First of all, this is my 400th post. I will make myself a cake to celebrate this major milestone.
And now, I will tell you about a real milestone.
There are times my kids achieve wonderful things as a result of work, desire, and natural talent. This week, my daughter achieved something as a result of work and desire but not so much because of natural talent. It is something that doesn't come naturally or easily to her. She has worked very, very hard to make this happen. She read her first chapter book all by herself. We have read many books together aloud. This week, she decided to read a book she got for Christmas. She set a goal to read it in two days. She stayed up past her bedtime to achieve this goal. And she did it. Hurray!
Earlier this week, I read an article in a parenting magazine about how to recognize dyslexia in your toddler or preschooler. Every sign given in the article aligned with my daughter's struggles. I don't think her dyslexia is severe, but it has presented some challenges. When I have asked "experts" about her reading, they have told me they think she is lazy and impatient. They have told me that her struggles are my fault for not teaching her right. I am relieved to have read the article and know what I have suspected for years. My older sister has a child who works through dyslexia and I have learned teaching techniques from her that I have used to help my daughter be successful. This week's achievement marks a major milestone in her progress. We will continue to help her as best we can. The natural talent she has that will be the most beneficial to her is her amazing determination. This girl can do anything because she is willing to put in the work to make it so!
3 comments:
Awesome! I am dyslexic. I found out when I was 23. I sat there dumbfounded then got all excited. the psychologist that was testing me got all confused at my excitement. He asked if I understood. I told him that yes! I did, it meant I had a disibility that could be helped, I wasnt stupid!
We have been concerned about it with C. His OT has him do midline exercises. it helps retrain the brain and open more neuropathways. Anything you can have her do to cross that midline is great. left hand to right knee and vise versa. She also blows bubbles and makes him pop them with his finger by poking them and he has to reach across to do it.. You are creative, make games out of it and involve the other kids. Read the book the gift of dyslexia too.
Huzzah on both counts! My sister was so relieved when her daughter was finally diagnosed with dyslexia because then she knew what to do. And great work on finishing the book!
I discovered your blog at random, and have a bit of trouble reading the font, but persevered because it reminded me of my homeschooling days. How I loves them! Now my children are all in public school ( grades 4, 8, and 11), but my heart is always a homeschooling one.
Crossing the midline activities are great! Also great are books on tape. A good resource are the books of Peggy Kaye: Games for Reading, Games for Learning, Games for Writing, etc.
But best of all, your attitude of not worrying about this is good. Some kids take longer to be ready for reading. Some kids have dyslexia, and reading may always be a struggle. For them, audio books are the way to go.
Also, note that some dyslexics manage to go into fields that you wouldn't expect for dyslexia, like the author Avi, and Professor Jack Horner, the paleontologist.
Best of luck to you, and enjoy these years!
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