This one’s for the mamas who love a child with special needs, written by my friend Richele from Under the Golden Apple Tree.
My heart broke at her request. I could kiss boo boos, show her China on a map, and explain the life cycle of a butterfly. Yet, she asked me to do what I could not. She wanted to learn to read.
At six years old, she already noticed kids reading words she could not. A friend started the school year a non-reader and halfway through the school year he learned to read. She still struggled with simple words. As she wondered what was wrong with her, I blamed myself. Was I using the wrong curriculum? Was I putting enough time into her lessons? By the end of the school year, I realized the time came to seek a professional evaluation.
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She stood labeled. Dyslexic. To her, the diagnosis confirmed her inadequacy. The feeling was no stranger to her but now it had a name. To me, the diagnosis confirmed we needed to follow a different path of learning. Determined to find the right path, I did my homework. I found curriculum that God allowed me to obtain for free. My background in educational psychology helped me understand learning styles and methods like Orton-Gillingham. I had a game plan. I also had a little girl who needed encouragement and the understanding that she simply learned differently. I wanted her to see her talents and appreciate her scattered brilliance and surprising bursts of logical thought.
The reading lesson could wait another day. She needed nurturing. She needed to be reminded of who she was in the Lord. She needed time to see her talents. I engaged her in activities where she excelled. We spent time doing art projects, science experiments, reading history and math. The respite from reading relieved stress and built confidence. While, the first reading lesson scraped a old wound it did not open it. I proceeded by beginning a new curriculum with a new attitude of hope. Soon, she responded in a new way.
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Some days are still rough but we are learning to cope. Small achievements encourage us to continue. Most of all, advice from a friend carries me through. She said, “Tell her that God knew she would be dyslexic. He knows the challenges and He chose her to handle it with His help. God has a plan in this as he does in everything.” What more encouragement and nurturing is there then to know that being fearfully and wonderfully made includes being dyslexic?
Just a few weeks ago, I was affirmed that her self worth was gaining more value. While on a little excursion to see ice sculptures with my parents she made an interesting statement. She said, “There must be a lot of dyslexics around here.” When asked what she meant she responded, “Because everything is so creative.”
Ways to Nurture the Dyslexic Child
• Take time away from lessons. Restrain the urgency to teach your child to read. Begin again fresh while remaining consistent and affirming.
• Allow your child to explore her interests and discover her talents.
• Do not treat her like she has an issue. Do not be afraid of her failing. Simply follow your new path and continue to demand she perform her best.
• Explain to her that God has allowed this challenge in her life and overcoming it will bring glory to God. It will also allow her to minister to others in a way only she can.
• Look up famous dyslexics like Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Orlando Bloom, etc. Show her that dyslexia is not a roadblock.
• Allow her to learn at her own pace but always challenge her. Do not allow her or you to get hung up on reading and grade level.
Richele McFarlin is grateful for the opportunity to witness her left handed, dyslexic child’s zany kaleidoscope perspective on the world. Founder of Moms of Dyslexics, her goal is to encourage and bring resources to parents seeking guidance. You can also find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree, where she discusses homeschooling, faith, blogging, and family.
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Anonymous says
Thank you for this! I’ve wondered about having one of my children tested, but for his sake I didn’t want him labeled. He was self-conscious anyway and wouldn’t want to think there was something “wrong.” I love the idea of sharing that God knew he would be dyslexic and that God wants to handle the challenges with him. It turns out that he’s doing fine now, but there are other children coming up, and one never knows the challenges that might arise in days to come.
Mama S says
Those a very good advises, thanks for sharing!