Turning a can't into a can - help your child to succeed

"I just can't do it". We all say this sometimes but how many times have you heard your child say that? My daughter's teacher recently told the class that they should always have a go at something and that if they can't do it they must think: "I just can't do it yet." In my work with children with dyslexia and dyscalculia, I have learnt to never underestimate the power of positive thought. For children who have been faced day on day with work that they genuinely can't do, it is hard to hang onto the idea that they will be able to one day. My job is to make them believe that this is true.

With children receiving their school reports and test results about now, many of you may read them with a heavy heart. Whilst what my daughter's teacher said was very positive, the reality is that whilst it is likely that all the children in her class will continue to develop competence in their schoolwork, some will undoubtedly need additional support. Children in my daughter's school are lucky; additional learning needs are well supported, but schools vary in resources and expertise and what do you do if the positive thoughts are just words, not backed up by actions? It is heartbreaking to watch your child fall behind, but there are things you can do.

The first step is to talk to the class teacher and express your concerns. Ask for a short meeting after school and if possible get someone to look after your child whilst you talk. Take the report and any test results in with you and ask about those areas where your child appears to be struggling. What does the school plan to do to support your child and help them progress? With the summer holidays looming, do they have suggestions for things you could do at home to help ? Don't forget to make notes.

With the summer holidays coming up, realistically, this is as far as you're likely to get, though, of course, there are a number of other things you can do if you're unhappy with the teacher's response such as talking to the ALNCO (additional learning needs coordinator). Remember, for many children, there will be a new class teacher in September who may have a clearer strategy so it is probably best to wait till the new term before pursuing things further,

The summer holidays, however, do provide a great opportunity for you to make progress on identifying and supporting your child's needs so that you can prepare them as best you can for September. Here are some things you can do:

1. Follow up on suggestions from the school for activities
2. Try organising some catch up lessons with a specialist tutor, perhaps towards the end of the holidays. This should boost your child's confidence before going back to school.
3. Keep a diary with observations of your child's learning and attitude to learning to share with the school
4. Consider getting a dyslexia or dyscalculia screening done. This will provide you with a profile of your child's strengths and weaknesses plus recommendations as to how you can help them at home and at school

In September, take in your 'evidence' to support the case that your child needs additional support - this could be your diary, work your child has done with you or a tutor and the results of any screening test.

Finally, enjoy the holidays. Give your child space and time to pursue those activities that make them happy and find as many opportunities as you can to boost their self esteem. For children to learn well, they need to feel good about themselves so ensure that they have plenty of fun!


If your child is struggling then contact me today to get them the help and support they need to succeed.