 Natalie Hale is a national speaker who has presented at many conferences, including those of the National Association for Down Syndrome and the National Down Syndrome Society.
Her presentation is valued both for its synthesis of a broad base of information as well as for its distillation of simple, practical tools which attendees can immediately put into practice. In addition, audiences readily catch her spirit of enthusiasm and "can-do" attitude.
QUESTIONS? Natalie Hale answers these and many
more in her presentation:
- HOW do we make reading easy for children with special needs?
- WHAT are the two critical elements we need before we begin?
- WHEN do we begin?
- HOW do we begin? What's the first step? The second? Where do we go from there, from early childhood to adulthood?
- WHAT does research say about the most effective ways for special needs children to learn reading and phonetics?
- WHAT is the natural order of learning when the beginning reader has special challenges?
- WHAT about teens and young adults who can't read? How do we help them?
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Natalie Hale is a parent (Rebecca, 20, and Jonathan, 21, who has Down Syndrome, ADHD, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder), author, illustrator, graphic designer, homeschooler, and publisher. She has been speaking to parent groups on the topic Reading Made Easy for Children With Special Needs since 1990.
She homeschooled Jonathan in reading starting at age 5. The week of his 7th birthday, he was evaluated by the Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disorders as reading at a typical 7-year-old level. Today he reads at Level 8 on the Brigance scale, which is a seventh grade level. Through her early work with Jonathan, Natalie realized that there was a frustrating missing link in reading materials available for children with cognitive challenges. In 2000, she founded Special Reads for Special Needs and now produces that "missing link", reading materials that are designed to maximize early reading success for children with special needs.
Since 1993, she has been published by various houses as a children's book author and illustrator. Her latest book is Oh, Brother! Growing Up With a Special Needs Sibling, published by the American Psychological Association/Magination Press.
Natalie will lead your parent/educator group through the most effective order of teaching reading to children with special needs. Known for her enthusiasm and passion for the subject, she will talk the group through the entire process, covering methods, motivation, and materials. Parents often return multiple times to Natalie's talks to get information and inspiration "just one more time". References are available on request.
OUTLINE OF "READING MADE EASY" PRESENTATION:
Preparing the Child:
Using music for learning: priming the brain to maximize memory and comprehension
Pre-reading Brain Gym exercise
Teaching Reading:
Method and Motivation: the Door and the Key
When to start teaching reading: 3 points of view
Early reading impact on lifelong speech, language, and memory skills
Teaching order:
Logographic reading (sight words) + hot topics
Fast Flash Method
Homemade first books
Book Kits
Special Reads for Special Needs materials
Alphabetic reading (phonetics)
Love and Learning materials
Supporting phonetics/Handwriting Without Tears
Additional Resources
Adapting trade books
How to look for trade books needing little/no adaptation
Advice for teaching older non-readers: teens, adults
Lifetime Plan for continuing reading development
THREE HANDOUTS:
Presentation outline for note-taking
Important Points to Take Home
Resource List
To inquire concerning availability and fees, contact Natalie Hale at 1.866.553.2042 or e-mail her at info@specialreads.com |
