Looking back…
My dearest K,
You have come to the end of the second grade, and today, we were both surprised that your teacher wants to retain you.
She said:
- Your handwriting is poor.
- Your spelling is terrible and you cannot sound out words.
- You can’t read simple “sight” words and come up with distractions to get away from reading when your turn comes around.
- You don’t know your times tables.
I say:
- You see things in a different way from your classmates and that helps you use your imagination in special ways to figure out problems.
- You find patterns quickly and can arrange things so they fit into any space.
- You tell stories in such a creative way, using simple things around that, both children and adults are amazed.
- You won the science fair because you were the only child who could explain your project in detail.
It’s almost time to go back to school. After working with Ms. Lynn this summer, we now know why you have been having trouble with some things at school.
I want you to know that you are not stupid.
You are dyslexic.
Dyslexia is not a disease.
It is not a curse.
It is your superpower.
I will help you be the best that you can be.
Oh the places you will go because of your dyslexic brain!
Love,
Mom
It’s good to have a super power. But sometimes, the people in charge don’t understand the super powers. What’s your daughter’s learning style? I’m a tactile learner. It is unusual so schools don’t usually teach to it past kindergarten. But tactile learners, like kids with dyslexia, aren’t defective. We are awesome. And different. And different is good.
My daughter is a tactile/kinesthetic learner. Yes, you are awesome. What you said about the way instruction is provided in schools is so true. The administrators seem to think that fun when learning is to be relegated to pre-kindergarteners and kindergarteners.
hi Florence,
I love the sentiments of this post.
I am looking forward to reading more.
This is just what I need after reading about an airplane crash.
Blog on!
Thanks, Doug. Inspirational stories are definitely better than reports of crashes, especially those filled with death and dying. Thanks for being in our corner.
Wonderful letter. Sometimes a problem is not a problem when we look at it in a different way.
Yes, Lily, in many situations, our perspective determines how we journey through it.
This could be the most powerful letter for a child, and I think through these words he /she can understand the power of expertise in him/her.
Every child is born with some speciality and teacher must have that power to understand it.
Well-said, Bhawna. The sad thing is that most teachers do not understand the uniqueness of each child. Many times, those children who learn differently are labeled as lazy and unmotivated.
What a beautiful story, Florence. We all shine in different ways and nothing will stop your daughter from achieving the greatness she is destined to achieve, with you as her support behind the scenes.
Aww, Maureen! Thank you so much for being our cheerleader. My daughter is very diligent and a hard worker, and has experienced some great success already.
Here is true heaven for children perfect rest….”Florence Callender” platforms !!
Good job !!
Thank you, Elijah.
It sounds like your daughter has an amazing brain, and dyslexia will barely be a bump in her road. Espically with such a kind, caring and supportive mom!
Thanks for your kind words about my daughter and the affirmation of my support of her. I appreciate you.
Beautiful letter and my son and husband are as well and they both struggle a lot but they can do anything as long as they don’t give up. Just like your daughter will with your help.
Thanks for stopping by, Glenda. I do so appreciate you. Dyslexics are blessed with tenacity. They do not give up. Blessings to your husband and son.
Your daughter sounds like a creatively brilliant child! In-Joy grade 3!!
Thanks, Kate. She is, and she certainly enjoys life.