Learning Differences and the Gifted or Dyslexic Child - LONGREACH

Learning Differences and the Gifted or Dyslexic Child - LONGREACH

Event Details

Understanding Learning Differences - Presented by Marion McMahon  (3:30pm - 4:30pm)

This practical workshop will dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding dyslexia and identify accommodations. This workshop will ensure that every parent, child and affected adult and teacher feels empowered and confident to ensure the success of every student in every classroom.

About Marion McMahon

Marion is the Executive Officer of Speld Qld. She is a former school Principal, both here and internationally, with extensive experience in supporting all children in the classroom. Marion supports schools with literacy planning and recommends appropriate classroom-based and individual strategies for struggling students.

Short break from 4:30pm - 4:45pm

Teaching the Gifted or Dyslexic Child: Same or Different? - Presented by Lois Letchford (4:45pm - 6:16pm)

Lois shares her journey about teaching Nicholas. At 7 years old, standardised testing revealed many difficulties and concluded he had a low IQ. The diagnostician pronounced, "He's the worst child I've seen in 20 years of teaching!" In this presentation, Lois shares insights on how Nicholas went from the bottom of the class to the top of the academic world (including receiving a Ph.D. from Oxford University). In this talk, she demonstrates how changing the method of instruction and creating a flexible learning environment increases a child's desire to learn, greatly improving student outcomes.

Included in this session:

Activity: Participants will feel what it's like to struggle with language in the classroom.

Activity: Participants will join in an unique teaching experience involving comprehension.

About Lois Letchford

For the past twenty years, Lois Letchford has specialized in teaching children who struggle with learning to read. Her creative teaching methods vary depending on the reading ability of the student, employing age-appropriate, rather than reading-age-appropriate, material. Lois's non-traditional background, multi-continental exposure, and passion for helping failing students equip her with a unique skill set and perspective.

Lois is a literacy spokesperson for struggling learners who have been left behind in the traditional classroom. Through coaching and workshops at international conferences, TV appearances, and highly-rated radio stations, she uses her own story in Reversed: A Memoir to teach educators and parents how to create flexible learning environments using comprehensive strategies and innovative teaching methods. 

Originally a physical education teacher, she later completed a Master's in Literacy and Reading from the State University of New York at Albany. Lois has presented her work at The California Reading Association, SPELD in Australia, the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children, the Spring Festival of Children's Literature in Maryland, and New York State Reading Association conferences. She is co-president of the Albany City Reading Association and a member of the Australian College of Education.

Reversed: A Memoir (Acorn Publishing) is her first book.

Schools can Register their Teachers using the Workshop Registration Form below.  Payment can be via credit card (preferred) or Invoice.

Download the Workshop Registration Form

Important Notes 

1. Payment is required prior to the date of the Professional Development Workshop in order to secure attendance and is not refundable. 
2. For information on our Cancellation and Transfer Policy, please click here. 
3. This workshop contributes to the 10 Queensland College of Teachers continuing Professional Development Requirements. You will receive a certificate on the day of event.