FAQ

What is this website for?
What is a learning disability?
My child is having problems with reading at school, what can I do to help?
Our nearest library is quite far from our home, how can I get books for my children?
How can I help my child develop a love for reading?
My child has been diagnosed as dyslexic, what is this and what should I do?
I have never liked reading and find school boring. Are there any books for teenagers that I might like?
I am afraid to tell anyone that I cannot read, as an adult is it too late for me to learn now?
How can I make sure that my boss doesn't find out that I cannot read or write properly?
I don't want to learn to read with children, are there reading classes which are only for adults?
As an adult learner, how long will it take me to learn to read?
I have spent my whole life hiding my lack of reading and writing skills and don't know where to turn
How can I help my child with their homework if I cannot read or spell?
Where can I get help with maths?
What is dyscalculia and how can I help my child who has been diagnosed with this problem?
Where can I find help for those who are visually impaired?
Where can I find help for those who are hearing impaired?
My child has autism, how can I help him with his education?
What help is there for children who are diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?
How can I make sure that my students have access to their local libraries?
I am concerned at the low reading level at my child's school, what can I do to boost her reading?
Can you recommend books for different age groups?
What are your global Resources and how can I access them?
I know of other programmes/ activities which are not listed under these Resources.

What is this website for?
This website presents information on reading and spelling issues from a number of organisations. It is hoped that the Reading and Spelling Channel will become a one-stop-shop for individuals looking for information on reading and spelling problems as well as strategies for improving literacy in children and adults. It showcases what is happening in the area of literacy as well as highlighting some of the main programmes addressing reading and spelling problems.
What is a learning disability?
In 1995, the UK Department of Health defined a learning disability as "reduced ability to understand new or complex information, or to learn new skills (impaired intelligence); and reduced ability to cope independently ( impaired social functioning), which started before adulthood, with lasting effect on development".

A child with a learning disability cannot make progress without professional help. It is important to understand that a learning disability or learning disorder is not a problem with intellectual ability. Learning disorders are caused by a difference in the brain that affects how information is processed. Children and adults with learning disabilities have trouble processing sensory information due to the fact that they see, hear and understand things differently.

My child is having problems with reading at school, what can I do to help?
Please see our What You Can Do section. Reading aloud to your child is a great way to develop their literacy. See Jim Trelease's The Reading Aloud Handbook.

Our nearest library is quite far from our home, how can I get books for my children?
You can contact your local council and speak with the Head of Library Services and ask about the Mobile Library Services in your area.

How can I help my child develop a love for reading?
It it is important to develop good reading habits at home, children seeing their parents reading regularly are more likely to want to read. Take a look at the recommended reading from the UK BookTrust as well as their BookTrust BestBook Guide 2010 in our Reading Corner.

My child has been diagnosed as dyslexic. What is this and what should I do?
Dyslexia refers to specific neurological dificulties which may affect reading, spelling and/or writing and is not related to intelligence. Please see our Dyslexia section.

I have never liked reading and find school boring. Are there any books for teenagers that I might like?
We have a list of recommended reading from the UK Book Trust as well as their BookTrust BestBook Guide 2010 in our Reading Corner.

I am afraid to tell anyone that I cannot read, as an adult is it too late for me to learn now?
The good news is that it is never too late to learn to read and there are programmes for adults in our Adult Literacy Problems and Resources sections.

How can I make sure that my boss doesn't find out that I cannot read or write properly?
There is help at hand! Take a look at our Adult Literacy Problems and Resources sections.

I don't want to learn to read with children, are there reading classes only for adults?
Take a look at some of the Adult Reading Programmes in our Resources section.

As an adult learner, how long will it take me to learn to read?
Have a look at the Adult Reading Programmes in our Resources section.

I have spent my whole life hiding my lack of reading and writing skills and don't know where to turnHave a look at the Adult Reading Programmes in our Resources section.

How can I help my child with their homework if I cannot read or spell?
There are literacy programmes for adults as well online homework help for children and teenagers in our Resources section.

Where can I get help with maths?
Please take a look at the numeracy programmes in our Resources section.

What is dyscalculia and how can I help my child who has been diagnosed with this problem?
See Dyscalculia section.

Where can I find help for those who are visually impaired?
See our Visually Impaired section.

Where can I find help for those who are hearing impaired?
See our Hearing Impaired section.

My child has autism, what can I do?
See information from the National Autistic Society

What help is there for children who are diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?
See our Attention Deficit Hyperactivitiy Disorder (ADHD) section.

How can I make sure that my students have access to their local libraries?
It is important for teachers to dialogue with parents and encourage them to discuss this with their children. In addition, schools can arrange visits to local libraries which allow children to see and experience the services that their local libraries have to offer.

I am concerned at the low reading level at my child's school, what can I do to boost my child's reading?
Talk with other concerned parents and form an action group with the aim of working together with the local authority and library services to ensure that a good selection of books are continually available at your school. See our What You Can Do section.

Can you recommend books for different age groups?
Please see our Reading Corner in our Resources section.

What are your global Resources and how can I access them?
See our Resources section for a list of literacy activities from a number of organisations from around the world.

I know of other programmes/activities which are not listed under these Resources.
We would love to hear about these! Please send the URL and details about these resources to resources@readingandspellingchannel.com.