Autumn is here. The Swallows and Swifts have left for warmer climes. Today felt cold even under a thick hoody.

Hawklad is making great strides on the dyslexia front. His reading is really good, now able to read History Textbooks. It’s hard to believe that back in 2020 he struggled to read books aimed at 6 and 7 year olds and school had decided that he would never read, so there was no point trying anymore. Sadly I realise they never really started trying in the first place. I had even gone out and bought a reading pen. He can now accurately read maybe 80% of the words then he can make educated guesses on most of the other ones. It works for him and that’s all that matters.

What is still very much a work in progress is his number dyslexia. He has finally conquered his difficultly with 4 and 7’s. Getting the two mixed up and often writing the two numbers back to front. But he just can’t break the roadblocks that are decimal points, fractions and minuses. Today he was easily expanding out complex equations, yet he would immediately grind to a halt when faced with something like +5-7. He just can’t visualise that. The problem is at home I can gently help with that, but in an exam there is no help.

This week has also highlighted another school stumbling block with reading. SHAKESPEARE. Hawklad’s way of reading just can’t cope with Shakespearean language and spellings.

And I will take thy word: yet if thou swear’st,

An open et caetera, thou a poperin pear!

I did try to read the sonnets to him but I struggle with Shakespeare as well. Plus according to Hawklad when I read, my character voice sounds like I’m reading parts from a SpongeBob cartoon. My Romeo apparently is a dead ringer for Patrick. But at least we have a solution to this one. Just watch the play on thou swear’st Netflix.

51 thoughts on “Pesky minus”

  1. I always love reading your posts about Hawked because you are so patient with him and it clearly pays off!! I have very strong feelings about individualized education and the importance of creating individualized plans to ensure that students are provided resources that align with their learning style. I would have to agree with you guys on Shakespeare though. He is difficult to read. 😦 I am glad you are finding a way to make his writing more enjoyable! Blessings

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  2. I am not sure if this will help or not but I taught T to count back from the number to 0 So it became 0 and going the other way to count up. Or take the -7 and count five upwards to 0. I know it seems really easy for us. And I am not trying to be patronizing in the least, it was how I learned it myself. Teaching myself. Hugs to both of you. 🙂

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  3. These are all wonderful successes to celebrate, Gary. He is moving at his own pace and guided thanks to you. The exams piece for sure will be more stressful without your guidance but you will no doubt figure out a way for him to succeed. 🙏

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  7. Really interesting on the maths. Is it the concept of say -5 + 7, or the computation. What happens, for example if you meet this on a calculator (paper). Anyway, as said already, interesting challenge…am off to see what I can find on this

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      1. OK…that is trickier. Did read an interesting article on a dyslexia site you are doubtless familiar with about a US student allowed to use a calculator on all maths assessments. Buy this, I appreciate, is not helping you! x

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      3. In UK GCSE, its 3 maths papers now, 2 calculator, one not calculator. However, if your son is struggling with the concept, I’m not sure the calculator helps.

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  9. Shakespeare can be a challenge for everyone but even more for people with dyslexia. I think it is really cool that you got a reading pen for Hawklad. I did not even know they exist. What a great way to guide him better.

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  12. You always make me laugh even when you’re post are serious you always find away to lighten it up. Your son is in such great hands.i wouldn’t worry too much he will make it work with you beside him.❤️

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