KIDS INPERTH
The
,
Born & Bred in WA
SEPTEMBER 2013
Parents Paper
www.kidsinperth.com
PRICELESS
For parents with children aged from birth to 14 • Free ever y month
What can you do?
Eyecare for your family
By Dr Julia Solomon f your child is having difficulty in reading new words, or is just not reading, what can you do? You can assume that it’s just developmental delay and, in time, reading will ‘happen’.
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This can be true for a lucky few but the research tells us that the majority of children who are not reading automatically between the ages of seven and eight will fail to learn to read. My more than twenty years research and practice has confirmed that, for the ‘nonautomatic’ reader, the English language itself is a major obstacle to reading acquisition. The ambiguities in spelling and pronunciation (think ‘through, though, bought, bough, rough, cough’) present an insurmountable challenge which defies the presumed effects of teaching by phonics, simply because English is not a phonetic language. Recognition of this phenomenon was demonstrated in the nineteenth century with a new written alphabet, providing a code for pronunciation of each word which still appears in most English dictionaries. While the principle of applying a phonetic code to printed English is logically sound, the
pectrum Family Eyecare is a family run Independent Optical Practice and Colorimetery Specialist Centre, and as the name suggests they care for the whole family from children through to their grandparents.
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dictionary phonetic alphabet is unusable as effective reading instruction for most primary school students. Based on trials of a more practical universal pronunciation code, through the “Reading for Sure” model, World Literacy International has established a Universal Reading System (URS).
Their beliefs stem from their experiences in running successful independent practices in the UK for over 27 years. Spectrum’s prime objective is to care for the health of your family’s eyes, ensuring that they are performing at their best, and have the optimum vision possible using the most up to date knowledge of lenses and optical appliances available.
Developmentally structured, the URS, which can be introduced to children as young as two years, has proven to be an immediately effective tool for overcoming challenges in learning to read. The reports of Australia falling behind on the scale of international literacy standards reflect the alarming figure of at least fifty percent of children leaving school without adequate reading skill. The personal and social disadvantages are obvious for those who are unable to read new and unfamiliar words.
The staff all feel very strongly that patients should be offered the latest technology and fashion in both frames and lenses, using companies like Maui Jim, Silhouette, Rough Justice, Michael Starrs, Jono Hennessy and children’s Adidas, and Hugs and Kisses, both of which have a 2 year unconditional guarantee.
What we can do is change the future for those failing on the ‘one method fits all’, with the alternative Universal Reading System. Parents can then be assured that no child need be disadvantaged through failure to read.
Using lenses from Hoya, Essilor and Zeiss gives us the advantage of being totally independent so you’re able to choose the right lens and frame design for your lifestyle. Manager Paul Todd, a Dispensing Optician,
Visit www.worldliteracy.com.au
trained in the UK and who lectured Dispensing Optics at the Anglia Polytechnic University. Paul has been specialising in Colorimetery for over 18 years looking after adult and children’s vision, especially those with the symptoms of Visual Stress (a form of Dyslexia). With the use of coloured overlays Visual Stress may be reduced. If overlays prove to be successful then the person will be assessed on the Cerium Colorimeter Machine to analyse the precise colour tinted lenses that will be put into a pair of spectacle frames. Approximately one in five school aged children has an undiagnosed vision problem that could restrict their learning potential. It has been proven that vision accounts for 80% of the learning process in the under 13’s. If your child (or yourself) suffers from headaches, clumsiness, has poor hand/eye coordination, rubs eyes frequently, loses place whilst reading, avoids close work or has poor concentration, these are signs that you may be suffering from Visual Stress. If any of these signs sound familiar call 9399 2599 or visit Paul’s web site www.paultoddcolourimetery.com.au for more information.
LAS/SEP13
9 LIVES THEATRICAL PRODUCTION COMPANY AND MANDURAH PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Pre-school Program that Rocks Interactive, Educational, Fun & Live Entertainment (1 - 5 years)
Rock ‘n’ Toddle uses popular cover & original music, props, puppets & instruments to create a real gig experience!
come together in a community partnership.
Thursday 10th October to Sunday 13th October
LAS/AUG13
Experience the joy & benefits of live music with your child, including interactive, exciting and themed performances. The Rock ‘n’ Toddle Program:
• Develops skills in literacy, numeracy & performance
(Check website for times)
• Builds confidence • Improves fine and gross motor skills
Box Office 9550 3900 www.manpac.com.au
ENROL ONLINE
for term 4
Opening at Dome Cafe (Maylands & Midland) in Term 4.
See website for all locations.
6143 7789 | mail@rockntoddle.com.au | www.rockntoddle.com.au
VISIT
PENGUIN ISLAND SCHOOL HOLIDAY SEASON
Penguin Island Ferry and cruises to see wild dolphins, sea lions and the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Penguin feeding at the Discovery Centre 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm
20th September to 13th October
PERTH LANGLEY PARK, Riverside Drive DON’T MISS Australia’s youngest Flying Trapeze Star, the Amazing Somersault on the Wheel of Death, the only Flying Trapeze Triple Somersault in Australia, Special pre-show Demonstrations by World-famous Animal Trainer Zelie Bullen.
ONLY AT BE ACTIVE CIRCUS JOSEPH ASHTON
Proudly sponsored by
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LAS2254/SEP13
Tix from $15. www.circusjosephashton.com.au or Circus Hotline 0411 302 095 for bookings, show time and dates. Booking fee applies on line. Cash only at box office.
www.penguinisland.com.au | (08) 9591 1333 Cnr of Arcadia Drive and Penguin Rd, Shoalwater Only 45 minutes south of Perth
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