I am having a hard time justifying the cost, extra driving in winter, and inconvenience where there is not a clear objective. Does anyone have a any words of wisdom?
1) If she isn't touch typing yet, I would consentrate on that right now.
2) Is there any disadvantage of waiting until the spring, and doing the Lindamood Bell then (after winter snows, and frequent cancellations, and short-day blahs)
3) can you try the lindamood bell without committing very much?
4) Do any of us have experience with this particular intervention? Did you ask the Psyc what exactly leads him/her to believe that LB would work for your particular child?
5) Atrocious spelling doesn't bother me 'at all.' If it starts to affect her self concept, be sure to explain that some people are able to learn to spell with a reasonable amount of work, and some only learn with a tremendous amount of work.
6) Find ways for her to keep up with the writing demands of the gifted classroom so she can stay there. Ask the teacher if she thinks that there is a problem, and if so, any suggestion of what to do at home. You can let DD dictate to you, or try Dragon's Naturally Speaking.
7) The Print Tool, by Handwriting without tears, is about 50$, and with a bit of effort, you can observe what she is doing well and what is going wrong, and work with her on the penmanship. For my son, understanding the parts of 'pretty writing' unlocked his ability to make pretty writing. I would consentrate on printing, as cursive has less adult usefulness than spelling (unless she likes cursive.)
8) Your insurance might cover Occupational Therapy. If so, you could have her evaluated by a pediatric OT, and see if they have anything to offer. "Learning is the Work of Children."
9)DS12 suggests to 'drill, drill, drill' with Dad. Apparently, his Dad drilled mathfacts in the car on the way to school all throughout those years... Well you know it wasn't going to me doing that!
Love and More Love,
Grinity