Public or school-based libraries are a great resource for parents, adults, or kids who are interested in learning more about dyslexia! October is dyslexia awareness month, and parents of younger students will turn to their public library for help and resources. School-aged kids will love seeing themselves represented in their library to know they are not alone! Scroll past the photos for some great ideas and downloadable resources.

Create a Display

Parent/educator book ideas: The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan by Ben Foss, Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, Language at the Speed of Sight by Mark Seidenberg, Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf

Kids/teens book ideas: Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco, Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan, Hank Zipzer or Here’s Hank by Henry Winkler

Put some informational flyers up about dyslexia including this downloadable flyer from Decoding Dyslexia Tennessee. MTSU’s Center for Dyslexia also offers some wonderful printable resources.

Host and event for the public!

• Super heroes and comic books: Dyslexia and comics books or graphic novels go together like peanut butter and jelly. Many dyslexic adults will tell you they learned to read thanks to comic books (they aren’t as intimidating) and superheroes often are misunderstood yet have amazing gifts, just like our kids.
• Camp Half-Blood: Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series features dyslexic main characters. In fact, all the kids at Camp Half Blood have ADHD or dyslexia! Host an event with a reading from one of the books, give away Camp Half Blood bookmarks, and have a dress up party
• Host a training for parents by partnering with your local college, just please ensure they know it’s dyslexia event. Sadly, the reading wars have caused not all colleges to be dyslexia friendly, but if you have a university or college nearby that is (MTSU, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt), ask them if they have anyone who can host a talk!
• Ask a DD TN parent to host a parent meet and greet session where parents can chat about their triumphs and trials with enjoying so me yummy treats (coffee) and book suggestions
• Book discussion/club: Host a book discussion for one of the books listed above

There are so many ideas! Please, tag us (@DecodingDyslexiaTN) on social media if you host an event. We’d love to see it!