'Supporting a Dyslexic Child' seminar in Gozo

The Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Service organised a three-day seminar in May entitled 'Supporting a Dyslexic Child' at Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School, Victoria, Gozo, which was attended by around 60 parents and educators.

The seminar's main objectives were to provide an overview of the work carried out by SpLD Service, to delineate the main difficulties encountered by children with dyslexia, to clarify any misconceptions about special examination arrangements.

The SpLD also used the seminar to share some strategies it advocates to facilitate the development of reading and spelling, with an underlying emphasis on fostering the child's self-esteem through the use of positive comments. During the seminar parents and educators joined three different workshops depending on the age and ability of the children involved.

Opening the seminar, Chev. Frank Gatt, Gozo College co-ordinator, thanked Christine Firman, SpLD co-ordinator and the other members of the SpLD team for organising the seminar and encouraged all parents present to join the Gozo Parents' support group of children with dyslexia.

The SpLD Service is a unit within the Department for Curriculum Management of the Education Division that strives to create more awareness of the difficulties encountered by individuals with dyslexia and offers support and advice on the accommodations required at home and in schools to make the curriculum more accessible.

The SpLD Service also supports individuals by means of a lending library that focuses on the needs of those encountering specific difficulties in the development of their literacy skills.