Print out our pages!
All articles, listings and other material from this website may be printed out and copied by teachers for personal or professional use (meetings, courses, for parents, etc.) provided that our web address
www.dyslexia-college.com
is clearly included in the copy as a reference for others.

Getting organized.

Strong visual memory.

As a dyslexic student, you probably have a strong visual memory (but a weak auditory memory for things you hear). As an aid to memory, try to make imaginary - often silly - visual links.

For example, to remember that oranges contain vitamin C, think of, or draw, a large letter 'C' made into a circle like an orange. Imagine or draw a face on it and think of it smiling!

Organizing your work-space.

A tidy (or half-tidy!) desk can ensure that things are not forgotten because they are covered up by other papers.

Collect together papers which relate to one subject.

Use colors to make it easier to remember which files are which. Put colored stickers on trays, drawers, boxes and files. Red often stands for 'Danger', so this color could be used for things which are really important. Green stands for 'Go', so this could be used for things which need to go out today. And so on. Use your personal connections with colors, like using your favorite color for jobs you enjoy.

Although it will take a while to set up, this will give you a feeling of being in control of your job.

Working methods.

With a little thought, you may find that there are daily tasks that can be made a lot easier for you:

At the start of a new project, it helps to brainstorm. This involved writing ideas on a large sheet of paper and linking them by lines. As more ideas grow, they can be linked to ideas that they connect with. "

Set your priorities: your diary and calendar will tell you which deadlines are coming up, and those jobs need to be dealt with first.

Files and notebooks.

A well-organized system helps you keep paperwork and materials organized and in one place, locate important papers, and refrain from carrying around unnecessary clutter. It also helps you prepare for exams because you compile and summarize work weekly. The system has three parts:

• working notebook.
• reserve accordion file.
• study notebook.

Working notebook.

The working notebook is the daily notebook you take to class. It holds all the papers and information needed each day. Any ring binder can serve as a working notebook. Your working notebook should contain:

• a portable hole punch.
• a zippered pouch for highlighters, pencils, pens, clips,
• "sticky notes", and other small supplies.
• a monthly calendar.
• a ruler four section dividers for each subject you ate studying.
• an assignment book.

Reserve Accordion File.

The reserve accordion file is for filing completed work and material no longer needed for class. The file stays at home or in your locker. It provides a single place to organize and store finished work. It also keeps the working notebook from getting too full.

On a regular basis, preferably at the end of each week, you should remove all notes, homework, and other papers not needed for class the next week and clip them together. You should then review the material, make a list of the main points covered in class that week, and write a summary in your own words.

The next step is to attach the list and summary to the clipped-together work and to store the packet in a pocket of the accordion file.

It is best to have one accordion file (with four to six sections) for each subject. After several weeks, your accordion file will contain a series of packets that can be used to review and study for a unit or semester test.

Study Notebook.

The study notebook is a smaller ring binder or a section at the back of the working notebook. The reference notebook is an individualized collection of resources; it reflects your child's specific needs. It should contain handouts and lists of information you need to reference quickly in class.

Some items to include follow:

• a personal spelling list of commonly used words that are particularly difficult.
• a list of transition words and phrases that will improve the quality of your writing assignments (e.g., words such as however, for example, finally, therefore, in conclusion, another, first, second, etc.)
• math facts charts or graphs (such as a time line of events for history or a periodic table for science).
• how-to lists (such as how to answer and essay question, how to organize your notebook) and templates (such as formats for science experiments).

Place items for the study notebook in plastic sheet protectors with ring holes so they will last longer (these are available in most stationary or office supply stores).

Speak to your tutors.

Some students are nervous about approaching their tutors. Your tutor is paid to teach and support you, and it can be helpful to go and see them.

Let them know that you are dyslexic, so that they are aware of any particular difficulties in connection with their subject. They may be able to put you in touch with any special facilities that exist in your college or university.

• Study Skills.

• Study Skills - Notebook Organization.

• Study Skills Package.