What I'm thinking about right now...

[mommydama]

A good thing to be excited about? Katherine Johnson's (of the blog Evlogia fame) new Orthodox homeschooling curriculum, Ages of Grace. It will be out any day now. I cannot wait! She did a podcast about it today that is wonderful and enlightening and really stoked my excitement to a fever pitch : http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/features/ages_of_grace. You really must listen to it!


On a more sober note, I am almost positive that Luci has dyslexia/discalculia and everything that goes along with that. We are having her formally evaluated, but there is really no doubt in my mind. She fits the criteria to a T. And I am hoping and praying that an actual formal "diagnosis" will lead us to some people that can help me help her. I do not truly understand why, but it seems that one of the biggest downsides of this is already the pressure I'm getting to put her in school. My husband and I are feeling very much adrift in a sea of naysayers. This makes literally NO SENSE to me, as all the research indicates the public schools in this country are failing children with dyslexia...roundly failing. What usually happens, both according to research and my own experience, is that dyslexic children are given "help" in the form of crutches such as calculators and an aid to read all tests to them, so that they do not bring down the schools' testing averages. But they don't actually get TAUGHT how to overcome their disabilities. That is absolutely not okay with me. I am not saying there are not excellent teachers and therapists out there helping dyslexic children in wonderful, successful ways. But how do I find them everywhere we go without losing huge chunks of time? How can I ever, in my lifestyle, ensure that Luci always has one? The only way I can ensure that Luci has an excellent teacher/therapist no matter where we live or how many times we move is if I BECOME that person. And so...with the help of every excellent teacher/therapist I can find right here where I am right now, I will do my utmost to become that person. I've already found some excellent resources and am excited about another learning adventure. I will be a student until the day I die, I think.

Brad is taking the day off tomorrow and we are going to Elitch Gardens (local amusement park) for their "homeschool day". Lots of other homeschoolers there I hope. I also hope...it doesn't snow. Heh. Supposed to be sunny with a high in the upper sixties, so we should be good. Snow and roller coasters probably don't mix very well.

Comments

[viggorlijah.livejournal.com]

We're handling Binh's dyslexia by thinking of it as a kind of neurological-myopia. He seems mostly relieved that he's not stupid, that this is something separate, and that he will be able to work around and over it with different learning methods and sometimes, just extra work. But we're lucky to have a really great local organisation that works with dyslexic children.

Be super cautious in which method you choose, some of them are kooky. In the end, it's whatever works best for Luci. We were told to expect gradual improvements over a year with 2 sessions a week in group dyslexia classes. At home, we're working on just reading skills and giving him simpler but still interesting books to read so he can build up his memorized words.

I can't see for a moment how formal school would be inherently better for a dyslexic child - homeschool has a lot of advantages for them. Luci can narrate aloud or verbally answer questions instead of struggling to write them down,she can draw mind-maps and picture answers, she can skip down a reading level at will - so much easier. Binh loves his school and his friends there, and is thriving, but the homework and reading is tough.

[altarflame.livejournal.com]

I recommend "The Gift of Dyslexia".

[lil-irish-lass.livejournal.com]

There are many dyslexics in my family; I myself have dyscalulia. "The Gift of Dyslexia" was extremely helpful for my sister who was almost a non-functioning reader well into her teens because of it. It's a program you do with her at home that helps them.

[pikefish.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that something is exciting you :)

I think you would be the best thing for Luci. you are, after all, her mama!

[mimima.livejournal.com]

I have no words of wisdom, but send my love and prayers.