My daughter was considered as a 'weak' student when she was in grade 3. The teachers were extremely concerned with really low marks (as low as 30 for Math) and summoned my wife for a pow wow ! Roons (my pet name for my wife), as all mothers, was anxious, and had many a sleepless night over it. I glossed over the issue : back in my day, no one really cared for marks in class - and 'learning disorders' were not invented yet - so during my school days, even with rather low grades myself in certain years, I escaped unscathed. However, by the second term of Grade 3 things came to a head : when I too was summoned and 'lectured' about the 'importance of education' and how I should 'take a more active interest in her studies'. I must admit I was rather amused - and assured the teachers she had no learning disorder : even though many believed she had.
Thus started 'Mission Shaakya' - a concerted attempt to make sure she catches up - and is not felt to be a 'loser'. The biggest challenge was to give her the confidence to believe that 'anything was possible'. To this end, I took some bold decisions - and took her rafting, rock climbing and abseiling with me - and also devoted time to sit her down and teach her the basics which I believed she lacked understanding of. True enough, her grades picked up - and now, if she does not get her 9 or 10 out of 10, she comes to me and berates herself for 'careless mistakes'When I took on my studies, Shaakya was thrilled to see me 'studying' too : and she would constantly inquire about my work - and ask me 'when the exams' are... She is a little too young to still discern between assignments and exams - and when I took my first two assignments, watching me work long nights at a stretch, Shaakya would often keep me company, studying late herself. When my marks came in, she chided me (as I did her some time back) - 57 and 68 is just not good enough Appachchi - you must study harder ! I could not help but laugh - and promised her I will certainly try harder !
She is now eagerly awaiting my marks for the second two subjects - and heaven forbid if I have flunked !!!
really inspiring story. My son Aly has a learning disorder ADHD (thank God for early diagnosis) which if not properly addressed, can eat at the children's confidence. I really like your 'plan of action' quite ingenious of you to focus both on the basics as well as sports where your lovely daughter could build her confidence. I will take a leaf out of your book, and pay better attention to my son’s area of strength, which is Drama, and will also engage my family in my studies. By husband is really excited about ‘my learning presentation’, but now I will also include my sons. God bless them all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment Heba... Write to me on vidusha@highfiveconsultancy.com and lets swap notes. I actually keep a private blog for my son and daughter - and make a point to have a few 'celebrations' for each accomplishment they have (no matter how small). Truly wonderful to have your story here - because it helps to know one is not alone in such challenges in life...
ReplyDeleteKeep in touch...