Dyslexia Instructor Sherrie Chalk helps make reading a breeze for students diagnosed with dyslexia!
We sat down with Sherrie Chalk to hear more about how she is helping the students at Carroll Smith Elementary. Studies and parents report how tough it can be to help students diagnosed with dyslexia read and spell. This year’s reading data shows students working with Ms. Chalk’s have increased tremendously! Ms. Chalk admits that dyslexia was not a familiar concern heard of when she was growing up. During her interview it was clear to see how she makes parents and students feel comfortable about building skills that help make learning easy for students working with the diagnosis.
Ms. Chalk, do you mind telling us about dyslexia ?
Dyslexia is not a bad thing and it’s not a disease. It simply affects how an individual reads, spells and writes. I’ve seen students work harder , and show how intelligent they are as they are building skills.
How do you help parents understand dyslexia?
I listen to the parents' concerns and I explain to them this is a diagnosis that can be helped. I reassure parents that their children aren’t lazy and are most times working very hard to learn to read, spell and write. I also share that the skills we build take time, but the progress the students make is well worth the time it takes.
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
The students I have this year came to me unable to read and now everyone is reading. Their iReady test scores show how well the students are reading.
What do you think helps the most?
About two years ago we began using a curriculum called Connections. The techniques help the students learn their sounds, break down words and remind them of how to determine words.
The students are even excited when they remember to use the skills when they get stuck on words with different teachers
What is one thing you want us to know?
I want all kids to be able to read, be comfortable when they read and understand what they read. Day by Day and like our district motto says “Brick by Brick” we are going to get there!
