After many frustrating sessions, where Jackson can say the letters, but just can't connect the sound with the visual, I've started to fear we might have a bigger problem than us having unrealistic expectations (given Alyssa's desire/ability to read) or him just not being exposed to letters and numbers. After some research online and hearing some anecdotes that sometimes problems like this are actually eye sight issues, I made Jackson an eye appointment. I was praying this was an eye sight issue. It would be a physical reason for the issue, and something we could likely fix.
Unfortunately, that is not the case. Jackson's eye sight is good. He's a little farsighted but that is typical at his age. So, we'll continue the frustrating work with Jackson and work with our pediatrician and others to make sure that there isn't an underlying issue keeping Jackson from his greatest potential.
 |
| Jackson at the eye doctor |
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI guess I sound a little repetitive, but we have been down this road too. I have some really great suggestions of a software program and a reading program. Elizabeth could not recognize her letters in the beginning of 1st grade. She could make their sounds and spell most anything that was age appropriate, but couldn't identify any of them at all. Email me and I will get you the info on the programs that we use with her. After half a year at her new school she is now reading mid 2nd grade level. That is well behind her twin Sam, but really great for her. Don't just wait like they tell you. It has been very rough getting her caught up. I am sure that if you start working just a few minutes a day even with both the kids, Jackson will catch up.
Chat with you soon,
Rebecca Arnold Cashdollar