t know, the owl pellets are the remains of the owls meal after they digest the nutrients and cough up the waste. It includes fur or feathers, and many little bones, even skulls! Students will break it apart, sort the pieces, ID the parts, and label them for a fully educational (and fun) lab experience.

REAL LEARNING

Discover what real learning is all about with hands on educational fun! Help kids find the joy in exploring the world around them.

Owl pellet kit also contains gloves, tweezers, magnifying glass, one large or two small owl pellets, laminated bone ID chart, and wooden skewers to help break apart the owl pellet. Learning is Fun when you make it an adventure!

What is a Unit Study?

What is a Unit Study?

What is a unit study? Well, as one of the most flexible tools in homeschooling, it really can be whatever you need it to be.

A Unit Study is precisely that, a unit of study on a particular subject or theme.

For instance, the Adventure Homeschool Unit Studies came about because my boys love animals. I hadn't planned to homeschool three boys, all at the time - under the age of 5. But, found myself in the position that it was the right thing for our family.

Instead of recreating school at home, I wanted our family learning to be engaging for the kids. I wanted to lead them in their studies, but allow them to pursue ideas and interests of their own as well. Also, I knew that going through every single subject separately each day, for each child . . . . . well, that was a recipe for disaster.

I needed to teach them together, combine subjects, and have creative, interesting, and engaging subject matter (all while making sure they learn to read, write, communicate their ideas, critical thinking, history, bible, science, language arts. It was a tall order. I decided right away that I would not be the main "math teacher" and have always used online and other resources. But, for the rest of it - Unit Studies was the answer. Now, don't get me wrong - some unit studies include math - but mine don't. That is taught separately in our home. It has worked out well for us!

What is a Unit Study?

As I mentioned, my boys love animals, so I started by choosing an animal each week or two. We read books on the animal, used the theme of that animal to launch into each subject.

Often, I would begin by reading out loud to them while they worked on copying and writing their bible verse for the week. I tried to match the bible verse theme or idea to the kind of animal we were learning about. Yes, really. Some weeks worked better than others. So, in the first 15-20 minutes each day, our bible time and handwriting was finished. Those sheets went into our homeschool binder.

We would then move on to science and read about the animal of the week. When they were very young, they would learn to recognize the letter the animal starts with, how it sounds, how to write it. Older boys would read and write words and sentences based on the same animal. Again, we would add to the binder.

Wherever you might find that animal, or a lot of that animal, became our geography study for the week. We pulled out maps and the globe to find where the creatures were found. Then, we stamped our little play passports and learned more about that country or state. We read books out loud, discussed it, colored the maps, cut out icons and pasted them into little flaps where they would write (or tell me to write) information from what they had learned. We found recipes from that area and headed for the kitchen to cook them for dinner.

Creative Learning

What is a unit study?

History was handled the same way. We might study history that is directly connected to an animal, or it could be history of the geographical location. We did crafts to go along with our studies - like the stellar Leaning Tower of Pisa pictured above. That was made from an empty oatmeal container, paper, glue, and Skulpey baking clay. We have used this miraculous clay to create animals, miniature pottery (like from our books), ancient cuneiform tablets, dioramas of Lewis and Clark, and so much more!

There was a lot of preparation and planning on my part that went into this unit study idea. When studying about a bird, we might also learn about Bernoulli’s principle of lift. We watched videos, did a lot of reading out loud, and a lot of open discussion about what we were reading. I didn't just lecture the kids, but I listened to them. The more we dug in, the more they became invested in their own learning!

All together, this became our hands-on curriculum that has become Adventure Homeschool products.

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