Dyslexics should share their story

How does the brain learn to read? See videos “Reading Brain” at scilearn.com or mrskbooks.pbworks.com/Dyslexia or the “48-year old teacher who couldn’t read” at johncorcoranfoundation.com.

Of course, they are selling a program, as are most researched programs which may work, but as with anything, it takes time, money and what works best for your child.   

Are you still trying to understand what a person goes through being dyslexic? See http://pkab.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/mindmapping-and-dyslexia/.  

Remember that dyslexics are born dyslexic but they are trainable to learn if they are caught and taught early. My hope is that Alabama public schools will slow down in K5 through third grades and use a multisensory training program such as Orton-Gillingham to assist those students who learn differently.  

But it will take parents to slow down as well and not expect your child to be like all the other children. Wouldn’t it be great if there were no grade levels until fourth grade?

Maybe then there would not be as many struggling high school students or dropouts still on a fourth-grade reading level.

Parents, be aware of your child’s learning style. I have always thought that there were three learning styles — auditory, visual and kinesthetic; but I just recently learned of a fourth style: Tactile (which relates to most dyslexics).

If your child is not being taught by their primary learning style, then you will need to assist your child with Multisensory Learning Activities (MSL) or request through an IEP or 504 that your child’s teacher uses MSL activities.

Many schools do have MSL activities but time is not easily available to cover what each individual child needs, so it will need to be emphasized at home.

Helpful information on MSL styles and activities can be found at www.learningabledkids.com, which does relate to homeschooling or extra support for parents and teachers in assisting public educated children.  

Now, JT does have a good outlook on life and finally, after three years of outside tutoring for his dyslexic brain’s learning style, is on his grade level reading.  

In school, he recently made all As and Bs with the Bs being in his dyslexic areas of reading and english. Of course, I still cringe on dyslexic issues like when he has to rewrite an English paper, only to make more errors when correcting his first ones.  

JT’s positive outlook improved when he found others that were dyslexic and heard of their struggles and success in school. So, if you are dyslexic — share! Let others know of your story.  

Maybe then after all dyslexics speak up, the ALSDE will see the need for a change. Just remember, dyslexia is hereditary and if you don’t speak up now, someone in your future family may have the same struggles dyslexics face today in public education.