SUCCESS STEP 10: A POP QUIZ FOR MOM & DAD

Not to worry, it’s multiple choice, and there are no wrong answers. But your answers will help you be even more successful in teaching your child to read.

Multiple Choice: Pick an answer, any answer!

Q. How’s your scheduled HABIT going of teaching reading for 5 minutes 2x a day?

1. Habit? What habit?
2. Are you kidding? My chauffeur just quit, my au pair is having a baby, and my gardener is being difficult. What, you think I have time?
3. I thought I had found the perfect time to teach Jamie, but it hasn’t worked out well, and I’ve been too busy to figure it out.
4. It’s going pretty well; we average 5 or 6 days a week. Amanda is enjoying it and seems to want more time, so we’re moving toward 10 minutes 2x a day.

SOLUTIONS to each answer:

1. Re-read this blog: The One Habit You Can’t Do Without.
2. Hmmmm. You have enough time to floss and brush your teeth twice a day; this initially takes about the same amount of time and is just as vital.
3. Right, this is typical; what you’re experiencing is normal. So sit with your family schedule again, and come up with plans A, B, and C. Just keep going down that plan list as you search for a time that works for everyone. There IS a solution. Think it through when you’re in a relaxed (i.e., intuitive) state of mind, and you’ll find one that works.
4. Fantastic. Keep going and keep her enthusiasm alive. A good rule of thumb is this: stop the session before you sense that she’ll want to stop.

Q. Are you teaching letter sounds (first) and then letter names consistently, making sure that’s in place? Are you using fun apps, DVDs, etc, to mix things up?

1. Yes.
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes

SOLUTIONS to each answer:

You don’t need one. You’re all doing this, right? Of course right!

Q. Have you checked on your child’s classroom’s approach to reading? Seen what materials they’re using? Made a few simple, doable requests if there are problems with ineffective materials?

1. The school doesn’t allow parent observation.
2. I see the reading materials my child brings home, but don’t really know what’s going on in the classroom.
3. I’ve observed my child’s reading session in the classroom, and I’m disappointed at what I saw, but don’t know what to do or request.
4. I sat in on my child’s reading session, found some basics that needed adjustment, and had those adjustments written into her next IEP. So far, it’s going well.

SOLUTIONS to each answer:

1. See your lawyer or change schools. (This situation is not unheard of; my daughter was once–briefly, you betcha–in a school like that.)
2. Book an observation date in your child’s classroom. It’s the only way you’re going to know what’s going on.
3. Re-read these blogs: Get The Cassroom Aligned, Great Classroom Support, Part 1, Great Classroom Support, Part 2, and What To Do When The Classroom Level Doesn’t Match Your Child’s.
4. Awesome, awesome. Keep popping in from time to time to make sure those basics are still in place and keeping pace with her progress and potential.

Q. Are you clear about what to do in those “5 minutes 2x a day,” and with teaching “Sandwich Style“?

1. Yeah, I remember the Sandwich Style teaching tip, so we make PBJs and eat them twice a day for five minutes. What, that’s not right?
2. I’m not really sure.
3. We’re doing the Personal Books and related flash cards twice a day, using Fast Flash (what does Fast Flash Look Like?), but my son’s losing interest and seems stuck.
4. It’s been going really well; I’ve made a half dozen Personal Books (with their flash cards) for Brian, and he loves them (he even likes your “Frozen” personal book idea.) I keep expanding his vocabulary with each book. But I’m not sure where to go from here.

SOLUTIONS to each answer:

1. Oy veh. Re-read this blog: What To Do in 5 Minutes Twice a Day and You Have Only Two Choices in Teaching
2. Read solution #1’s links.
3. You started off really well. Now you have to mix it up to accomplish 2 things: (1) keep his interest, and (2) expand his reading experience. Re-read these blogs: Stamp Out Boring, What Reading Material Do I Teach?, and On To Real Books and What to Do After…
4. Read solution #3’s links for a refresher. You’re doing fabulously!

You Rock!

My hat’s off to every single one of you who are trying so determinedly to teach your child to read, and to encourage your child’s educators to stay on track with Best Practice and Basic Teaching Guidelines for our kids with Down syndrome. I’ll see you next week for Success Step 11!

High ten!