Hi my name’s Gemma and I have dyslexia… I want to explain to you all about dyslexia because lots of people don’t underst

1. Hi my name’s Gemma and I have dyslexia… I want to explain to you all about dyslexia because lots of people don’t understand what it is!

2. Lots of famous and talented people have dyslexia!

3. Here’s a quiz! • What do you know about dyslexia? • Do people with dyslexia always have difficulties with literacy? • Can a person with dyslexia struggle with numeracy? • If you have dyslexia it means you are not very clever? • Not many people have dyslexia.. It is very rare… true or false? • You can tell someone has dyslexia by looking at them? • A person with dyslexia can be very creative… true or false? • Sometimes a person with dyslexia can be forgetful...true or false? • A person with dyslexia can be very inventive and think up new ideas…true or false…

4. So…. What is Dyslexia? Now have chat and think about what it is…..

5. What is dyslexia…… • The word ‘Dyslexia’ is a Greek word…’difficulty with words’ it’s been around for hundreds of years! • Some people think it’s just about reading, writing, numeracy but it can effect your life in many ways …?

6. I was born with dyslexia.. • Biological/Neurological: My brain is ‘wired’ differently • Sometimes I use my brain in a different way.. Which can be good! • Genetic – can be inherited, scientists have begun to identify ‘dyslexic gene’ (DYXC1). My Grandad has dyslexia too… • Dyslexia is real and I have had to find different ways to live with it… That’s a challenge and I love challenges!

7. How does my dyslexia effect me? • I have difficulties reading, writing, spelling. • I have difficulties with maths. • Sometimes I find it difficult to concentrate. • I get letters or numbers mixed up. • I have problems meeting deadlines or being on time. • I can be quite forgetful. • Have good and bad days. • But I’m really good at subjects like art, music, drama, sports, building/designing.

8. Inventive thinker.. I come up with new ideas! Excellent trouble shooters..I’m good at solving problem Creative.. I love music art and drama Good communicators… I’m good at explaining my ideas Vivid imaginations Curiosity… I love finding out about new things How about you?? Have a chat about what you’re good at… Don’t forget the good things my dyslexia gives me!!

9. This is my Grandad he’s called George he also has dyslexia… When Grandad went to school people didn’t understand about dyslexia in the way we do today. I’m glad that my school helps me to learn in the way that I like.

10. Challenges… Sir Alan Sugar is a successful businessman…some people say that he was good at solving problems and coming up with new ideas because he has dyslexia….

11. Artistic… World famous artist Picasso had dyslexia… some people say that he was such a brilliant artist because he had dyslexia…

12. Inventive… Henry Ford who designed the first motor car had dyslexia… some people say that he was so inventive because he had dyslexia…

13. Creative… This is Keira Knightley a talented actress… some people say that she is so creative because she has dyslexia…

14. You’re not alone… Sometimes I feel bad about having dyslexia but then I remember that millions of people all over the world have dyslexia..

15. Talking to my friends, my family or my teachers can help if I feel worried. • Charities such as the British Dyslexia Association work hard with the government, schools and families to help people with dyslexia, when I’m an adult I’m going to join them and make a difference for kids like me! • www.bdadyslexia.org.uk • Dyslexia Helpline: 0845 251 9002