Today’s a work day for me (sigh). I’ll miss you today, blogland. 
It gets COLD when you sit for 8 hours and type. My gloves keep my hands warm and my fingers free to speed along the keyboard.
This morning I’ll sit down at my work desk with a lot of thoughts on my mind. As Joseph’s graduation from our homeschool nears, how will we define whether or not we’ve been successful? Will Joseph feel his education was a success?
There have been many obstacles. Three heart procedures for my husband over the course of five years. My having to somehow provide continuous medical insurance coverage. Those were the two biggies.
And yet, if homeschooling is going on, then it must be given just as much of a priority as everything else. Add to the mix that Joseph deals with dyslexia big time, and the matter of success becomes even more complicated. The last time we had him tested, his spelling scores… Hmmm. Do I share this on line?
I don’t think he minds, especially if it helps someone else.
He spells on a third grade level. But his reading comprehension is 3rd year college. The consultant said she’d never seen such a span. Her words to me were that he’s compensating for his disability. Very well. He’ll be fine. But how do you take notes in a college class if you write and spell slowly? How do you ever prepare for college if you cannot remember from week to week how to spell “every” or “where?”
It’s tough. As tenacious as I was regarding Joseph becoming a reader, which he surely is, I am bound and determined that he will spell well. We are down to months left.
A quotation I saw yesterday has been on my mind.
The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” ~Donald Kendall
I have to just trust that if we keep working hard and pushing ourselves, we’ll end up exactly where we should be in time for graduation.
I always enjoy a work day when I have something major to turn over in the back of my mind all day. More on this later.
Lynn
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
We some good friends with twin boys they are homeschooling in their last year of jr. high school. One of the boys is dyslexic. The other is not. Both of them are very talented musically. We have talked about this issue a great deal. They view the dyslexia of their son as a gift in that it gives a uniquely creative view of the world to those who have it. Even though traditional educational settings can be a challenge, there are huge advantages in other areas. In watching their son, it is evident that is true.
Joseph and I both wish he was musically inclined! His talent is in writing — the creative story-telling process. I am very much encouraging him to finish a book he is writing. That process in itself has helped him with spelling and grammar, but it’s just slow going.
That’s very interesting about the twins. Are they fraternal?
Lynn
I’ve been reading your blog for a short time and enjoy it so much. You’re doing a great job in keeping up with everything. Our youngest son is dyslexic also, and did not have a good time in school, this was back in the dark ages before anyone knew about this problem, or neglected to learn about it. Spelling was not easy. He has compensated for it very well, as I’m sure that Joseph will also.
How about a tape recorder in college? instant notes.
I believe the twins are fraternal — they do not look at all alike. Telling a story well is truly a gift and hard work under any circumstances. I think it is great your encouraging him with that. Also, I think the tape recorder Sheila recommended was a great idea. A lot of the best students in the graduate schools I attended did that.
Once again, I come for a visit and linger for a long time. Your blog is so refreshingly sweet and thoughtful. I share your love of all things outside and whispering from the corner of your garden. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Well, I enjoy your blog as well. We have much in common. I was inspired by your doll house. We’ve been in touch before. Check out the start to our doll house.
but he is a terrible speller. He is improving but as an encouragement, do the best you can and he will manage with spell check and many people use short hand so he will just devel. his own for note taking and go from there….keep persevering.
My son is not dyslexic (that I know of,
Blessings to you!
I’m really enjoying your blog. I think I found it through the longlocks website
We have a bit in common – you’ve done a great job!
Hi, Lynn,
I think the most important skill is comprehension. If he has that ability, he can learn anything. If you’ve read any newspaper or even modern reading book these days you’ll see that even people in the business of writing have trouble spelling. I have one of both – a son who has horrible handwriting but is a great speller; a daughter who has beautiful handwriting who is always referring to a dictionary. It sounds as though he’s been very successful in making strides in learning and if the desire is there, he’ll only continue as he progresses in his education.
Have a great day!
–Liane
Lynn,
Thanks for sharing. Your homeschool experiences,struggles,
and victories are an encouragement.
-Demeca
Sheila, thank you so much for the idea about the tape recorder. I had not thought of that. I am such a visual learner and note taker, it would not have occurred to me.
Missy, thank you! I enjoy your blog too.
Tonya, I’m glad we’ve been in touch. I love the doll house you are working on!
Melanie, I’m glad we’ve found each other’s blogs!
Liane, thank you for the encouragement.
Demeca, you are such an encouragement yourself. We love the time with your family on Friday evenings.
Lynn