This was one of the first questions a 7-year-old asked me when we started an assessment last week.
I started to explain that on this occasion we were just looking at why perhaps their brain was finding it challenging to learn to read, and hopefully find some answers and ways to make it easier for them.
The child continued, “I would like to swap my brain for a brain that can read easily. I love books and I love to learn but I can’t read the words. When I leave here today will I be able to read?” I can honestly say it made me very emotional and I wasn’t really sure how to answer. There was so much expectation in that tiny voice, so much enthusiasm and willingness to be more, so much frustration and desperation to do better. BUT so much HOPE that there would be a way I could help. For a moment I really wished I had a real magic wand that really could make his brain read quickly. Sadly, there isn’t one.
We worked through the assessment and many times the child sought reassurance they were doing well. They put in so much effort and determination, offered great articulation of how they were feeling and engaged in brilliant conversation including extensive knowledge about the things they had experienced and seen. Yet still, all the child wanted to know was whether their brain would be able to learn to read. The harsh truth is although we can improve it for sure, for this child reading and spelling are NEVER going to be easy or natural. So, we need to develop reading skills using whole words, over learning, and specialist techniques but we also need to explore how technology can support them. The use of audio books, text to speech apps and dictation will all be key strategies and skills that will enable this child to learn and be independent.
The real truth is this child has many many skills and will to go far! Weak reading skills won’t define them as we have identified and picked it up super early! Their future is bright, and their brain is awesome!
Absolutely no need to swap it… they just need to embrace it and find different ways through!