Appleseeds is published by The Hamilton Institute at Wheeler. In line with The Institute’s core mission, the goal of Appleseeds is to spread awareness about learning differences and shed light on notable work happening in the field.
Maryanne Wolf Keynotes 5th Annual Learning Differences Conference
On a cold February day in Rhode Island, Maryanne Wolf, Zoomed in from sunny California, delivering the keynote address for The Hamilton Institute’s 5th Annual Learning Differences Conference.
Maryanne Wolf is an advocate for children and literacy around the world. She directs UCLA’s Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice. She is the author of over 160 publications and books, including: Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain and Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World.
Over 120 people registered to hear Maryanne deliver her address, "How the Reading Brain Teaches Us to Read, Think, and Teach in a Digital Culture.” Maryanne’s talk was described by participants as “powerful,” “insightful,” and “passionate.” Many noted Maryanne’s focus on equity when it comes to literacy. More than once, she emphatically stated that “reading is a civil right.”
Following the keynote presentation, participants chose from a selection of breakout groups “Fostering Friendships and Social Connections in Children with Learning Differences,” led by Brittany Ciullo, MA, CCC-SLP, “Foundations for Reading and Writing Readiness,” led by Lise Faulise, MS, OTR/L, BCP, “Math Instruction for Students with Language-Based Learning Differences,” led by Cheryl Cook, Academic Dean, Lawrence School, Ohio, and “Assistive Technologies for Reading, Writing, and Spelling,” led by Rich Jenkins, Wheeler & Hamilton Lower School Tech Facilitator.
Bob Ballard Honored with Hamilton Life Achievement Award
In March, The Hamilton School presented its 28th Life Achievement Award to Dr. Bob Ballard, an oceanographer, scientist, educator, and explorer. He also has dyslexia and ADHD. He is most widely known for his discovery of the R.M.S. Titanic and the German battleship, Bismarck, Dr. Ballard spent a jam-packed day on the Wheeler campus, speaking with Hamilton students and faculty, visiting classrooms, and addressing the entire school community in a special assembly.
“This is charging my soul. I love being with kids who are like I was, and giving them some friendly advice on how to get down a bumpy road. I want them to know that there is a wonderful life waiting for them, and that they’re lucky to be dyslexic–they just need to learn how to be a dyslexic in the modern day world. I want them to know that they’re not alone, that there are wonderful things waiting for them and they just need to follow their passion.”
Students and the adult community were enamored by Dr. Ballard’s energetic presence. Students at Hamilton, in particular, noted how Dr. Ballard inspired them and boosted their self confidence. Following their time with Dr. Ballard, a few fifth graders shared their take. One said, “It makes me feel really good to know that people with learning differences can do really great things.” The other added about her dyslexia, “He made me feel like I have a super power!”
"The Disruptors" Film Screening
The 2nd Annual Learning Differences Seminar Series centered on a screening of “The Disruptors” —an acclaimed documentary that reframes the myths and misconceptions of ADHD through personal stories including many game-changing people with ADHD. Over 100 guests participated in the hybrid format.
“The Disruptors” is being lauded as the first definitive, comprehensive documentary film on ADHD, one of the most commonly diagnosed, and widely misunderstood neurological conditions in the world today.
Over seven million US children, and over 23 million adults are diagnosed with ADHD. “The Disruptors” provides an inside look at five families currently living with this condition. The award-winning film also hears from the nation’s top experts on ADHD, and spotlights a small army of high-profile, game-changing personalities about their ADHD, as they testify to the challenges as well as the “super skills” they have leveraged to achieve great success.
Following the screening, participants took part in a Q&A, moderated by Jeanette Epstein, Director of The Hamilton Institute and Director of Hamilton School Enrollment. The panel including Pam Levanos, Academic Support and Upper School Faculty; Zach Edson, Hamilton Middle School Science Teacher; and Bill McCarthy, Head of the Hamilton School.
Launch of The Hamilton Summer Program
In 2023, its first year, The Hamilton Summer Program enrolled 25 students entering 2nd through 7th grades. Led by Hamilton School Faculty, the program runs for four weeks and is open to current Hamilton and Wheeler students, as well as children in the broader community. Summer enrollment in 2023 included students representing 16 schools around Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Check out the specifics of each grade level's time together by viewing the end-of-program newsletter.
"We loved everything about this program. The social emotional impact was evident day one. Our son didn’t resist going even once, and the avoidance that we face every day of the school year was completely nonexistent."
The Hamilton Summer Program will run July 8 - August 3, 2024.
Orton-Gillingham Teacher Training
Summer of 2023 consisted of five Orton-Gillingham courses, including Classroom Educator and Associate Level work. Over 50 teachers received training in this evidence-based approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling.
Details, dates, and cost for 2024 coursework can be found on the Hamilton Institute website. Registration is open!
Hamilton School enters its 35th Year
September of 2023 marked the start of year 35 of The Hamilton School at Wheeler.
For details about 35th celebrations, including the 2024 Hamilton Life Achievement Award, check out the Hamilton School's landing page.
Tips for Home & School: Sensory Path
Occupational therapist, Lise Faulise spoke with The Hamilton Institute about this easy to implement and seriously impactful strategy. A sensory path is a structured movement activity that offers calming and organizing sensory input to "tune-up" a child’s energy levels. Families and educators can individualize the intensity and the frequency, giving more or less sensory feedback as needed.
Sensory Paths support regulation, skill-building, and developing social-emotional capacities.
Some suggested movements include changes in head positioning (walking on hands and feet with head down), resistive muscle work (squats, wall push ups), deep touch pressure (wall slides, army crawling), and joint compression (frog jumps, hopscotch).
There are many benefits to the types of movements within the sensory path, such as reducing anxiety, building resiliency, increasing processing speed and improving focus. This is also referred to as, "getting in a ready state for learning."
Some ideas might include: jumping and "safe crashing" in spaces with pillows or cushions, log rolling over pillows, using a mattress hill for climbing up and sliding down, and making carpet snow angels. Then, you can end with a quiet story in a dark cave space created by pillows, blankets, and mats.
Discuss what activities your child likes and how they support their energy level changes and focus. When they finish playing in their space do they feel calm, energized, and/or ready to learn? And does that energy level match the energy level needed for the activity they are about to begin?
- Sensory Corridors: Move to Learn
- What is a Sensory Path? How Hallway Decals Help Kids Focus, Exercise, and Learn
- Get the Wiggle Out: Sensory Paths a Motor-Based Intervention to Decrease Out-of-Seat Events...
Tips from Educational Advocate, Christine Levy
The Hamilton Institute connected with Christine Levy, M.Ed., of Levy Educational Advocacy, located in Rhode Island. Christine's past experience in the field includes that as a classroom teacher, special education director, and lower school director. And, she's a parent! Her background and passion position her as a skilled and professional educational advocate.
In collaboration with The Hamilton Institute, Christine curated a brief guide that offers a crash course in educational advocacy by answering common questions and dispelling some myths.
Resources for Homeschool Families
Part of The Hamilton Institute's mission of community outreach, is responding when specific needs are highlighted. One such need is supporting parents and caregivers who homeschool their children, specifically those who have language-based learning differences.
Through reading screenings, individual consultations, and two homeschool literacy workshops, The Institute has connected with and supported over 15 homeschool caregivers.
Reading Screenings, Open to the Community, Free to All
The Hamilton Institute continues to provide free reading screenings to the public. The screenings are conducted virtually and take 40-60 minutes. This service is currently open to students in grades K-8. Learn more and sign up for an in-person or virtual reading screening at The Hamilton Institute website.
Year in Review: 2023 issue. Appleseeds is produced by The Hamilton Institute. Contact us at hamiltoninstitute@wheelerschool.org