Game-changing programme for dyslexic kids
18-year-old develops game-changing programme for dyslexic kids
Tackling one of the most widespread
learning difficulties in schools around New Zealand,
innovative online learning programme Dyslexia Potential is
the new kid on the
block. ENDS
Founded by
Matt Strawbridge, a dyslexic himself, this unique course is
far from textbook learning. The course content is highly
interactive, with video-based lessons and tactile activities
that kids can take offline. Parents can follow their
child’s journey through the course, and help them keep
track of their progress with a star
chart.
Matt never
ceases to be astounded at the lack of support for young
dyslexics: “An estimated 7-10% of the population suffer
from dyslexia, yet from personal experience I know that
parents still struggle to find adequate resources to help
their kids get through school,” he says. “This is the
problem we aim to
solve.”
He
explains that Dyslexia Potential takes holistic approach,
helping kids with more than just reading and writing.
“Everything we do and strive to achieve at Dyslexia
Potential is to ensure that dyslexic students are able to
use dyslexia to have a positive impact on their own life and
in the world around them,” explains
Matt.
The programme
builds kids’ confidence and self-esteem by helping them
develop their dyslexic strengths (such as creativity,
leadership and compassion). These strengths, called
‘dyslexic superpowers’, are the dyslexic’s toolkit for
overcoming challenges in every aspect of
life.
Kids will
also learn strategies for dealing with stress in the
classroom, create their own fun ways for learning how to
spell, and discover successful dyslexics – just like them
– who they can look up to as role
models.
Dyslexia
Potential was originally founded as an online club for
dyslexic kids in 2013 by Matt, then thirteen. Matt’s
vision has always been to ensure no kid ever feels the same
way he did at
school.
Since its
inception, Dyslexia Potential has been tested in dozens of
different forms and iterations, including videos, blog
posts, workshops and one-on-one tutoring. The team have
traveled throughout New Zealand delivering workshops to over
2,000 people, and they have reached a further 70,000 people
online. This website is the culmination of everything they
have learned so far.
To find out more
about Dyslexia Potential, visit the website: https://dyslexiapotential.co.nz/
Or attend the
Parents Support Evening at the Southern Cross in Wellington
on Monday 26 March: http://bit.ly/2HXo3ej