Help! First grader falling behind in kriah

chani8

Mon, Nov 24 2014, 1:25 am

Take her to a 'vision therapist'. My son is severely dyslexic and for actual reading, vision therapy was the only thing that helped.

Does your DD have language issues? Does she pronounce words correctly? Is she 'not a big talker'?

Miri7

Mon, Nov 24 2014, 3:23 am

Get an assessment ASAP. As Chani8 mentioned, the right intervention makes a world of difference! Finding out what type of issue you're dealing with is the first step. The good news is that you've discovered this early, in first grade, before your child has fallen very far behind.

2gether

Mon, Nov 24 2014, 8:49 am

Your missing so much info:
what goes on in class? does she do H.M.?does she have concentration issues?
does she know the אב? the things Chani8 mentioned,etc.

before you assess her, simply take a vision and hearing test.

oohlala

Mon, Nov 24 2014, 8:53 am

reading specialist here...
gather as much info as you can from your child's teacher. ask questions...what is he not getting? is he missing certain letter/sound knowledge? is he a slow reader? what exactly is he doing when he reads? ask the school/teacher to assess him first and find out what is going on. do not jump on alternative therapies such as vision therapy as you do not know what the issue is yet.... but definitely get his vision and hearing checked to rule that out.
See first what the school suggests. then report back here!
let us know what happens.

cbg

Mon, Nov 24 2014, 9:23 am

oohlala wrote:

This is key.

Also, find out how he feels in class.
For example, if he is being bullied, his mind is on that, rather then on what is going on in class.
What's going on at recess, on the bus, during group time.
Thirdly, remember that we all have different learning styles and intelligences. Look up Gardners intelligences.
If your child is musical, for example, then when he reviews athomeyou need to incorporate that mode.

How is your child doing with English reading?

amother

Tue, Nov 25 2014, 1:01 am

Thanks for all the replies!

She does homework, it just takes her a reeeaally long time and she makes lots of mistakes. At times it feels like she's just guessing the nekudos and/or letters. She will get frustrated in the middle often, and throw a tantrum. If she's focused and in a good mood, it can take her faster. She does have strabismus, but at her last eye exam she was fine as far as visual focusing.

I made an appointment with the eye doctor for this week, and I wrote a letter to the Board of Ed requesting an evaluation. The problem is, that takes such a long time. I've already been calling them and leaving messages for a week and no one's gotten back to me. Her teacher said I should get a tutor in the meantime so she doesn't fall more behind, but I don't know what we can afford. Does anyone know how much they run? I have to figure out how to find one, as well...the teacher said she would try to get back to me with names, but so far, no show. I called her several times already and don't want to be "that nudnik parent".

Socially, she is doing fine B"H. She's a little on the shy/quiet side, but she definitely has friends and definitely has what to say for herself. She has a friend or two over to our house most Sundays.

Again, thanks for all the advice! It helps me feel a little less at sea. Keep 'em coming, please!

oohlala

Tue, Nov 25 2014, 8:55 am

reading specialist poster again...
PLEEASE be that nudnik parent. As a teacher, I can tell you that this is the way you will get your child help.
Again, ask the teacher to assess her (of if there is a kriyah teacher or resource teacher in the school who does this, great). Find out exactly what is going on. You see that she guesses a lot and that she memorizes. The teacher will need to find out if that is because she doesn't know the sounds of the letters and nekudos, or if she knows them, but is being impulsive. Or maybe she's having trouble blending the sounds into whole words...
In any case, you need that information before you decide what to do next. It could be that there is someone at school who can help her (resource?) or the problem may be simple enough that you can practice with her at home. But press the teacher for info first!!!!
This is her job! Do not hesitate to ask for this.
Good luck!