Things have been a little busier than usual around here lately.

My sister decided to pull her daughter out of public school and we have been recruited to tutor her. Although she is in fifth grade, she is working at lower grade levels than she should. We are going back to find what level she is actually at, and trying to build her learning skills from that point. She is a beautiful child, with jet black hair and a very light complexion (the family has always said she looked like the princess "snow white" with her contrasting coloring in hair and skin).  The sad fact is, her self-assurance is almost nil. As we work on her learning skills, we are also trying to re-build her self confidence.

What was interesting (shocking, actually) was the fact that school officials basically refused to put our tax payer dollars to work and give her the help she needed. At an early age, she was diagnosed with AD/HD, possible  CAPD (central auditory processing disorder), delayed motor skills, and speech difficulties. At the first school she attended, the school tested her and referred her to a speech therapist, occupational therapist, and also to special education. When the family moved to another county, the school officials pulled her out of special ed and speech (they didn't even offer occupational therapy there) after a short time (she had shown some improvement, so they thought she didn't need it anymore).

Of course, as soon as she was dumped in with the rest of the class (with no one to give her the help she needed), her grades plummeted. When my sister went in for a parent/teacher conference, she brought documentation of Rebekah's diagnoses so they would know she had a valid reason for requesting some help. They wouldn't even look at them. One teacher even told her "Well, you have to understand Rebekah is just a slow learner". My perception on that one remark is this..... if that is true, why didn't she get what needed??

As you can tell, I have some very strong feelings about the situation.

I must say when we first started working with her, I was shocked . She was at lower levels than Alan in some subjects. But then, I realized we have been teaching him from the time he was a baby (in one way or another). I know teachers in the public schools are expected to "teach to the median" (gear themselves to the mainstream, or average student). Unfortunately, many gifted and/or struggling learners don't get what they need. My husband has always used this description: some children just "fall through the cracks" in this particular type of situation.

The good news (so far) is we can already tell she seems to be improving. The two main items we are trying to work on at present (in all subjects) are these: first, make her feel better about herself _ everyday, I try to remember to compliment her on something she did well. Secondly, we are trying to teach her to actually think through an answer, rather than just spit out an answer because it is the right one.

I remember listening in to Tim working with her on her Math when we first started. He would ask her a question and she would answer very hesitantly and in such a tiny little voice. He has helped her to the point that now, when I listen in, I can tell she is more sure of herself... she answers him more quickly and her voice sounds firmer, stronger.

Her mother has taken the steps to get her some help with an occupational therapist, and she may be referred for physical therapy, as well. Things are looking brighter for her at this point in time.

We have had to push ourselves into a more structured schedule than we have used in the past. We are night owls pretty much and like to sleep in a little in the morning. Now, we get up pretty early (for us, anyway) and Tim does lessons with them before going to work. Then, I do my lessons with them. We will be doing some major schedule tweaking in this next week, when he (Tim) goes to a twelve hour shift. All these changes have really played havoc with my  Fibro and other health issues. But I am handling it.

I guess you could say we are still in a "transition phase". Rebekah is adjusting to our style of teaching and our little schedule, while Alan is adjusting to a more rigid schedule than before. Tim and I are adjusting to, let's face it..... more work (lol).

As an aside, let me interject this note, I wouldn't want anyone to think I am slamming the public school system(s). Our schools do a lot of good for a lot of people. When I attended college, my major was education. I have several relatives who are educators, and good ones! I just felt frustrated for my sister and especially for Rebekah (and the situation they were in). Right now, even with all the work and adjustments involved, I think the right decision was made. We are hoping with the intensive "one-on-one" teaching of Tim (and myself) we can bring her up to where she needs to be.

I won't go into all the other personal things we are dealing with in addition to this one area, but it has been quite a busy time for us. Hopefully everything will settle off as we develop a solid routine, and I can return to the things I enjoy so much (PhancyPages being one of them!).