Dyslexia

I’m not positive, but my sweet Tucker may have a learning disability – he could possibly be dyslexic.  It runs in my family.  My grandpa (who is a retired fire chief), my dad (who is a successful printer), & my little brother (who is still in elementary school) are all dyslexic.  It would not surprise me at all if one of my children are.  This post isn’t about Tucker though.  It is a copy (names removed) of a post made in our homeschool yahoo group.   

“Sadly this question stems from an argument my mother and I got into last night where she, the former teacher, pointed out how horrible my 2nd graders handwriting, sentence structure, etc. is and also wrote my child a letter saying the same. Then when I told her ok, no complaints when I pull her and teach her next year ...and at that started stating all these reasons why I need to keep her in school.
Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I have to admit I fear getting over my head. While I have it myself, I have no clue how to teach a child with dyslexia. For that matter she has never been officially tested because the school doesn't seem to think she is bad enough, she is making A's, and I don't have the funds to have her tested myself.
So if anyone has any tips, tricks, etc. , please send them my way :) “

The response to this post was so encouraging I wanted to share it . . .

“God can take what we think might be bad and use it for good. Pulling her out and homeschooling her could be the best thing you've done for both you and her, and for your family. It may turn out to be a huge blessing. :-) I'm sure it will!
The Scottish Rite Hospital tests for dyslexia, and helps with ways to accommodate. It's a visual problem, so there are overlays and glasses (they can prescribe.
God bless you!
p.s. I had horrible handwriting forever - still do! I survived. :-)”

 

“I have a special boy that looks at the world different than most of us. That being said, I laugh and smile with him more than the others in our family. Life and schooling is a journey AND a destination and that is where I see the grace and hand of God because schooling him is not easy at
all.  I would second Handwriting without Tears. He was nearly eight when hisOccupational Therapist recommended it and although he was in second grade, she was adamant that we start with the first (preschool ) book.  Fortunately it is one of the curricula that does not mark the grades on the books. Last year the State of Texas adopted HWT as its handwriting curriculum. HWT changed our life. He begged to learn cursive. He still prints in all caps most of the time but it is legible and I know there are other more important "battles" for the our family. One more suggestion would be to check with Scottish Rite. I believe that dyslexia is one of the few learning disabilities that they treat and if I remember correctly from what my sis in law said, there is a gal up this way that was just trained in a supposedly very effective program for that.
God will not call you to something that He will not equip you to do.....Sometimes in the most interesting of ways but it is an exciting journey :-) nonetheless. I have "donated" to several different curricula companies over the years when I finally accepted the fact that what I was
trying to use was not working. It was a major step for me also to switch in the middle of the year. And if there is a day (or week!!)that you just do one subject if it's going great, do it....
I don't have experience with dyslexia but I do have an atypical child, so please feel free to call me or email privately if you want....”

 

“First of all {HUGS} I can't believe a grand mother would treat her grand daughter (and daughter) like this! What a way to destroy the very soul of both of you! She is not a creator but a destroyer.  Bring your daughter home, love her, tell her how wonderful she is. Her self worth should not be based on her handwriting!!!!  We call our ADD and dyslexia a gift. My dh is dyslexic and he could read papers upside down (when he was with opposing counsel's office) so
we consider it a gift. We also see things differently and have lots of fun with the non-ADD and ADD folks in the family. We love all the folks with their different gifting and talents.  Get some Ruth Beechick books on teaching these things, and talk with Jan Bedell of Little Giant Steps, and love your daughter. I bet she has some wonderful talents that make her very special in your eyes and in God's eyes.”

 

“ ‘her self worth should not be based on her handwriting’- best advice I've seen in awhile!!!
A public school teacher will definitely see things differently. There are some school-teaches-turned-homeschool moms on this loop. Hopefully they can give you some insight.
Basically, in homeschooling, there will be challenges just as in parenting. Just do what you would normally do: research the issue, seek advice from like-minded people, and love your daughter through the process.
A note on 2nd grade sentence structure: what exactly is a 2nd grader expected to do?
Wow!”
 

“I feel so inexperienced to offer advice in this area; however, I do want to encourage you to find your confidence in God - not other peoples opinions, your teaching ability, or your daughters abilities/disabilities. If God is leading you to homeschooling He will direct your path. Remember He works for the good & has plans to prosper you & your daughter! I think there is this myth that homeschooling is always fun, easy, & 100% successful. I don't want to discourage you, but it isn't *always* fun, there are times it is very difficult, & as hard as it is to admit, there will be gaps. - Don't get me wrong, there is great joy in teaching your child & there are wonderful memories to share & learning TOGETHER. No matter what method you choose, what curriculum you buy, groups you join, etc. if you can put the love for learning in your child - you will succeed! I believe this is (one area) our public schools sometimes fail (& not for a lack of good teachers) - there is so much focus put on test scores the love for learning is lost.
With that said - I don't have a diagnosed "dyslexic" child; however 2 of my children are on the slower end in certain subjects & have areas of weaknesses that are below "normal" for their age. Sometimes a child is just slower, & sometimes there are things/subjects that our kids just aren't "good at". This doesn't mean they are dyslexic or have a disability (however it can be & there are fantastic resources for homeschooling children with dyslexia). As far as handwriting - I would suggest working on fine motor skills. Handwriting Without Tears is an awesome curriculum.
You only mentioned handwriting so I don't know if there are other subjects you are concerned with, but All About Learning is an excellent curriculum (ESPECIALLY for learning disabilities)- it is a reading/phonics & spelling program. Math U See is also a great hands-on curriculum.”

“Here is a complete curriculum designed just for dyslexic students by Calvert (trusted in the homeschool world) and Jemicy (a private school that serves only dyslexic students):  http://www.verticylearning.org/”

 

Do you have any advice for homeschooling dyslexic children?

Join the Party

If you have read my blog for very long, or even recently, you would know it is no secret that I totally love the fabulous Thirty-One company! 

What is Thirty-One you ask?  Ahh my friends, you are missing out! 

"Thirty-One has so many products that can help make your life easier. Whether it’s style, organization, the perfect giftable item — or a little bit of everything...  From totes or purses you can wear while you’re out and about, thermals to help you transport food and drinks to a party, or organizational items to help you keep your house neat and tidy Thirty-One has a solution!"

i heart Thirty-One!!

 

I use the Organizing Utility tote for EVERYTHING!  I think I have like 3 now (diaper bag, camera bag, school bag) & each of my kids have one too!  There are now 14 colors to choose from (there is even a spirit line for school colors) & monogramming is only $5 this month!! 

But this summer I have add a new favorite.  The XXL Everyday Tote is absolutely PERFECT for this large families summer fun!  I can tote ALL our lake/pool necessities (towels, change of clothes, swim toys, etc.) for me & my 5 kids!!  And when I am not using it, it folds up and snaps for easy storage.  It doesn’t look very big in the picture – when I ordered it I honestly was NOT expecting this mammer-jammer!  *It measures approx: 16.75”H x 23.5”W x 11”D 9.5" handle drop.  WOW!!

I just got the boys new cubbies for their room & need to order a few of the small utility bins (THEY HAVE CAMO!!!), plus a few of my friends & family have been wanting to place an order … So I decided to host another online party now through July 15.

THE SPECIAL IS AWESOME! This month for EVERY $31 you spend, you can get one of 5 items (in any offered print) for only $5, plus monogramming is only $5!!!

If you’d like to Join the Party too click HERE to shop!

Finding our groove.

Life is busy for us. 

I have found myself in unfamiliar territory as I wake up to a baby, unbelievably busy 3 year old, a 6 & 7 year old, & a very mature 11 year old.  Some days I feel like I need a clone.  Actually, a nanny would be fabulous!  And to be totally honest with you, I sorta have one.  For the summer at least.  (*Never be afraid to take advantage of any opportunities of help)  A couple days a week I have a high school girl coming in the mornings.  The extra hands are a big help, but even so, I still feel like there isn’t enough of me (or energy) to go around.  Life is good.  I can’t complain, but we are STILL no where near where *I* would like to be as far as homeschooling accomplishments.  In fact, I have been struggling with just getting the 3 R’s done.  History & Science (& a few other things) are on hold right now.  Schooling multiple ages is A LOT of work! 

I am easing our way back into a more productive day.  First, I’ve really been diligent with our morning routine.  We are getting up about 7:30/8ish (as much as I love the idea of being up early – I am NOT a morning person.  perhaps when I get uninterrupted sleep I will be more motivated to get up earlier.).  I have held to my guns on the “work before play” rule.  Chores are done, then breakfast.

For the past few weeks I have started doing preschool on Tue & Wed with Truman, my niece, & another little girl.  This definitely takes some time away from the other kids, but I love this age & it is so important to me that Truman gets this time with me (& not for educational purposes).  We have a lot of fun & they play so well together.  A typical preschool day for them is: circle time (songs), Bible story, ABC song, letter practice, hands-on activities, snack, outside play, lunch, then quiet time. 

While I am doing preschool with the preschoolers, my bigger boys are working on their independent work.  Then we all meet for lunch.  I also began tutoring a friends daughter from 12-1pm, Mon-Wed so after lunch I lay Tara down for a nap, the preschoolers have quiet time, & the bigger kids get a little free time. 

Once I am done with tutoring I begin spelling & reading with Tucker, then switch & work with Trevor.  This is where my energy level is plummeting & I need to get a better plan.  Obviously, each day is a little different for us, some more drastically.  We’ve successfully added some big changes to our day & are getting most of our priorities done, but I am still trying to find a balance with all the ages & needs of each child.  I realize this is a season in our homeschooling journey & we might not be able to “do it all,” but I am still hopeful we can manage our time in the most productive way possible & I realize that doesn’t necessarily mean getting it all done.  In an effort to do this, I’ve posted questions on facebook & done some surfing online.  Some of the suggestions weren’t practical for us; however, I did get some great tips!  I realize I am not the only homeschool mom that has a full house, so I will be sharing my plan of attack {soon} with you. 

Kids’ {Home}School Bags

I love my school tote sooo much I decided to get one for each of my boys.

A couple of months ago Thirty-One offered a 31% discount after every $31 you spent.  It was the perfect incentive I needed to get this project in full swing.  Once I got their bags ordered (& embroidered in “their colors”) I made a list of everything I wanted them to have in their bags.  Mostly my list consisted of basic school supplies – which we already have in our schoolroom, but I wanted them to also have them in their bags to make it easy for when we are on the go or doing school at the house for whatever reason.  It also makes it very convenient for them to pack up & head outside to do their work during these beautiful spring days we have been blessed with.  Not to mention, the times I need to completely separate them.  In addition to all the basic supplies, I also got them each their own water bottle (from Target) & included the open top file box (the medium size works the best) & file folders like mine has. 

Each week I put whatever worksheets (typically math, handwriting, map work, etc.) in their daily files.  This helps so much when we have to go somewhere at the last minute or when they are waiting on me to get to the school{barn}.  Having their own bags & file folders has geared each of them to work more independently.  They also keep books they are reading & any activities they want to work on during free time – for example Tucker has a farm activity book, Trevor has a drawing book, & Tyler has his current reading book & a couple magazines inside their bags.

They typically keep them next to or behind their desk so they are not in the way at all.  Even little Truman has a a bag (which he is very protective of).  He gets rather upset when it is time for me to update his.

I can’t tell you how pleased I am with the Thirty-One Products.  In fact I love their products so much I keep toying with the idea of becoming a consultant.

Our Library Area

I have looked high & low for shelving or some kind of cubbies that would fit under the windows in our library area.  Nothing would either fit or match our bookcases, until I found an IKEA hack on Pinterest.  I purchases 2 of the tall skinny Billy bookcases & turned them on their side.  Pinterest get’s major props for this one! 

This one is all geography related & is sectioned by:  World geo, basic geo, & US geo.

The other one is for some of our favorite short stories & themes.  I also have a few quiet activities for the boys to do while I read aloud.  I don’t really love the colorful bin assortments, but it keeps them organized by theme until I find something better.

All this gave me a lot more room on my other shelves – which meant I had to totally rearrange the shelves – YIKES!!  This was a bit of a challenge & very time consuming, but here is was I came up with:

 

The shelf on the left holds all our history books.  The top shelf is for Ancients (we haven’t studied them in-depth yet, so there aren’t many), the next shelf is Middle Ages & Renaissance & the rest are American History (our current study).

The middle bookcase holds all our science & nature books.  The top shelf is astronomy, airplanes, & anatomy, the next shelf is ocean, then snakes & frogs, below that is nature books & botany, then there is a bug shelf (the black thing is going to be our bug collection), then next shelf holds all our varies animal books, and the last shelf is ALL our horse books.

The corner bookcases didn’t change much.  The one on the left holds our reading books.  I organized this mainly by reading level.  I put the easies on the bottom (so the little boys could reach them) & the more difficult books on the very top.  The other bookcase holds our art & music appreciation books, then our character & Bible study books & the last 2 shelves are for Pre-K & Kindergarten specific curriculum.

I found the cute little wagon at a garage sale & it holds all our Five in a Row books (& a few other favorites).

There are also 2 new additions to this area in our schoolroom.  First – the rug.  I found this for $50 at a flea market & I debated on getting it or not (I really wanted the entire US map rug), but I am so glad Big Daddy talked me into it.  The boys LOVE it!  They set up their forts & have battles – they each have a “territory”.  It melts my heart when I overhear them playing & one says, “No, Texas & Mexico are my territory!”  LOL

Last, but certainly not least is our new easel from Lake Shore Learning.  First, I want to say – I LOVE IT.  THEY LOVE IT.  IT IS WORTH EVERY PRETTY PENNY IT COST.  *I had to sell our pocket chart stand, A LOT of books, toys, curriculum, etc. to help pay for this.  I also had a 20% off coupon – which helped quite a bit.  I surfed the internet for hours looking for a good set-up for All About Spelling.  Most of them were dry-erase boards on the ground (which is where ours has been in the past).  This is a problem with a crawling baby & a mischievous 2 year old on the loose.  I also needed storage for all their boxes & go-along materials.  So, I bit the bullet & I am so glad I did.  Originally I had our AAS set-up on the unlined side, but the boys were getting a little crazy with their BIG & small writing :)  On the other side is Truman’s set up.  The bigger boys use it every once-in-a-while for pocket chart activities & I also store their sight words at the top.

Our Language Arts & Art/Drawing Centers

The more independent Tyler becomes, the more work he is doing on the computer.  The past year we have really struggled with finding him an area he could spread out comfortably on while using the laptop.  We looked at several options & decided on expanding out Expedit section.

The top section holds each of the boys’ binders, our dictionaries & thesaurus’, & writing materials.

Beneath are computer CD/DVD’s & craft bins.

To the right is our printer/copier, laminatorz, preschool packs, FIAR printouts, etc. 

On the other side is our art/drawing center.  I had little cubbies (from Big Lot’s) that fit perfectly inside to organize everything.  The top 2 shelves have drawing books, paper, & notebooks.  The bottom shelves have paint & stamping supplies. 

 

 

 

The other cubbies are mostly language arts – letter activities, phonics, & thinking skills, etc. 

I still have some organizing/re-arranging to do in this area, but at least now Tyler has plenty of space to spread out & get his work done.

Just a little rearranging & small changes in our school{barn}. . .

Something about our school{barn} just wasn’t flowing, but I just couldn’t pin-point it.  After giving it some thought, I realized it was the “centers”/toys.  The Lego’s & building area was on one side with the play kitchen area & the other toys were on the other side of the room.  The boys were scattering all they “treasures” all over the room.  I decided to move things around & this is what I came up with:

ALL of my boys love this table I got from IKEA.  However, it just wasn’t wide enough for all of them to sit at at the same time so I purchased a second one to give them more space. 

I also decided to moved my desk & Tara’s playpen around.  I keep checking Craig’s List for a better desk, but so far I haven’t had much luck, but for now this will work. 

I thought about cleaning my desk off, but I think I’ll keep it real for ya – this is how it looks by the end of every week.  A fabulous DISASTER!

    

On a side note:  Tara loves to play in her playpen!  She is my first baby to actually stay in it without screaming fits.  Eventually, I plan to fill it with plastic balls for her to play with, but I am waiting for her to loose interest in the current toys she has in there. 

She is all over the play now – crawling & getting into everything – so I moved her play mat to the back of the schoolroom where there are more appropriate things for her to “discover”.