Issue 19: January 2024 Dystinct Magazine

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On The Cover

On the cover are sisters Hayden and Kaya Miskinis.

Hayden Miskinis shares her journey as a dyslexic learner and ballet dancer, highlighting how the structured approach to overcoming dyslexia has informed her teaching of dance to young children and led her to advocate for effective learning methods while finding solace in the art of ballet.

Kaya Miskinis reflects on her journey, from facing challenges in early education to developing a love for reading and a passion for Shakespeare, showcasing her determination and growth as a learner.

Topics Covered

The January 2024 issue of Dystinct Magazine brings to you:

Issue 19: Terminology in the education landscape: Some key terms explained | Pamela Snow, Tanya Serry, Nathaniel Swain, Tessa Weadman, Eamon Charles

Pamela Snow, Tanya Serry, Nathaniel Swain, Tessa Weadman, and Eamon Charles, academic staff at the La Trobe University’s Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab explore some key terminology in education.

DYSTINCTDr Pamela Snow

Issue 19: Focus on SOLAR Lab | Eamon Charles

An interview with Eamon Charles, academic staff at La Trobe University’s SOLAR Lab, which is revolutionizing education in Australia and overseas by helping educators adopt well-established, scientific approaches to improve how they teach children to read.

DYSTINCTEamon Charles

Issue 19: Dystinct Report – Flynn & Ava Eldridge’s Interview with Professor Pamela Snow

Young journalists Flynn and Ava Eldridge have a chat with Dr Pamela Snow, Professor of Cognitive Psychology in the School of Education at La Trobe University, Australia, about her work at the SOLAR Lab and her life.

DYSTINCTFlynn Eldridge

Issue 19: Changing Lives - How a father on a mission changed the Ohio Education System | Erica Kaufmann

Erica Kaufmann elaborates on the profound impact of “Connor’s Odyssey: The Right to Read Law” and the Ohio Dyslexia Guidebook on Ohio’s education system, detailing the dedicated efforts of father and advocate Mike McGovern in explaining the transformative change these initiatives have brought about.

DYSTINCTErica Kaufmann

Issue 19: Working with Teaching Assistants to support children with Special educational needs | Sara Alston

Sara Alston emphasizes the importance of training and collaboration between teachers and Teaching Assistants (TAs) to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) effectively, promoting their inclusion and learning success.

DYSTINCTSara Alston

Issue 19: Top 10 Important Reasons Behind Keeping Proper Documentation of School Records | Melissa Robison

Melissa Robison highlights the crucial importance of proper documentation of a child’s educational journey, emphasizing how it can play a pivotal role in advocating for students with diverse needs, ensuring their rights are upheld.

DYSTINCTMelissa Robison

Issue 19: Dystinct Report – Flynn & Blake Eldridge’s Interview with Dr Brock Eide

Dystinct reporters Flynn and Blake Eldridge have a chat with Dr Brock Eide, an international authority on dyslexia and learning differences and co-author of the acclaimed books “The Dyslexic Advantage” and “The Mislabeled Child” about his work and life.

DYSTINCTFlynn Eldridge

Issue 19: A Tale of Two Daughters | Elaine Miskinis

Elaine shares a poignant account of her two daughters, Kaya and Hayden, and their unique journeys with dyslexia. The story emphasizes the critical role of early intervention and advocacy in overcoming the challenges of dyslexia.

DYSTINCTElaine Miskinis

Issue 19: The Gift of Learning How to Learn | Hayden Miskinis

Hayden Miskinis shares her journey as a dyslexic learner and ballet dancer, highlighting how the structured approach to overcoming dyslexia has informed her teaching of dance to young children and led her to advocate for effective learning methods while finding solace in the art of ballet.

DYSTINCTHayden Miskinis

Issue 19: Embracing the magic of Shakespeare | Kaya Miskinis

Kaya Miskinis reflects on her journey, from facing challenges in early education to developing a love for reading and a passion for Shakespeare, showcasing her determination and growth as a learner.

DYSTINCTKaya Miskinis

Editor's Note

Do not be intimidated by the professionals at the table.

This quote by Melissa Robison serves as a powerful reminder that we parents have a seat at the table, too. Don't let the professionals in the room intimidate you. Ask all the questions you need to make sure your child is getting the education they deserve. If something doesn't quite click or feels off, don't be shy about reaching out for help. You're your child's biggest champion, and your voice matters!

As we celebrate the third anniversary of Dystinct Magazine, it has been a privilege to collaborate with Dr Pamela Snow and her remarkable team at La Trobe University's SOLAR Lab in Australia. In this special anniversary issue, we delve into the vital work they are undertaking to revolutionise how schools teach children to read using well-established scientific methods. Dr Pamela Snow, Dr Tanya Serry, Dr Nathaniel Swain, Dr Tessa Weadman, and Eamon Charles provide an insightful article that serves as both an educational explainer and a guide for parents and teachers. They decode complex terms and offer valuable advice on their relevance in contemporary education. We hope you find their insights as enlightening and empowering as I have. Here's to three years of knowledge sharing and growth!

I hope you enjoy reading this issue.

Please get in touch with me if you have any feedback, ideas, or stories to share to change the narrative surrounding learning disabilities.

Get in touch with me at Zahra@Dystinct.org

Thanks

Zahra Nawaz Shafeeq

Extracts from the Magazine

Featured Illustrations