Visual stress is something most people can relate to. We’re so busy looking at our computers, tablets, and smartphones every day that we overtax our eyes to the point where simply reading can be difficult. When we were hunters, gatherers, and farmers, we used our long-distance vision more. Today, though, we mostly use our eyes … Continue reading “Visual Stress Relief”
Category: General
Guest Blog: Kidus Yared, 10th-Grade Student, on the AceReader Program
[Editor’s note: This is the fourth in an occasional series of guest blogs from a variety of AceReader users.] I’m currently in the 10th grade at Richard Montgomery High School, and I’ve been using the AceReader program on-and-off since I was about eight or nine years old. Reading has been a part of my life … Continue reading “Guest Blog: Kidus Yared, 10th-Grade Student, on the AceReader Program”
The Value of Reading to Kids at an Early Age
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents begin reading to their children as soon as they are born. While this may seem a little early to some, there is an increasing body of evidence that shows that kids who have early and regular exposure to books and stories – sometimes called “bookishness” – have … Continue reading “The Value of Reading to Kids at an Early Age”
The Thirst for Knowledge and the Critical Need for Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is an important strategy for today’s educational and job-related environments. It is important, therefore, that teachers and administrators understand the nature of critical thinking and embrace its many parts, all of which are necessary for true learning to occur. The first part of critical thinking, and one which has fallen by the wayside … Continue reading “The Thirst for Knowledge and the Critical Need for Critical Thinking”
Illiteracy in America – Part 2
In part 1 of this blog topic, we talked about the tremendous problem of adult illiteracy in this country, looked at the staggering numbers, and contemplated the possible correlations with varying social conditions. Now, though, we need to answer the questions those figures raised – what can we do to help those who are illiterate, … Continue reading “Illiteracy in America – Part 2”
Illiteracy in America – Part 1
Functional illiteracy is defined by the non-profit Literacy Volunteers of America as “the inability of an individual to use reading, writing, and computational skills in everyday life.” Think that’s not a problem in as developed a country as America? Well, you’re wrong. It’s a big one – a really big one. The National Center for … Continue reading “Illiteracy in America – Part 1”
Guest Blog: Miriam Ruff, Reading Instructor and Content Developer, on the AceReader Program
[Editor’s note: This is the third in an occasional series of guest blogs from a variety of AceReader users.] I have always been an avid reader. Since the time I was three or four, I had a book in my hands, and I was reading by the time I was in kindergarten. During my elementary, … Continue reading “Guest Blog: Miriam Ruff, Reading Instructor and Content Developer, on the AceReader Program”
Understanding Dyslexia – Part 4
[Editor’s note: This is the final post of a four-part series on dyslexia. Links to the other segments are included in the blog.] Last week, we talked about how parents can work with their dyslexic children to ensure they get the proper support in the home environment. Today, we’re going to talk about one specific … Continue reading “Understanding Dyslexia – Part 4”
Understanding Dyslexia – Part 2
[Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a four-part series on dyslexia. Links to the other parts are included in the blog.] In Part 1 of our discussion on dyslexia, we talked a little bit about the disorder and the difficulties dyslexics encounter when reading, spelling, and even verbalizing. Now we’re going to look at … Continue reading “Understanding Dyslexia – Part 2”
Understanding Dyslexia – Part 1
[Editor’s Note: This is the first in a four-part series on dyslexia, its origins, manifestations, and interventions.] Most people think that dyslexia is simply reversing letters or numbers; it is much more than that. Dyslexia is primarily associated with difficulty reading; leading some doctors, specialists, and educators to refer to it as a “reading disorder” … Continue reading “Understanding Dyslexia – Part 1”