July 29, 2015 Edition 
Struggling Learners/Readers
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Gena Suarez

Hey Mama,

There are many reasons why children struggle to learn or to read. Remember, when your child is struggling, it isn't necessarily a reflection on your teaching ability. Some children simply take longer to learn and some have learning disabilities that need special accommodations. Seek the Lord's wisdom and allow Him to guide you to the resources and help you need. Here are a few articles to help you as you teach your struggling learners/readers:

From Barking to Fluency - Helping you Focus While Your Struggling Reader Figures it Out

Struggling Readers - How Can We Help Them?

What Would Happen if You Did Not Teach Your Child to Read?

Finding a Path to Success

Homeschooling a Struggling Learner: Where Do I Find the Time?

Top Three Reasons to Homeschool Your Special Learner

And here's some encouragement ...

Our God is an awesome God. He reigns. He REIGNS. And nothing can snatch us out of His hand. We belong to Him. So just be available. What does He have next for you? Stand by, it's coming. His ways are above ours, and He is working behind the scenes for our good. ALL things work together for GOOD for those who love Him. And you love Him! What is the next step? What now? Despite the problems, all the issues, He is on the throne. Be available. I can't say this enough because it's true. Know His word, apply it rightly, and be available. He will take care of the rest. He loves you, Mama. Daughter of the King, YOU are loved by your Heavenly Father.

~gena
 

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Diana Waring

Dear Friends,

I have struggled with many things in my life. Some of them are major (like losing my grandson last fall), and some are minor (keeping up with the laundry). There are daily struggles, seasonal struggles, yearly struggles, and decades-long struggles.

So when it comes to today's topic, I have a few thoughts about the heart of a struggler. Whether the struggle is reading, math, or following directions, here are some emotional/mental/spiritual needs that must be addressed.

Someone who is struggling needs your kindness.

If you have been told that every child should read by first grade, then a huge pressure arises in your heart when your six-year-old is not able to read. That pressure can easily find its way into your child's heart. Then, not only is your child struggling to read, but now there is the added struggle of disappointing Mom and Dad. Feeling like a failure, trying desperately to please, and worrying about how to do what seems impossible adds SUCH a burden to your little six-year-old's heart.

So, take a deep breath, lay aside the expectations, and simply be with your child. Listen to her heart, listen to his fears, and--with great kindness--express your unconditional love. Help ease those burdens.

Someone who is struggling needs gentle help.

There is something debilitating about dealing with failure. It gets to you, doesn't it? Children feel that same way when struggling to read and struggling to learn. Even if they hide it, there is tremendous effort taking place inside to conquer the impossibility ... until they are convinced that there is no hope. Hearing exasperation, sarcasm, and demeaning attitudes when you are struggling has a crippling effect on anyone at any age, but a child has few defenses (and NO perspective!).

So, as you help your child, do it gently. Take your time. Move forward slowly. Celebrate little steps of success. Don't worry about what everyone else's child is doing.

Someone who is struggling needs respect.

Regardless of the struggle, the person you are dealing with (whether adult or child) deserves your respect. A child might be slow to read, but incredibly good at encouraging a sibling. That is so important to recognize!

So, focus more and more on what your child does well. Communicate to all of your kids what amazing people they are, and the things you are observing about their incredible talents. That respect will give each one an internal confidence and courage to keep trying to read and learn.

Kindness, gentleness, respect. Three words that can change a person's life.

Remember, stay relational.

Diana
[email protected]

PS. Exciting announcement!! I'm thrilled to be offering an online world history course for high schoolers, starting THIS September. I enthusiastically welcome your students into an environment designed for them to thrive! Please click here for more details and info. I can't wait!!

 

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Say it with me, "I will not think about school, I will not think about school, I will not think about school."

In fact, I'm not going to say much about school, because you should be enjoying summer. BUT I will say if you have a struggling learner or reader, cut him/her some slack and quit being a meany.

I know you are sometimes, because I am sometimes. Here's the summer truth: your kids are right on track. They're going to get it when they get it. Stop comparing, stop worrying, stop listening to the "experts," smile more, and let your children learn in a safe and understanding place ... your home.

OK, now stop reading this. Don't think about school for at least a couple more weeks, don't be a meany, and go enjoy your child who is learning at God's pace.

Be real,
Todd
[email protected]

PS. Need a good summer read? Check out The Homeschool Experiment or Family is Hard, or listen to the must-hear audio CD This We Believe.
 

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Contest Corner 
For the month of July 2015

 

Dolly Goes Denim: Doll Clothing Patterns to Sew from Denim

 

Dolly Goes Denim
 

 

Sewing is a lot of fun for me. I enjoy it. I enjoy it even more when the end result of the sewing is something my girls are excited about. Dolly Goes Denim: Doll Clothing Patterns to Sew from Denim, provided me just that opportunity. This collection of sewing patterns for 18-inch dolls was designed and written by JoAnn Gagnon, and it is the cutest collection of patterns to fall in love with.

Dolly Goes Denim is a collection of 19 patterns that can be mixed and matched to create any number of cute outfits for a favorite doll. While the title indicates the material of design is denim, any weight of denim or 100% cotton fabric is appropriate. In fact, I found that working with 100% cotton fabrics such as chambray instead of denim made the patterns much easier to use and the clothing much easier to create. With 100% cotton fabrics instead of heavy denim, the seams didn't bulk up as much, and the corners and curves were easier to turn and lay flat. The collection of dresses, skirts, shirts, and more will give you a huge variety of options with which to experience the joy of sewing.

 

 This 112-page book includes all the patterns you will need, along with the step-by-step directions for the construction of the garments. The patterns can be removed easily from the book and trimmed to make them ready to use. Just trim around the edges of the pattern piece and place it on your fabric to cut. The step-by-step directions include pictures to assist you. ( Read the rest of the review...)

 

YOU can WIN a copy of this book!

 

TO ENTER: Email Heather ([email protected]) with your name, mailing address, and phone number for contact purposes, with the subject line, "Dolly Book" for a chance to win* it for your family! 

 

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