Re: learning problems? manda: [quote author=alonewith2 (s-n-b) link=topic=19039.msg175734#msg175734 date=1127783931">
The words he can spell right everytime with confidence:
and
as
know
had
may
The words he can spell right once in awhile:
most
time
said
The words he has trouble with, but I think he'll be able to get with more practice:
them
they
your
The words he is really having a hard time with and no where close in spelling it right:
could
each
people
because
I was just wondering if one of the teacher's may be able to pick up on a pattern.....I can't tell, and it doesn't seem that there is an identifying theme to the list in general.....like all long vowels, short vowels, nouns, verbs, etc....
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Okay, I know this thread is old. I never did go back to it and follow up on it though so I will now. How is he doing now, by the way?
Okay, this list is not pattern-based. These words are sight words or sometimes called dolch words. They are common or high-frequency words.
Most reading experts would agree with me here, so I'm not going out on a limb here, but here is my problem with this:
Spelling should teach children how to spell words, right? Either by a phonics rule or a spelling rule: for example, my students this week will learn to spell words with these "glued together sounds: ing, ink, ang, ank..." And so I'll give them 8 words and come up with two surprise words that follow that pattern.
ALSO, because 15% of our language doesn't fit into the phonic rules and spelling rules, we always have three words from that dolch list that your son's teacher used for that week. (What are his words this week? I'd love to know.)
So, the idea that you teach them how to spell in a way that can be applied to other words is the best way. Maybe that was just that week. I certainly hope so. Have you asked her the name of her phonics program? (Or if he has a lot of worksheets, it may be printed on them at the bottom...)
learning problems? alonewith2: My son is now 7 years old and in 2nd grade. He is a very smart boy. He never baby talked; always spoke clearly. I remember the staff at the daycare he used to go to would always comment on how he talked so much better at the age of 3 then all the 5 and 6 year olds they had. He has a very good memory. He can learn the lyrics to a song after only hearing it once. He uses big words that most normal kids his age don't use. He's very good at math with the exception of writing some numbers backwards.
However, he's never been interested in writing or coloring. He speaks clearly and uses big words which led me to believe he'd pick up on the alphabet, reading, and writing very quickly....but that is not the case. He struggles big time in these areas. I also don't understand how he can do poorly in reading comprehension when he can listen to a song once and remember all the words. It doesn't make sense to me.
He barely passed kindergarten and 1st grade. I don't want him to barely make it through 2nd, too. I just don't know what to do. He's been to tutoring sessions in school, but his teacher's just tell me that he doesn't seem interested in learning.
He is supposed to bring home his work everyday, but he doesn't. I usually get his spelling list on Wednesdays and then only have 2 days to help him study for the test on Friday. He has failed every spelling test so far this year. I've tried rewards, I've tried punishment.....but nothing seems to work.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I just don't know what's going on with him. When he actually tries and applies himself, he gets really good grades....it just seems he doesn't care, and I don't know how to make him care or if I would be able to at all.......
edited to change 1st to 2nd grade....
Re: learning problems? sigkapgirl: Well, first of all, reading comprehension and memorization are two totally different things. However, I'm assuming that when he uses big words, they are in the correct context?
This might sound really dumb, but this is how I always remembered stuff for school: I would put whatever it is I needed to know into a song (usually the Beverly Hillbillies theme song!)
Maybe what you could do with this spelling words is make up a song together (on MONDAY) and then sing it together all week. It seems that he likes to memorize song lyrics, so why not try to incorporate it?
The only other thing I can think of is maybe find a counselor, someone at the school, Sylvan or something that has a different approach to learning. I know that I do well with writing/reading, but I'm not visual at all - perhaps he just needs to have the material in a different context in order for him to grasp it?
Okay, I'm totally rambling. That's all I got! (Oh, and I don't have kids, so I could just be totally wrong. But hey, I tried!)
Re: learning problems? PiscesGoddess: I'm kinda PO'ed at that school for saying "he's just not that interested in learning".. HUH? It is their job to figure out WHY he is not interested in learning. >:(
have you had him evaluated at his pediatrician? After that you get on that schools case and tell them to check him for a learning disability and to put in whatever accomodations that need to be done to help him learn. You need to request what is called an IEP..individual education plan..and they have to follow it and help him.
Im sorry I dont have any better advice for you honey.. other than having him cleared by the pediatrician and then having the school test him..sounds like a learning disabilitiy to me.
( Can you tell Ive had to deal with this before?) :P
Good luck!
Pisces
Re: learning problems? startingover: See if this helps
http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/calculators/learningstyle/?
