Testimonials—Students

Before I was involved in the reading program, I couldn’t read well and if someone offered me a book, I would not read it because I found it to be too much of a hassle. I used to simply act like I was reading in class and I was scared that people would make fun of me.  I was frustrated and a few times someone would say something and I would snap. I did some things that I am not proud of. I agreed to be involved in the reading program and came to school 1/2 hour early every day to work in a one to one setting for 30-45 minutes per day for 3 months.  Now I understand more in life, my grades are improving, I am doing better at home as I am able to read instructions, hook ups etc.  Being able to read has really promoted my confidence

Stanley, Grade 6 student

 

In elementary school, I was really frustrated because nobody understood how my brain worked.  They tested me all of the time.  It seemed that I never had a chance to try the normal work that my classmates were doing.  I worked in a small group with an EA for most of my 8 years in elementary school.  In Grade 8 my mom pushed really hard to get me assistive technology.  I went into the Pathways program in Grade 9. During the summer after grade 10  I worked with at tutor on the reading program for 1-1 1/2 hours per day for 3-4 weeks.   Now I take my time reading and am able to break the words down.  I am now able to read pretty much anything.  I have worked very hard and am now taking college level courses. My dream is to go to college for photography and I’m sure now that I will be able to get there!  It is good to understand that I am a smart person and smarter in different ways.  I now understand that for me reading took a lot more practice and I needed to have it broken down.  I love reading the newspaper!

 

Kaitlyn- Grade 11 student

 

My name is Kyle, I am 11 years old and I am dyslexic.  My dad is too.  I don’t really know what that means but I do know that my brain processes information differently than everyone else. Last year I started coming to classes with Linda and she really helped me with my reading.  Now when I’m asked to find something on a label or in a book or paper, I can find it because I know how to read better.  My mom pushed me real hard and made me read my book every day and do my word cards.  I still don’t like to read very much but I know that I can.  Now I understand what the words are trying to tell me because I can sound them out and know what each word says. I know that I will always be a slow reader but I know than I can.

 

 

My name is Jayme and I too had difficulty learning to read. I really struggled even though I tried very hard each day at school. By age 9 I felt helpless and extremely embarrassed with my situation. I couldn't even enjoy a family visit to a restaurant because I needed help reading the choices on the menu. Then my mom read about Linda's program in the local newspaper and gave her a call. From this moment on my life changed dramatically for the better.

I am in grade eight now.  With Linda's program, I have become a confident reader at the Z level and I'm even willing to read text aloud in front of my classmates!! Wow! What a difference this makes. It feels great knowing that I can read and have more opportunities available to me in my life! 

Thank you Linda!

Jayme age 13