EYES & EARS FOR LEARNING SUCCESSES

Dear Tina

I felt I had to drop you a line to let you know how well Declan is doing.  It has been about six weeks since we finished the programme with you and Declan is once again a happy and confident young man.  As you well know, Declan was terribly upset in the classroom due to the frustration of not being able to complete work on time; copy words correctly from the board to his page; unable to get written ideas down on paper – yet all the time knowing in himself that he understood the work, could verbalise his understanding, but just could not explain why in terms of writing, or in maths, “show his working” that he could not put it down on paper.  This same boy was crying at the mere thought of having to get his draft-writing book out and tackling the task before he’d even picked up a pencil.

Once more, the happy, clever and quick-witted boy I once knew, has returned. He no longer needs to stay in during play and lunch times to finish work, as it is being completed during the periods. This in turn has seen his self-esteem grow along with friendships that due to his isolation to do catch up work, blossomed.  My young boy, who would never join in team sports, has signed up for the chess tournament this term and for t-ball.  His teacher reports that he remains very focused in the classroom but his output has grown exponentially. Work is finished and he is once again open to learning. His writing is starting to flourish.  Declan has been fortunate to be supported by a great school and they had already been providing remedial spelling as this was identified as a weakness. The remedial teacher has commented that he has flown ahead and he is on “catch up” and is doing so quickly. When asked if the extra work was helping, Declan remarked it was and could explain why and provide examples. Previously he may have responded with a meek, “yes” or “no”.  “Fast Facts” – which are 40 maths equations that has to be completed to a time every night has continued to be done. The difference, they are now completed within 2 to 5 minutes, down from 14 – 18 minutes.  At home, we notice he chooses to pick up a book and read and no longer has any hesitation in reading different material that is offered. In the past, he would decline; look to excuse or be humorous about any reading task.

Declan wore glasses as it was decided that these would take the strain out of tracking words when reading. He now no longer requires the glasses.  Declan suffered headaches regularly. These are a thing of the past. When writing he would rest his head on his hand with the palm of his left hand often covering his eye. [“It’s easier to read like this Mum”]. This no longer occurs.  It is exciting to see his growth and we know that he will continue to do so steadily as a consequence of him attending the Alison Lawson Centre under your guidance. Together with our family’s commitment to Declan and most importantly to his own resilience at sticking to the job at hand we know he will continue on a more positive learning path than recently. His handwriting may never be perfectly neat or his spelling 100% accurate, but he is always striving to be better than before in his own ability.

We have explained that “dyslexia” is a diagnosis of why he has found it hard to learn, but also explained that it doesn’t mean he can’t learn. It is not a label but rather a small obstacle that he understands will require a little more effort than perhaps his peers have to face. 

Thankfully, the visual component of his dyslexia has, for want of a better word, been “cured”. I’m biased, but he really is an awesome, amazing fantastic and incredible boy!