The Hard Things are the Easy Things....

Many people with dyslexia find that the hard things are the easy things and the easy things the hard things. I have taught many people with dyslexia who, while they stumble and hesitate while reading a passage, are able to engage with the underlying themes at a deep level. Thus, it is sometimes during their early years of schooling that they struggle most. Spelling is always difficult for learners with dyslexia and spelling is highly valued in most junior schools. They can also find the easy comprehension questions the most difficult ones (e.g. 'What colour were the boy's shoes?') but the difficult ones easy (e.g. 'What was the boy feeling?'). It is so important that they aren't held back from trying the difficult things as it is doing these things that will give them a chance to shine and to build their self-esteem. Many people see dyslexia as a gift. It is the gift of seeing the wood and not being distracted by the trees. That is why people with dyslexia are often hugely successful later in life. So: Expect big things from your child with dyslexia and don't worry too much about the mistakes she makes along the way.