| How to Study with Dyslexia Posted: 26 Jan 2021 04:00 PM PST If you have dyslexia, you probably find studying a bit more difficult than other students. This might get you down, but don't worry! It's important to know that this isn't your fault at all, and it's a problem that you can overcome with some work and dedication. If you don't know how to start, we've got you covered. Here are answers to some of your most common questions about how to study successfully with dyslexia. [Edit]How do I read effectively with dyslexia? - Read slowly so the material is easier to understand. Reading can be tough with dyslexia, and you might feel intimidated if you have to do a lot of reading for a test. The best way to improve your comprehension is to go slowly and don't rush. Break down each word into syllables so you recognize what it means. This way, you won't feel as confused while you're reading.[1]
- If you come across any words you don't recognize, look them up so you understand what you're reading.
- Reading out loud is a great way to keep yourself focused.
- Try to break your reading into small sections too. It's harder to concentrate if you read a lot at once and get tired.[2]
[Edit]What are some ways I can improve my memory? - Try using visual cues and exercises to stimulate your memory. Colors, tables, diagrams, and pictures all stimulate the brain and make information a lot more memorable. Try to use as many visual aids while you're studying as possible. Either find them in your textbooks or online, or make your own to fit your studying needs.[3]
- For example, on a test where you need to compare and contrast things, you could make your own Venn diagram to break things down.
- Even simply color-coding your own notes gives you visual cues to spark your memory.
- Flashcards are great for color-coded visuals too. Even better, you can bring them with you anywhere and get some extra studying in.
- You could also try to associate pictures with certain words or reading passages. This triggers your brain to remember them better.
[Edit]How do I manage my time with dyslexia? - Stay organized to make the most of your study time. Keep all of your books and study materials neat and tidy so you don't have to waste time finding everything. Writing your notes neatly, using post-its in your books, and color-coding your study sheets all help you study effectively without losing any time.[4]
- Having a designated study spot can help too. Working in the same spot tells your brain that it's time to study.
- Break large tasks into smaller ones so they're easier to complete. It can feel overwhelming to focus on large tasks. The best way to get around this is by dividing those tasks up. That way, you can focus all your energy on the task at hand without burning out or getting tired.[5]
- For example, if you have to study a chapter for a math test, break the chapter into equal sections. Then go through one per day leading up to the test.
- This also works for written assignments. If you have to write a 10-page paper, try breaking it up into 3 or 4 sections and writing one per day.
[Edit]What kind of technology or tools are good for dyslexics? - Audio, dictation, and visual programs are some of the best. These digital tools are great for making work more fun and sparking your memory. Use as many as you can to make studying easier.[6]
- Audio programs can read assignments and questions to you out loud. This is helpful if you have trouble following written instructions. Many school libraries have this software available.
- Dictation programs are good if you have trouble translating your thoughts into writing. You can just recite what you're thinking or reading, and the program will put it into text.
- Visual aids like PowerPoint or Prezi are full of colors, tables, and pictures to help keep you focused.
[Edit]How do I avoid forgetting about tests and assignments? - Carefully plan and schedule your work. Keep a planner or use the calendar in your phone to write down any assignments that you have. Get into the habit of checking the planner every day to make sure you don't miss any assignments.[7]
- Also set reminders for yourself. If you have a test tomorrow and need to study, set an alarm to go off at 4 PM to remind you that it's study time.
- As a lower-tech solution, some dyslexics write notes to themselves at home to remind them of things. You could keep a whiteboard in your room and write "Test Tuesday" so you remember to study.
[Edit]What subjects are dyslexics good at? - Dyslexics can get good at any subject with hard work and dedication. There aren't any particular subjects that dyslexics are better at. The most important thing is to invest in yourself and develop strong study habits. This way, you can tackle any subject.[8]
- Dyslexics do tend to have less trouble with math because they might find numbers easier to follow than words. This isn't universal, however, and some dyslexics get confused when looking at numbers.[9]
[Edit]Can I still go to college if I have dyslexia? - Of course you can still go to college! There's no reason at all that someone with dyslexia can't handle college work. Not only can you attend college, but you can excel! If you're preparing to go to college, here are a few skills to develop:[10]
- Good time management skills. You'll have to juggle a lot in college, and your school won't organize your schedule for you. Work on scheduling and planning out your time to stay organized.
- Self-discipline. Your parents and teachers won't be able to keep you on track, so work on disciplining yourself to work hard.
- Reading skills. College-level reading is a bit harder than you're used to, so practice reading as much as you can.
[Edit]What types of jobs are dyslexics good at? - Dyslexics can do anything they want to do! Studies show that there is no career choice that suits dyslexic people better, so you don't have to worry about shaping your career around it. It's much better to follow what you enjoy or are good at. This is a better indicator of career success than any learning problems you might have.[11]
- Dyslexics can even do well in reading-heavy careers like law or medicine. There's no reason you shouldn't follow your passions just because of dyslexia.
[Edit]Are there ways for me to get help if I need it? - Absolutely, there are many ways you can get help. Never hesitate to reach out to family, friends, guidance counselors, teacher, and tutors for assistance. There is always someone who can help you if you need it.[12]
- Talk to the guidance counselor at your school to find out what resources are available, like targeted help or small group intervention.[13]
- Asking your friends or family to proofread your work before you hand it in is a good way to catch any mistakes.
- Most schools have writing or reading tutors that can be a huge help to improve your study skills. If not, consider hiring a private tutor.[14]
- Don't be afraid to reach out to your teacher or professor. Ask for any accommodations that you might need, like extra test time, a study guide, or tips on how to prepare.
- Remember that practice makes perfect. The more you read and study, the better you'll get.
- Take advantage of any resources that your school offers, like a computer lab with audio equipment you can use. These are great tools to help you focus and learn.
[Edit]References |
| How to Repair a Terracotta Pot Posted: 26 Jan 2021 08:00 AM PST Terracotta pots are an asset to many home gardens, but not when they're cracked and broken. Before you pick up a new pot from your local gardening store, check around your home for a few simple repair supplies. Within a day or so, you might get your favorite terracotta pots back in working order again! - Move your pot to a well-ventilated area. Epoxy fumes are no joke, and are no fun to breathe in. Find an open, well-ventilated space where you can repair your pot so you don't have to inhale any nasty chemicals.[1]
- A room with several open windows can work, or you can repair it outside.
- Wipe down the broken shards with a cloth to remove any dirt. Grab a clean cloth and brush off any obvious dirt or grime from your terracotta pot so the pieces fit together snugly. It's okay if your pieces are still a little dusty afterwards—you'll probably be filling your pots with soil, anyway.[2]
- Stir equal parts of epoxy and hardener together. Pour a blueberry-sized amount of both epoxy resin and hardener on a paper plate or dish. Grab a toothpick and mix them both together before you start reconstructing your pot.[3]
- Check the instructions on your epoxy packages beforehand. Some glues might come pre-mixed, so you don't have to worry about stirring them together.
- Silicone caulk is also a good option for repairing a broken terracotta pot. You can also buy caulk in a color that best matches your pot![4]
- Mix colored clay powder into the epoxy mixture so it matches your pot. Scoop a small spoonful of powdered clay and mix it in with the epoxy. This helps the epoxy blend in well with your terracotta pot, creating a more seamless finish.[5]
- You can find powdered clay online, or at your local ceramics or craft store.
- Spread the epoxy over the cracked edge with a toothpick. Dip a clean toothpick into the epoxy mixture and spread it along the base section of the crack. Keep dipping and spreading the epoxy in a thin layer along the fissure, so your broken shards have no trouble sticking together.[6]
- You only need to spread epoxy on the bottom portion of your pot.
- Don't worry if you use too much epoxy—you can always wipe off the excess with an acetone-soaked towel or cloth.[7]
- Press the broken piece into the glue and hold it for several seconds. Grab the broken section and center it exactly over the epoxy, as though you're putting together a puzzle. Hold the shard in place for several seconds with your fingers, or secure it in place with a metal clamp.[8]
- Let the epoxy dry overnight so it can cure completely. Double-check the instructions on your epoxy bottle to see how much time it needs to dry and cure. Some products need at least 1 night to cure completely.[9]
- Don't use your pot until the epoxy is completely dried and cured.
- Sand down the surface with fine sandpaper to make it smooth and flat. Grab a sheet of super fine-grit sandpaper and rub along the glued seam of your pot. Work away any imperfections or inconsistencies, so your pot feels smooth and seamless. At this point, you'll be ready to use your pot again![10]
- Dust off the pieces of your pot with a clean cloth. Go over the sides and edges of your terracotta pot with a rag, cleaning away any leftover dust and grime. Sometimes, dirt gets stuck in the broken cracks and makes the pot more tricky to repair.[11]
- Fit the broken piece of terracotta into the correct spot. Arrange the broken shard carefully, lining up the broken edges exactly with the bottom of the pot. Check that the piece is steady before removing your hand.[12]
- Depending on the break, you may need to hold the broken shard in place.
- Pencil in dotted marks on both sides of the terracotta crack. Mark each dot about away from the broken seam. Space out these dots about or so apart, like you're sketching out a row of eyelets on a pair of shoes.[13]
- Essentially, you'll be threading the wire through these marks to "sew" the pot back together.
- Drill into the pencil marks with a masonry drill bit. Install a thin masonry bit in your drill and drill into each dot. Set your drill to a high setting, so you don't have any difficulty getting through the terracotta.[14]
- Don't use a standard drill bit for this—you don't want to damage your equipment or pot.
- Cut a length of copper wire into several pieces. Lay out a section of copper wire, measuring and marking every . Snip off these short sections of wire with a pair of wire cutters, and set the pieces aside.[15]
- This wire will be the "thread" that sews your pot back together.
- String the wire through 2 holes above and below the crack. Slide 1 end of the wire through the top hole, and the other end into the bottom hole. Keep the wire even while you thread it, so even pieces of wire are going through the pot. Repeat this process with each set of drilled holes along the broken seam.[16]
- Twist the wires together along the inside of the pot. Grab a pair of pliers and twist the wires together into a coil. Do your best to make this as tight as possible, so the pot stays together.[17]
- Push the twisted wires against the inner edge of the pot. Press along the coiled wires until they're snug against the inner wall of your terracotta pot. This way, your pot is much more likely to stay together![18]
- Once you've twisted and pushed in all your wires, you can use your pot again.
- If your terracotta pot is shattered into many pieces, it might be worth getting a new pot.
- Some people find that gorilla glue works well for repairing pots. You can apply this just like the epoxy.[19]
- If your terracotta pot is only cracked, you can fill in the cracks with several layers of joint compound. Then, you can sand over the dried compound and spray waterproof sealant on top.[20]
[Edit]Warnings - Always wear safety goggles when you use power tools.[21]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Epoxy (resin and hardener) or silicon caulk
- Cloth
- Toothpick
- Powdered clay
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Clean cloth
- Pencil
- Electric drill
- Masonry drill bit
- Copper wire
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
[Edit]References |
| How to Recycle Coconut Shells Posted: 26 Jan 2021 12:00 AM PST If you've ever enjoyed sweet coconut meat or hydrating coconut water, you've probably been left with the dilemma of what to do with the coconut shell. Since it's such a huge part of the fruit, it can be tough to just throw it out with the trash. If you have a coconut shell that you'd like to recycle into something useful, you can spend an afternoon doing a DIY project to decorate your home with. Plus, you'll be reducing your waste and cutting down on your garbage output. It's a win-win! [Edit]Coconut Shell Bowls - Sand the coconut shell with sandpaper until it's smooth. If your coconut shell still has hair on the outside, pull that off as best you can. Then, use a piece of 80-grit sandpaper to start sanding the outside. Once it feels smooth, move onto a 240-grit sandpaper, then a 400-grit sandpaper.[1]
- Staple your piece of sandpaper to a block of wood for an easier handhold.
- Sanding is probably the part that takes the longest in this project. Expect to spend about 30 minutes on sanding!
- Saw the coconut shell in half. Hold the coconut steady with one hand and pick up a hand saw with the other. Saw the coconut in half, making sure both halves are fairly even, until you're left with 2 separate halves of the coconut.[2]
- If you're worried about your halves being uneven, use a marker to draw a line down the center of the coconut before you start.
- If your coconut shell still has meat or water in it, drain / cut it out before you move on.
- Sand the inside of the coconut shell until it's smooth. Grab your 80-grit sandpaper again and use it on the inside of both coconut shells. Keep going until the shell feels smooth, then move onto your 240-grit and 400-grit.[3]
- The sanding on the inside shouldn't take quite as long since it doesn't have the hairy outside. However, it still might take you a little elbow grease to get it done.
- Rub mineral oil into the shell with a cloth to seal the bowl. Drizzle of mineral oil into the bowl and use a cloth to spread it around, making sure to get the top, bottom, and sides. You'll really start to see the color pop![4]
- Wait 20 minutes for the oil to soak in and wipe off any excess. Set your bowl aside and let the oil soak in. Then, take a clean cloth and wipe off any drips so the mineral oil dries shiny and smooth.[5]
- Your bowl will look a little more matte as the oil dries.
- Wipe on more mineral oil at least 3 more times. The coconut shell is pretty dry, so it needs a lot of oil to make it shine. Keep adding mineral oil, letting it dry, and wiping off the excess until the color looks deep and rich.[6]
- Now you have 2 coconut shell bowls! If they get dirty, wash them by hand with water and mild dish soap, and keep them out of the dishwasher at all costs.
[Edit]Coconut Shell Planters - Cut the top of the shell off. Mark off the top of the shell with a permanent marker or a pencil, then grab your handsaw. Use the saw to cut the top part of the shell off but leave the majority intact.[7]
- The top part of the shell will be the drainage plate, while the bottom part will be the actual pot.
- If your coconut still has water or meat in it, drain it and cut the meat out.
- Sand the inside and the outside of the shell to make them smooth. Start with a piece of 80-grit sandpaper and go to town on both pieces of the shell. Make sure you get the tops, bottoms, inside, and outside of each piece to make it nice and smooth. Then, use a piece of 240-grit sandpaper to really make your coconut shell shine.[8]
- Sanding takes the longest, but it will be worth it when your plant pots look professionally made!
- Cut a hole in the small piece of shell with a saw. Grab the smaller piece of shell and make a circle in the center, leaving about around the border. Use your saw to cut out the hole so you're left with just the border (or a hollow circle).[9]
- This is the base that the plant pot will sit on.
- Drill a hole into the bottom of the large shell for drainage. Grab a drill and attach a masonry bit, then turn your large coconut shell upside down. Drill a hole into the center of the bottom part to let the water drain out when you water your plant.[10]
- Not adding a drainage hole can lead to too much moisture in your plants, which can cause mold or mildew.
- Coat the shell pieces in mineral oil. Pour of mineral oil onto each piece of your coconut shell and rub it in with a cloth. The color will turn deep brown and your plant pots will start to look shiny![11]
- If you prefer the light brown of your coconut shells, don't add any mineral oil.
- Mineral oil is food safe, so it won't hurt your plants.
- Set the large shell on top of the small shell as a drainage plate. Place the small hollowed out circle wherever you'd like your plant to sit, then set your large shell on top of it. Fill the shell up with potting soil, then use it to plant your plant![12]
- When you water your plant, the excess moisture will run out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.
- Make sure your coconut shells are super smooth before you make them into bowls or planters!
- Some organizations will take your old coconut shells and turn them into a composite material for reuse. To find an organization like that near you, search for "coconut shell composite material" + your city.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Use caution whenever you're using hand tools or power tools. If you aren't sure how to use them, check the manufacturer's instructions.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 80-grit, 240-grit, and 400-grit sandpaper
- Hand saw
- Knife
- Mineral oil
- Cloth
[Edit]Plant Pots - Knife
- Hand saw
- Permanent marker
- Drill
- 80-grit and 240-grit sandpaper
- Masonry drill bit
- Mineral oil
- Cloth
[Edit]References |
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