Catch-22 noun 1. a dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.
PART 1
There are many “Catch-22’s,” I see in educating kids with reading difficulties. Especially in older kids.
As parents we can’t see the future. We are busy making choices right now. Some of these choices will have a great positive impact in the future. Some will have a great negative impact on the future.
Here are a couple to consider;
1. Time-Waiting for your kid to grow out of it- Does your kid reverse letters? Have a tough time reading? Is your kid below grade level? Do they hate to read? True this can all change over time. How much time should pass before you see an improvement? What specific steps are you going to make to see an improvement?
The catch 22 is some kids need time to improve but if you wait you are losing valuable time. So don’t wait.
2. Help at School-Reading support services take place during the school day. Your kid may be leaving class. The catch 22 is that your kid may is missing class instruction. They may not respond well to leaving class. Being pulled by another teacher or working with the same group of kids outside of class may cause a problem.
The catch 22 is they need extra help at school but there isn’t enough time. Asking when your kid receives services and how they feel about this time can help combat this catch 22.
3.Reading Programs- Kids need solid reading programs with effective reading methods. They also need highly trained teachers.
The catch 22 is if your kid hates the reading program. Kids think the programs are boring. The programs are repetitive and babyish so some kids flat out refuse. If they participate they don’t get a lot out of it. The connection with the teacher doing the program can be less than motivating too.
Ask your kid of they like the program. Find new programs and closely watching how your kid improves combats this catch 22.
If you need help addressing any of these catch 22’s reach out to me and I can help!