BCCL To Host Free Dyslexia Workshops
The Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning [BCCL] will mark Dyslexia Awareness Month this October by hosting internationally respected literacy expert Dr. Jennifer Petrich for two free workshops designed to help parents and educators better understand how children learn to read and how to support those who struggle.
A spokesperson said, “Now in its third year, BCCL’s Dyslexia Awareness Month initiative reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to building greater community understanding of dyslexia and other learning differences by sharing practical knowledge and resources with families and educators across Bermuda.
“Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences. According to the International Dyslexia Association, as many as 15 to 20 percent of people may experience some symptoms of dyslexia, including difficulties with reading, spelling and writing. Dyslexia occurs across all intellectual levels and does not reflect intelligence or a desire to learn. With appropriate teaching and support, students with dyslexia can learn successfully.
“BCCL Head of School and Co-founder Lindsey Sirju said the annual initiative is an important part of the school’s commitment to sharing its knowledge and expertise with the wider Bermuda community.”
“At BCCL, we see every day the difference it makes when students are taught in ways that reflect how they learn best. For the past three years, our Dyslexia Awareness Month workshops have allowed us to share that knowledge with the wider community. We want parents and teachers to feel empowered with information that helps them better understand how children learn and, importantly, what they can do to support children’s learning.”
A spokesperson added, “Dr. Petrich, Co-founder of Literacy Dr, LLC, will lead both sessions, drawing on current reading research and practical approaches to literacy instruction.
“The parent information session, How the Brain Learns to Read: What Every Parent Should Know About Reading, Spelling, and Language, will take place on Friday, October 2nd from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The session will explore how children learn to read, why some learners struggle with reading and spelling, and practical ways families can support literacy and confidence at home.”
“Learning to read is a complex process, and it doesn’t come easily for every child,” said Dr. Petrich. “When parents and educators understand how our English writing system works and how our brain learns to read, they are better able to recognise why a child may be struggling and how to support them. Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence or potential. The right instruction can make an enormous difference.”
A spokesperson added, “On Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Dr. Petrich will lead the professional development workshop, Beyond Phonics: How the Reading Brain Meets Structured Word Inquiry, for educators. The interactive session will explore the Science of Reading and Structured Word Inquiry, with practical classroom strategies to strengthen reading, spelling, vocabulary and comprehension and support students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
“This year’s workshops have been made possible through a donation from Ascot Bermuda, enabling BCCL to bring Dr. Petrich to Bermuda and make both sessions available free of charge.”
“Supporting stronger communities starts with investing in education. Ascot is pleased to partner with the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning to expand access to reading specialist training for teachers throughout Bermuda, helping create greater opportunities for students across the island,” said an Ascot Bermuda Charity Committee representative.
A spokesperson added, “Jane Vickers, BCCL’s Director of Communications and Advancement, thanked Ascot for making this year’s program possible.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Ascot for their support,” said Ms. Vickers. “Their donation has allowed us to bring Dr. Petrich to Bermuda and make her expertise available free of charge to parents and teachers from across the Island. It means the impact of this program can reach well beyond BCCL and into homes and classrooms across Bermuda.”
A spokesperson added, “Both workshops will take place at the BCCL Student Centre, 41 Cedar Avenue, Cedar House, Hamilton. Registration is limited and advance registration is required. Participants can reserve a place through the “About” section of the BCCL website.
“For more information or to register for the Dyslexia Month workshops, visit bccl.bm.”
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