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• Argument for Cursive Writing
  

  By Jen

  In most schools, cursive writing is taught in the third grade. Children often revert back to writing in print unless their teachers in subsequent grades insist on cursive. By the fifth grade most children have reverted back to print. So what are the benefits of learning cursive? Actually, there are numerous benefits the first of which is related to academic achievement tests. On the Scholastic Aptitude Test, (SAT) there is a time limit for essays, 25 minutes. It is estimated by handwriting specialist, Kate Gladstone, that when writing in cursive, students average 100 written words per minute, while students writing in print can only manage 30. This results in less content and therefore a lower overall score.

  Taking notes in college will be more difficult for students writing in print as well. These same children will eventually be filling out job applications. When looking at one application written in cursive versus one in print, there’s no doubt that there will be some bias. The applicant that writes in cursive will often be seen as more intelligent and able as a result.

  For people with dyslexia there are even more important reasons to teach cursive. As Diana Hanbury King writes in Writing Skills for the Adolescent, “In the case of dyslexics, there several reasons for insisting on cursive. To begin with, in cursive writing, there is no question as to where each letter begins – it begins on the line. The confusion with forms is not merely a left and right reversal as with b/d and p/q; it is also an up down reversal as with m/w and u/n; hence the uncertainty as to whether a letter begins at the top of the bottom. Second, spelling is fixed more firmly in the mind if the word is formed in a continuous movement rather than a series of separate strokes with the pencil lifted off the paper between each one”.

  In summation, the argument for using cursive writing for all students, but especially students with dyslexia is as follows:

  • Cuts down on reversals (cursive b/g; m/w, etc.)
  • All lowercase letters begin on the baseline.
  • Spelling is better reinforced in the mind if continuous movement of cursive is used.
  • Reading is strengthened through writing
  • Increases legibility and speed
• New Study Suggests Pesticides in Kids Linked to ADHD
  

  by Annie

  Check out this article –Pesticides in kids linked to ADHD

  Published in the journal of Pediatrics, this is the largest study to date to examine the effects of pesticides on child development and behavior. The authors admit the study is not perfect, but they highly encourage buying organic produce for your kids when possible. Can’t afford to go all-organic? Buy organic only when purchasing the “dirty dozen” list of produce (see below) or carefully wash produce with water and scrub brush, if possible.

  I’ve included a link to one of my favorite shopping guides–it is a wallet sized guide to the produce which contains the highest amount of pesticides. It lists the “dirty dozen”, which is 12 fruits/veggies you should always try to eat organic. And it lists the “clean 15″ which are not as important to buy organic.  Check it out and print it off (or download as handy iPhone app)!

  
  

  
  

• Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Multidisciplinary Perspective
  

  by Annie Sasseville RD, CNSD

  I am the chair of a group called the Colorado Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, and I am organizing a seminar titled Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Multidisciplinary Perspective to be held on June 1st, 2010 from 8-3:30pm at JFK Partners on the Anschutz Medical Campus. We have a fabulous group of speakers, and we are excited to present this informational seminar to the community!

  If you are interested to attend, please email me Annie@MileHighClimbers.com or check out http://www.jfkpartners.org/Workshops.asp. And please note that Udi’s lunch IS included with the cost of registration.

  We are extending this invitation to professionals and families alike, so please feel free to pass along to co-workers and friends.

  And please let me know if you have any questions—thanks and hope to see you there!

• PeeKoo Bedding: A New and Fabulous Bedding Concept
  

  So apparently (and without my full permission), my baby girl is growing up!
  Last week, she gave up all of her pacifiers to the “Paci Fairy” and next
  month, she will be moving out of her baby crib and into a big girl bed! She
  is very excited about the “big girl” transition and wanted to choose her own
  new bedding–she mentioned a desire for “pink and pretty” bedding.
  So, after many stores and online shopping at the various kids’
  websites, I got lucky enough to stumble upon a local designer, Emily Stinchcomb, with an awesome mompreneur bedding concept and fabulous fabrics!

  So the concept is…the only duvet cover with an attachable top sheet. And
  the idea is that your child can sleep with the duvet like a regular
  comforter, and there is no need for a separate top sheet. And this offers 3
  big advantages-1) your child won’t get tangled in the top sheet in the
  middle of the night or find it at the bottom of their bed in the morning, 2)
  your child can easily make the bed on his own, just by pulling up the duvet
  w/sheet attached in one quick pull and there is no excess sheet hangout on the sides and bottom, and 3) you won’t need to wash the duvet cover nearly as often because your child barely touches it with bare skin. You just zip off the sheet, wash it, zip back on again and everything is clean and ready to go.

  This concept is especially excellent for those beds that are up against the walls and for bunk beds that are difficult to make up.

  The concept can be a bit tricky to understand without photos, so I attached
  2 photos (one is called “Pretty Birdy” for girls, which we chose for my daughter and one is called “DREW’S ZOO” for boys). I have seen both covers in person and they are so cute with really nice, very soft fabrics). She has about 15 more boutique designs to choose from on her website and they come in twin or full sizes. She also sells additional zip-in sheets AND custom matching shams.

  www.PeeKooBedding.com
  Emily@PeeKooBedding.com

  Hope you get to enjoy one as much as we have!

  

• Myths About Dyslexia
  

  Myth: More boys have dyslexia than girls

  Dyslexia affects boys and girls equally (Shaywitz, 2003).  However, boys and girls deal with reading difficulties in different ways. Many boys cope with the frustration by acting out and are often diagnosed earlier than girls due to behavior problems. Boys may become a class clown when it is their turn to read, making silly noises and falling on the ground. This way they will be sent out of the classroom. Some boys may also become anti-social or withdrawn. On the other hand, girls with dyslexia tend to become more withdrawn. Often teachers overlook girls with dyslexic symptoms because they tend to sit quietly and are not a behavior problem in the classroom. One of the hardest parts about dyslexia is the toll it takes on each child’s self-esteem. Early intervention is vital to giving these children and parents the support they need.