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Mark it Read

October is #MarkItRead2021

For many children reading is more than a challenge. Falling through the cracks in class and not knowing why is frustrating and embarrassing. I should know, I am dyslexic. The challenges I faced not knowing why I cannot retain information was overwhelming. But as a writer, I have found there are ways of overcoming reading, writing and retaining information.  

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. The “Mark It Read” campaign was launched four years ago by Dyslexia Canada and sponsored by IG Wealth Management. 

”As a founding partner of Dyslexia Canada, IG Wealth Management is proud to help champion the charity's annual Mark it Read campaign," said Damon Murchison, President and CEO, IG Wealth Management. "By improving literacy among young Canadians and those most vulnerable, we can help foster better-educated and more financially confident communities across the country.” 

For kids who struggle with dyslexia, the red marking pen is a constant reminder they are somehow not meeting their potential and they don’t understand why. It truly makes you feel like a failure. Mark it read brings awareness and support to help children read, write and spell giving them the learning tools they need to be successful in school and in life. 

In support of children travelling through their educational journey, the city of Moose Jaw will be lighting up the city hall clock tower in red on October 19th. Canadians are encouraged to visit the buildings and monuments lit up in red across Canada and share a photo on Facebook using the hashtag #MarkItRead2021.  

"Families and educators are struggling to provide the resources needed to help students with dyslexia learn to read. The situation has gotten worse over the last 18 months as an increasing number of children are failing to learn to read.  It is heart-breaking as we know that over 75% of children who do not master reading by grade 3 will continue to struggle with reading,” says Christine Staley, Executive Director of Dyslexia Canada. "For parents and students with dyslexia, the only options to get help are to either wait years for school assessments or hope that educators have the resources to provide support, or pay tens of thousands of dollars in private assessments and tutors". You can by donating to Dyslexia Canada at https://www.dyslexiacanada.org/

"The truth is, getting the help a child with dyslexia needs to learn the fundamental skill of reading is out of reach for most Canadians families, and teachers are not being provided the tools and resources they require," says Keith Gray, Chair of Dyslexia Canada. "We are hearing stories of children being grades behind. Their parents and teachers are feeling helpless.  We need a comprehensive approach at a systemic level that ensures children with dyslexia get the education and chance at life that they deserve.”

The Moose Jaw Library is also helping with Mark it Read. Wear red to show support of Dyslexia Awareness Month. Contact the library for more information at 306-692-2787.

If you or a family member is struggling with reading and writing the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan have opened their Moose Jaw office located at 109 Ominica St. W. They are hosting an open house on Oct 26. For more information on learning disabilities call 306-566-0035

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