Do I change things or not?

[kahlanne]

nm

Edited February 14, 2016 by kahlanne

[abacus2]

Based on the early part of your post, I was concerned that this might be a case of expecting too much from an eight year old. When you explained that you were talking about your intelligent 14 year old, I immediately suspected learning disabilities. I would seek out testing to see what specific struggles you are dealing with. This will help you make decisions about what to do next.

[Storygirl]

I think you could very likely be dealing with some learning disabilities, and a professional will best help you sort it out. Even as a homeschooler, you can request that the local public school evaluate her. You could also get a private evaluation with a neuropsychologist. From what you post, I would ask that they test for pragmatic language issues (which falls under speech evaluation if you go through the public school), reading comprehension, and reading (decoding, phonological processing, possible dyslexia). Also math. Just ask them to evaluate all of it. Whether you go through the schools or a private practitioner, you will gain a lot of information about her strengths and weaknesses, which will help you help her.

 

You might get more information from private evaluations, but they cost money, and if you think she may want to go to college, it would be wise to have some documentation of her issues, so that she can get accommodations on the ACT, SAT, etc., and receive disability assistance in college.

 

As far as what educational approach to take -- it will depend on what the underlying needs are. You may need to take a completely different approach and purchase materials that are specifically meant for remediating these kind of issues. You might consider posting on the Learning Challenges board to get more indepth advice about pursuing evaluations and choosing curricula.

 

I'm sorry it's hard. We have some similar learning challenges here. If there are learning disabilities, it is not your fault! I know it might feel that way -- it's common to feel responsible, because we hold so much responsibility for educating our children. Take heart and move toward finding some answers, and you will find your way!

:grouphug:

Edited February 13, 2016 by Storygirl

[stutterfish]

Try using some modelling dough/clay or allow her to draw as she narrates/listens. My 12-year-old dd doesn't retain aural/oral instructions particularly well, but physical actions really help. Allowing her to model the figures and scenery as I read the short stories, and then having her use the figures to retell the story, has helped immensely. After about 10 months of 'physical narration' she can now give an approximate narration of a 4 paragraph story without using the modelling clay. In contrast her brother could have narrated practically word-for-word at that age. They have different strengths :)

 

We've found similar issues in the competitive sport that she does. Instructions just confuse her as she takes too long to process them, but physically *show* her what to do (with repetitions) and her muscle memory and instinct kicks in. Her coach has adapted his methods, accordingly. - minimal talking, maximum movement!

 

I have no idea if it's a development or processing issue, but we've found ways to turn it into a non-issue by changing how we approach things. We also focus on her strengths so her confidence isn't shaken. Good luck. I hope you find ways to help :)

 

[Edit: DD was 9 before she learned to read. Some things just take a little longer with some children. As a parent it can sometimes feel like a kid is doomed to come last in this seemingly very important 'race', but having seen how happy and popular dd is, I've learned that it's OK for kids to be on their own path. :)]

Edited February 13, 2016 by stutterfish

[kahlanne]

[Edit: DD was 9 before she learned to read. Some things just take a little longer with some children. As a parent it can sometimes feel like a kid is doomed to come last in this seemingly very important 'race', but having seen how happy and popular dd is, I've learned that it's OK for kids to be on their own path. :)]

 

nm

 

 

Deleting as for the same reasons as the original>

Edited February 14, 2016 by kahlanne