Colours
Introducing one of my favourite dyslexics, she lives in London but has Shropshire links and is an avid supporter of Dyslexia Information Day events, its my pleasure to introduce to you today as my 2nd blog for Dyslexia Awareness Week 2014, the fabulous . . .
Name:
Penny Topsom
Age (optional):
47yrs, (19 in my head!)
Business name:
Multiplication Rules!
A brief description of what you/your business do/does:
Designed a new way of enjoying times tables and then introducing division. By encouraging the use of maths patterns to learn and understand those pesky tables, it’s a visual tool. I have gone from writing a book to now developing maths resources that schools and parents /carers can use. Using number counters and a simple grid, it works without you having to write down endless lists of numbers. We hope to encourage a deeper understanding, and fascination with numbers that will lead on to increased confidence in your abilities, something that we all deserve the right to enjoy.
Area you live/your business is based:
South East London
When did you find out you were dyslexic?
At 15 years old, my art teacher in my last year of school finally took my mum seriously, schools back then didn’t recognise dyslexia.
How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?
No different, the damage had already been done! I went through school constantly being accused of being stupid and lazy. Something always told me though that I wasn’t, now I can use my resilience and stubbornness in a positive way.
What difference has it made, if any, to your life /business since you found out you are dyslexic?
No difference really, still can’t spell for toffee, can’t find my lefts and rights but I now recognise the strengths that I have. My ability to think ‘round a problem’ has proved to be very useful.
What advice would you offer to other dyslexics?
Rejoice in the unusual but unique rewiring of your brain and always have confidence whatever’s going on inside. Think of it as a gift.
What do you do to relax/hobbies?
Relax, what’s that. I have three growing boys, so most of my time is spent attempting to supply whatever the latest demand is, I do love long walks – watching the world go by and eating cake!
Anything you want to add?
Just one simple question, who invented the word ‘dyslexia’, were they having a laugh giving us a name that no-one knows how to spell! Maybe it’s to encourage equality.
contact details:
www.multiplicationrules.co.uk
e-mail via the above website
Failing that: 07477 589 375
Failing that my pigeon likes to sit on tall buildings watching the world drift by.
