The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity shared an informative article entitled “Setting People Straight about Dyslexia.” Among the “facts” mentioned was the idea that a dyslexia diagnosis should never make an individual feel compartmentalized and limited in pursuing all that he wants in life: “If we can dream it, we can do it—just like everyone else.” It’s good to be reminded of potential often.
I would like to add one more “fact” to their list that also highlights potential: my students often respond to reading instruction with enthusiasm and admirable effort. Recently, when one of my first graders expressed emphatically “I want to read this book NOW” (vs. later in the lesson) it was, of course, music to my ears. Her growing positive feelings around reading again reinforced what I experience over and over again: Once the reading process begins making sense to a student, he begins to feel more confident, knowing that he can “rely” on a structure. The Orton-Gillingham approach is THAT structure within many remedial programs such as The Wilson Reading System.
Observe the positive in your child around reading and praise him often. This is yet another way he will learn about his potential. It’s the perfect equation when added to his own efforts and pride in his reading accomplishments! This is a “fact” that cannot be denied!