Status of Learning

The fact that V was reading at grade level at the end of kindergarten was a tremendous thing – we could actually see results. Here was someone not even recognizing his letters. About a month or so into first grade and he reminded me of the same V in the two year room – get up in the morning and look for a book, read something, take books in the car, etc.. It was such a transformation – the only reason he was off the books in any case was because his brain wasn't absorbing the information, he didn't know what was going on and didn't want to do something he couldn't really get himself to do, however hard he tried.

            Here I also need to mention the program that his kindergarten teacher used – something called Zoophonics. At first when she talked about it, it was just another phonics program to me but after seeing V all absorbed in it, living it, using it, remembering it, it was something I completely fell in love with. She even did a parent ed night which I attended – it was great. R took to the program right away and the entire family is familiar with it. So recently, when V started playing hangman, the easiest thing to do was refer to his Zoophonics language – so, who are the hardworkers (the vowels) – guess those first and then move on to other letters. This program helps coordinate both sides of the brain, it is kinesthetic in addition to auditory and visual and has just been the absolute right program for him. I can't thank the teacher enough for introducing and teaching it to us.

            As Neurologist#2 had mentioned, he does have a learning disability and his spatial reasoning has been impacted. This problem is way harder to overcome but given the way he has come along with reading, I am sure it will be a matter of time – again, the goal is long term. The short term benefits will only serve the purpose of the immediate report card.

            His social life along with his brain took a complete battering. His maturity level didn't progress at the same rate as the other children his age. He realizes that other kids think they are smarter than him and say/demonstrate to the effect. So it is really amusing to me how his self confidence has boosted up and he will go upto his sister and say – so you think you are smarter than me, he, he – I did blah, blah – I am smarter than you J.

            I am confident that we will see huge growth in every area with respect to V. He is confident that he can do it too. So is the team who works with him in school - which is also important. They also believe in him - it is so heartening. Working as a team with the school staff is an absolute must to see progress. After all, everyone is there to help.

            Art is another area – he used to draw just heads – not whole bodies till about the middle of kindergarten. Then he took off and now he draws every single day. Sometimes he might say to me – but R draws so well, and she's so good. Then I remind him – she is 10 and by the time you get there, you will do as well. That certainly helps. It is a matter of hope, instilling confidence in him and truly believing – not questioning, quizzing and doubting.