School Choices
As a dyslexia tutor, parents often ask me what schools are best. It’s helpful to map out the choices. Depending on the community, choices might include public, private, parochial, specialty school for dyslexia, online school, free schools, home-school with various curriculums, unschooling, co-op or micro-school, or a combination. The first task: discuss what’s available and reasonable for this family.
What to Look for in Schools
The best schools allow students to learn without stress. Next, schools should develop the student’s dyslexic strengths of creativity and big-picture thinking. If students have a special interest (engineering, chess, math, music, dance, agriculture, art, whatever!) then they need time and headspace to pursue their passion. Don’t look first for “reading programs” because long-term outcomes improve for dyslexic students who follow their interests. Reading instruction should flow from the child’s interest. For an unforgettable look at what makes great schools, please watch Ken Robinson’s TED talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?”
It’s OK to Change in the Middle of the Year
Bottom line: if your child doesn’t enjoy school, and doesn’t come home excited about new learning, then search for different schools. And it’s perfectly OK, even marvelous, to remove your child from an inappropriate educational setting, even if you don’t have another lined up immediately. Your child will learn something important right away — that you are on their side and you have their back. Let them decompress and catch up on sleep while you figure out what comes next.
My Observations
I’ve worked with hundreds of dyslexic kids. So I’ve noticed where they thrive and where they become angry and depressed. First, grading can be toxic for dyslexic students. Healthier options offer the chance to master skills and then move to new skills rather than assigning a grade. Reading instruction is important, of course, but it can be done at school or at home. Parents can use my book, Dyslexia Tool Kit, or hire a reading tutor if they aren’t satisfied with the school’s methods. A warning: piles of homework prevent reading success because there simply won’t be time for homework, relaxed happy reading, outdoor play, rest, projects, and friends. Running out of time or feeling overbooked destroys happy learning!
Are Dyslexia Schools the Answer?
I’ve worked with students in all the kinds of schools mentioned above. And I’ve seen kids thrive in every one of them. I’ve also seen kids become dangerously depressed and give up. It’s not the type of school so much as the day-to-day experience of the student. A “dyslexia school” may be a great choice — and it may not. Base school decisions on the child’s response. Are they learning new things and getting excited about it? Are they generally stress-free and happy? Do they have time to pursue personal interests? Do they feel valued and loved each day? No program or checklist can replace these foundations.
by Yvonna Graham, M.Ed.
@Graham Yvonna
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