For those of you who know me well, I know right now you are thinking what's one more.... child. Unfortunately this post is not to announce that we are adopting another child (though if God drops a baby in my lap, well, that would be a different story; just don't tell David). In this case, I'm saying, what's one more diagnosis.
Over the years I've noticed many things in Conner and Madi that lead me to believe they might be dyslexic. I finally found a good place to get them tested, and it turns out my suspicions were correct. Both kiddos were diagnosed with dyslexia. They are both so smart and have done so well, despite their learning difficulties. Most people would never notice, but of course being their mom and teacher means I notice the "little" stuff.
We had a meeting to go over the results of their psychoeducational testing and we got some great ideas to help us continue to teach them at home. We will be starting some new curriculum and programs. I'm excited to watch them blossom with the right tools. I'm also going to be using many of the programs with Ramya, and I really believe it's going to help her as well.
The meeting was a bit of a relief for me, and in fact I cried. I always took their learning challenges personally, thinking their must be something wrong with the way I was teaching them. Of course I know that's not true, but it was easy to feel. I couldn't figure out how someone with their Master's Degree in elementary education AND a reading endorsement, not to mention a 1 to 4 ratio and an extreme amount of dedication, could fail to teach her kids reading, spelling, and writing. Of course they are doing all of those things, but not always fluently or easily, and retaining information is hard for them. I really know that they are thriving and excelling, despite their challenges, because they are allowed to learn at their own pace, based on their interests and learning styles. I know it in my head, but my heart didn't always believe it.
So now it's official, we have added another diagnoses for Madi, and Conner's first. We haven't let any of the other diagnoses stop us yet, and we aren't about to let any stop us now. I know it won't slow them down. These kids will change the world one day, I just know it!
http://www.dyslexiagames.com a great program that I used with my youngest daughter 3 years ago. She was 12 and struggled to read at a 1-2 grade level. She is now a freshman in public high school and getting straight A's. She still has to work harder than others her age to read, but it made a huge difference for her.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Vicki, I will look in to that! I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you have heard of this or not but Toe by Toe is supposed to be a good resource for dyslexic children. It’s worth a try at least for a while. I’ve often used it with my pupils (I’m a elementary school English language arts teacher). By the way your family are so lovely. My only son has Spina Bifida as well (his lesion level is L1-L2).
ReplyDeleteChloe
I will check out toe to toe. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteDyslexia and dyscalculia don’t affect intelligence. We have been seeing signs of dyscalculia in our SB son this year and I’m at a loss for how to help him progress. If you could recommend any resources that would be greatly appreciated thwnk you very much!
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