The Day I Knew Was Coming...
I've known for several years that this day would eventually arrive. I thought I was prepared for it, but I was sadly mistaken. While my oldest son, Bubby, was completing his math homework tonight, he came into my office in tears. He was getting so frustrated. He uses Touch Math but was having trouble remembering the touch points. "I wish I could just be like everyone else. I wish I could read good and do math and everything," he said. It just broke my heart. Like I said, I knew this time would come sooner or later. Up until now he just wasn't aware or wasn't concerned that his academic ability is lower than that of his peers. He has three learning disabilities (dyscalculia [math], dysgraphia [writing] , & dyslexia [reading]) which affects every aspect of his life as a student. He goes to one hour of Resource class daily and we have a private tutor for him two days a week. I also work with him every day at home on math and reading. I stressed to him that it is not his fault that he has these problems. God made him this way for a reason. I just hate that he's beginning to feel pressure from his peers and doubt his self worth. Few things could break a mother's heart more. I guess the reason for this post is just to encourage those of you who are also affected by LD's. And, for those of you who aren't, thank God. But, also remember, that school work doesn't come to all children easily. Some struggle on a daily basis with the simplest of grade level tasks. Be patient, understanding and kind. Offer tons of praise and encouragement to them, they truly need it and will thrive on it. For more information on this topic you can visit the following websites:
Poor fella! My oldest son has a LD as well. He is a sophmore now and does a lot of things on the computer and he does very well at it. It is so hard to see our children struggle and not be able to do anything to make it all better, like mommies are supossed to do. Pray about it is all I can say. I will say a prayer for you guys too! For now here is a great big cyber *hug* for you my friend!
ReplyDeleteOh, Angie, thanks so much for the hug! It's just nice to hear from someone who's been there and understands.
ReplyDeleteI remember touch math. Somewhere in my attic stash should be part of that curriculum. Totally forgot about that.
ReplyDeleteI taught kids with LD for about four years. I liked it and like to think I helped most of the kids. Third grade is where it really starts to get "hard" for them. The work gets harder, making them more frustrated, but I hate to say that fourth grade is the worst. I can just feel his pain, poor kid, wish their was something I could do. Let me wrack my brain for a few days and see if I can come up with anything. Have you met with his teacher about his IEP? Maybe she can have some suggestions for you.
My sister had LD, but that was in the seventies when they didn't yet acknowledge that and she was just considered slow. Surprisingly when we moved to WV when she was in the 7th grade a math teacher worked wonders with her and she graduated top ten percent with scholarships and magna cum laude with a not one but TWO degrees, chemistry and engineering. It didn't come easy for her, she had to work HARD, harder than most, but if it weren't for that teacher I don't know where she would be. Keep it up with Garrett. He will find his niche and how to overcome these things.