Imagine the fear of being dyslexic and not knowing creates. Children that struggle to read, many times do this in silence. They’re afraid to ask for help or raise their hand in class with all eyes upon them. Feeling stupid and thinking that everyone else is smarter than them is the norm. Been a long time since I was in school, but when I go to teacher training, I’m reminded of this fear. I don’t catch on as fast as the others and am forgetful. Perhaps because I have a learning difference or an older age brain, but the embarrassment and overwhelm are real. I’ve ended up in tears and my children and students have too.
Many of them avoid school. They have a higher incidence of tardies and low attendance. Check the attendance records. Why would anyone want to subject themselves to this daily misery? I’m reminded of how my child would run away and hide when we forced her to attend school. My once obedient child demonstrated behaviors uncharacteristic of her. She did not have an understanding teacher, rather she would be forced to go up to the board and do a math problem in front of the class. She was in 2nd grade when running away became a daily routine. Unfortunately, she had the same unloving teacher from 1st grade and by 3rd grade, she was done and flat out refused. We finally switched schools. She landed beautifully and things started looking up. Today she is an avid reader and talented writer in high school. One would never know her early year’s struggles. She overcame, and this taught her perseverance. She’s one of the grittiest children I know.
I want to share this to remind especially teachers that you most likely have children in your classroom that fit this profile. About 20% of the population are dyslexic, not to mention other learning differences. I hope you will be understanding and compassionate to these students. Many of them are sensitive to their lack of abilities and fear being called upon. They need a safe place to learn. Have a conversation like, “I know sometimes you may not understand the assignment. This is a safe place for you to learn. How do you feel about asking questions in class? If you have questions, please come ask me privately if that’s more comfortable.”
I’m now an interventionist, and I strive to create a safe place to learn for my students. I understand how difficult it can be in a regular classroom for my students. Sometimes, their time with me is the only time they feel safe to learn.
When our sessions are done, many of them say, “really, is that it? The time went by so fast. Feels like five minutes.” That’s when I know I’ve served them well.