In my last blog I talked about how Orange Shoe Goy (OSG) was writing his thank-you notes for Christmas gifts. Now that they are done, addressed and stamped, I have to step back and congratulate him. Last year, I had to write the letter, word for word, then he copied it. This year without thinking, I set him to work on them and didn’t help. He did it by himself. I did not realize what a major step that was until I had the time to think about it. OSG’s dyslexia is a tough burden. He struggles with all forms of math, writing and often articulating. Yet, each of those letters was personalized. Having said that, I did struggle to read what he wrote in a couple of them. Wow! I am impressed though.
OSG is a practice makes perfect kind of guy. Yet, he does not like repetition. This has been a struggle for him. He needs what he hates. I have noticed though as he gets older, his choices reflect maturity and growth. As that growth continues, I am happy to stand at the side and watch. He will succeed. He will make it. This gives me joy.
In the area of his schooling, it is difficult to motivate him. He does not like to do what is required and will do anything to get out of it. I have learned, as his teacher, to make the stakes for not finishing his work too high for him to accept. He has not enjoyed that part of his life because it requires him to make his own choices and live with the consequences. I believe that this is teaching him normal life- at the very least.
He is slated for college. Does that seem crazy to you? A severely dyslexic boy who struggles in almost all areas of learning, going to college? I know that he is able to do whatever he puts his mind to. He is just young and has to learn how to compensate for the areas that he struggles. I am excited to watch him grow and develop himself. I still put down the gauntlet, when needed. Yet, I see that lessening everyday until he is completely autonomous. When he arrives at this place, he will then be able to move toward being all that he can in this life.
What an interested life I am living. I am thankful every day for the lessons that I can teach- and those I learn.
~Angie
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