BCCL hosts free dyslexia workshops
Two free workshops next month will help to increase understanding among parents and teachers about dyslexia, the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning said.
The school highlighted that Jennifer Petrich, a global literacy expert, will lead the sessions, which were designed to develop understanding of how children learn to read and how to support those who struggle.
They will run at BCCL’s student centre on Cedar Avenue as part of Dyslexia Awareness Month.
BCCL said the workshops reflected its commitment to building greater community understanding of dyslexia and other learning differences by sharing practical knowledge and resources with families and educators.
Dr Petrich, a cofounder of Literacy Dr, LLC, will draw on reading research and practical approaches to literacy instruction at the two events.
“Learning to read is a complex process and it doesn’t come easily for every child,” she said.
Dr Petrich added: “When parents and educators understand how our English writing system works and how our brain learns to read, they are better able to recognise why a child may be struggling and how to support them.
“Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence or potential. The right instruction can make an enormous difference.”
A parent information session — “How the brain learns to read: What every parent should know about reading, spelling and language” — will take place on October 2 from 6pm to 7.30pm.
It will explore how children learn to read, why some learners struggle with reading and spelling and practical ways families can support literacy and confidence at home.
On October 3, from 9am to noon, Dr Petrich will lead a professional development workshop — “Beyond Phonics: How the reading brain meets structured word inquiry for educators”.
The interactive session will explore the science of reading and structured word inquiry, with practical classroom strategies to strengthen reading, spelling, vocabulary and comprehension, and how to support students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
Lindsey Sirju, BCCL’s head of school and cofounder, said the annual programme, now in its third year, was an important part of the school’s commitment to sharing its knowledge and expertise with the wider community.
She added: “At BCCL, we see every day the difference it makes when students are taught in ways that reflect how they learn best.
“For the past three years, our Dyslexia Awareness Month workshops have allowed us to share that knowledge with the wider community.
“We want parents and teachers to feel empowered with information that helps them better understand how children learn and, importantly, what they can do to support children's learning.”
The workshops this year have been made possible at no cost to participants through a donation from Ascot Bermuda, for which BCCL expressed gratitude.
An Ascot spokesman said the company was pleased to be involved in the partnership, stating: “Supporting stronger communities starts with investing in education.”
BCCL said dyslexia was one of the most common learning differences.
It said the International Dyslexia Association noted that as many as 15 to 20 per cent of people may experience some symptoms of dyslexia, including difficulties with reading, spelling and writing.
The learning difference occurs across all intellectual levels and does not reflect intelligence or a desire to learn.
BCCL said that with appropriate teaching and support, students with dyslexia could learn successfully.
Advance registration is required for the two workshops and participants can reserve a place through the “About” section of the BCCL website.
• For more information or to register for the workshops, visitbccl.bm
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