Learning Different.

The Thinking Man

   We have all heard that people learn differently.  Most folks know the three common styles which are auditory, kinesthetic, visual.  I have always thought I was a combination leaning towards visual.  I have known almost since birth that Zeke was kinesthetic.  He is a hands on type child.  He was never much on coloring sheets and handouts.  He wanted to build, experience and do.  Throughout the school year, he relies heavily on all three styles and thrives best when they are used together frequently....thus comes the struggle of homework. Most students with dyslexia (dysgraphia and a little attention on the side) do best with the multi sensory approach.  Now let me ask you a question, when was the last time writing spelling words, writing definitions and completing math calculations was multi sensory?  Paper work for Zeke is very tedious..we experience family trauma getting homework completed.  It is looooooooooong, it is tedious.........how do we make it multi sensory...how do you make writing definitions involve movement besides the flipping of pages.  Sometime we feel like we are doing him a disservice trying to complete the work for the sake of completing it, even though he is completely wore out after the first two hours.  I wish I had all the answers. Some nights, I get discouraged. Thankfully I know the ONE who has all the answers.

   I have to remember that Zeke learns differently.  He has a learning difference not a disability. In other words, He has plenty of ability just learns differently.  It took us (parental figures) a long while to admit it but it is true.  We must embrace it.  We must cherish his gifts.  We tell Zeke all the time that God made you for a purpose. I hope that if your child learns differently you seek out their gifts.  You seek to find ways to encourage them, to make learning fun, to find their style and empower them.

Here is a homework help sheet for parents: http://www.allkindsofminds.org/documents/Homework.pdf