| |
The current focus for DFNZ is action – and on providing information, tools and resources that inspire others to take action too. As part of this, we are proud to present two fantastic and free downloadable resources which can be used in your classroom.
Dyslexia is an alternative way of thinking which, if addressed effectively, can produce great creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. With this in mind, these three resources are ideal for engaging your class and nurturing their creativity – dyslexic or not.
These inspiring resources can be used as the launch point for all sorts of activities, from class discussions through to performances and plays or unleashing the artist within through music, paintings and sculpture.
|
|
|
|
To mark Dyslexia Action Week 2009, some of New Zealand’s most respected music industry figures came together on a unique and exciting project to raise awareness and understanding of dyslexia.
Written for the Foundation by one of New Zealand’s foremost singer/songwriters, Don McGlashan, ‘The Closer You Get, The Bigger I Look’ is both inspired by the challenges of difference and celebrates the creative gifts that dyslexia can bring. The Foundation enlisted the help of Sean Donnelly to produce the song and roots/rock band dDub to perform it.
|
Perhaps your class would like to sing or play along to this track; talk about what it would be like to be a musician and all the different instruments that musicians play; think of other inventive things that could be used to make music; or even compose their own songs about creativity!
The song was launched to the public on 11 June 2009, and you can find out more here. Free downloads are also available at this link.
|
|
|
This soundtrack from the acclaimed Dyslexia Discovery Exhibit in Christchurch tells what it is like to be dyslexic from a child’s point of view. This includes struggles with words that won’t stay still on the page, and trying harder and harder but not getting anywhere. The track also talks about famous New Zealanders who have harnessed their creative gifts, such as Weta Workshop founder Richard Taylor and the late motorbike engineer John Britten.
Use this free download as a launch pad to talk about what your class makes of Richard and John’s experiences; what imagination is; and how they would describe it; or perhaps invite them to paint or sculpt the Weta Workshop creatures used in Lord of the Rings, or the Chronicles or Narnia!
|
Designed as an interactive sculpture garden, the Dyslexia Discovery Exhibit also features inspirational artworks by Richard Taylor, celebrated sculptor Paul Dibble (representing the achievements of John Britten) and renowned British artist Mackenzie Thorpe.
Click here for your free Dyslexia Discovery Exhibit soundtrack
|
|
|
Another fantastic classroom resource is a series of downloadable mp3 audio stories – including one featuring Sir Richard Branson – which can be found on UK website Xtraordinary People.
These stories, available for less than $5 each, are set around the adventures of a young boy, called Ted, who meets famous dyslexics who help him see that dyslexia can be an asset. In the first story, Sir Richard talks exclusively and candidly about his struggles at school and how dyslexia has helped him succeed in business. As well as meeting Sir Richard, who takes him into space, Ted also encounters Thomas Edison on a trip to the London Science Museum and Sir Winston Churchill who helps him come up with a plan to deal with bullies.
|
These stories can be used as the basis for all sorts of classroom activities, from talking about inventors and entrepreneurs to how to deal with bullies. Founded by award-winning UK campaigner Kate Griggs, Xtraordinary People is an umbrella organisation that unites leading UK dyslexia charities to enable teachers to provide effective support to students.
|
|
