Knowledge is Power!

My #1 advice to parents is this: Educate yourself so that you can effectively advocate for your child’s specific learning needs. You are an expert on your own child already. Why not extend your knowledge and expertise to their education as well? It may seem like an overwhelming task at first but rest assured you do not have to embark on this journey alone.

The resources in support of Dyslexic children and adults are growing by the day. The International Dyslexia Association has branches all over the country. Our local Rocky Mountain Branch organizes a lot of events for parents, educators and students. Access the Rocky Mountain IDA website to learn more about upcoming events and find local providers you can partner with: http://idarmb.org/.

Decoding Dyslexia, a parent led grassroots organization, is making legislative impacts at the state and federal level. It is also an opportunity for parents to come together and evoke change in their schools and communities. A new branch has been started right here in Summit County: https://www.facebook.com/Decoding-Dyslexia-Summit-County-CO-954686231305326/

As a public school teacher myself I understand the challenges that teachers face everyday in their attempt to meet the needs of every student everyday. It is an overwhelming challenge but one that teachers face daily because their hearts and minds are fully invested in making a positive impact on the lives of their students. Teachers labor day in and day out to provide their students with the tools they need to be successful both academically and socially. As you become an expert on your child’s academic needs I encourage you to team with their teacher to find ways to best support your child. Remember they have 20+ other students so my encouragement is not to go to the teacher with demands but educate them on what your student needs and why. Then collaboratively problem solve how each member of the team (your child’s teacher(s), you, a tutor, and your child) can each do their part to meet the educational needs of your dyslexic learner.

Many educators lack a complete understanding of dyslexia which can be a frustrating truth to realize. Unfortunately it isn’t an integral part of what is taught in our colleges and universities. In addition there are a lot of misunderstandings of what dyslexia is which prevents students from being identified early and properly remediated. Check out Myths (and Truths) About Dyslexia from the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. As you become that dyslexia expert and advocate for your child, please remember that the heart of a teacher is to serve. Work with your child’s teacher to create the best learning experience for your child. Let them know the struggles both you and your child have experienced in school and ask them to support your journey as it continues through the school year. Here is a letter that a parent wrote to her child’s teacher at the start of a new school year: Letter to my Dyslexic Child’s New Teacher.