And the huge discrepancy between comprehension and academic skills is exactly the educational issue we are struggling with - what do you do with a first grader who tests at basically a twelfth grade level in terms of comprehension and vocabulary, but who is still learning to read, write and spell, and [u]who wants all sorts of advanced material read to him, but doesn't want to take the time to sound out books at his reading level?[/u] At least now, I feel better about applying. Thanks again!
Hi Q (Joke: John Delancey?)
I face this exact problem, although not as extreame, it think, but the essense when DS11 was in K-2. Afterschool, I read aloud to him, lots and lots. I also borrowed books on tape from the library, from the child, YA, and Adult session, and revisited some of my favorites. I also developed that habit to listening to audio presentations of college classes, "the great courses," and "the teaching company" and DS would occasionally listen along with me if he happened to be in the car.
On DVD there are certian classics, such as Standard Deviants, Cyberkids, and Magic School bus - depending on level, and the "Nature and Science" channels.
I go back over and over in my mind, asking myself what in the world would have worked for my DS, with this particular asynchrony.
a) with a teacher who "got" him, everything would have been easier.
b) one can just wait it out, hothousing in as fun a way as possible things like typing skill, Math facts, handwriting without tears, while afterschooling in the unschooling style 3/4 of the time to try and keep the spark alive.
c) homeschool, keep an eye out for "hi-low" materials, which are designed for struggling older students, as suppliment, not great, but at least not as insulting to child's dignity.
d) create a homeschool coop of some kind
e) enroll in a school which really, really gets him
f) let him suffer along, and learn some amazing life lessons, but perhaps at a high price.
g) Love him, love him, love him. It will seem like the whole world is out to get him, and he needs as many firm allies as possible. This aspect in particular, brought up the feeling of parenting a special needs kid, for us. In a way, he had a driving need to understand the world, but was cut off from information through normal channels, as if blind, and really overrelied on me to 'interperate' for him. High Urge, low ability. KWIM?
BTW - when we applied to YSP, we had test scores and very little else. He was clearly suffering, but not clearly achieving anything, as we went the option "f" route, out of ignorance. (Joke: Where is that big chart that tells you which of your mistakes will work out for the best, and which ones are just really bad mistakes?)
Smiles,
Trinity
