Ben has never been able to write due to the tiny size of his hands, their weakness and problems with co-ordination. He could only ever write some capital letters and it was painstaking for him. We had given up on writing and hoped he would become more proficient keyboarding as a way of expressing himself in the future.
Just before school ended I spoke to a local Kumon centre about a reading/writing program. I assumed Ben wouldn't be able to do the writing part. The Kumon lady encouraged me to see what Ben could do. Ben has begun to write, and to write in lower case, which he never mastered before. He can sit for 15 minutes with a book and go through it on his own.
I'm excited to see how this may progress this year. To date I simply brought the books home and had him do them there. But I think it might be good for him to go to the Kumon place where other kids do them.
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4 comments:
Louise,
I think that sending Ben to Kumon is a great idea!!! In fact, it might be better than his local high school. The more he writes, the stronger his hands will become. However, do his disability, they may also tire, so you may want to tell him, "If your hands hurt, take a break." A larger or fat pencil may also be easier to hold and control.
Please tell Ben, "I am very proud of him and love his printing."
Matt Kamaratakis
I think that Ben is fortunate that he was encouraged by the Kumon lady to show what he can do. Otherwise, some might have continued to believe that he couldn't do it. It is important to be optimistic about our children's potential, enthusiastic and supportive, even when it seems like time to give up and move on. This Kumon lady has a gift that she has presented to Ben. It is the gift of learning and self-confidence. She has done what apparently no one else has been able to do. That is, encourage him to the point that he felt comfortable in taking a risk to learn something he had not yet mastered. This is evident in the work that he has produced with her. Great job Ben!
P.S. A comfortable pencil grip may help as well as raised line paper. Matt's suggestions and these ones can be easily implemented in a school program to complement what the Kumon lady is doing with him at her office and how you might work with him at home. A positive attitude, perseverance and a consistent approach usually has positive results.
Little miracles indeed! Yay Ben!
Thanks everyone!
Anonymous -- thanks for the tips. I did try a pencil grip but Ben refuses to use it and takes it off. I am looking for the raised paper.
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