Re:Homeschooling advice needed - question for Lolita

[Guest guest]

He sounds just like my aspergers son. Sometimes if just comes right out-

other times not.

Is actually sounding out the word? Do you hear each letter sound

when sounding out? I'm asking to make sure he hasn't memorized certain words.

If he is actually sounding out then I believe it is just a matter of time

for him. But.. my aspergers eleven year old has just become fluent in any

of his school work. Everything he did before the end of last year was done

sporadically, as you've described with his reading.

If is not seeing his letters all mixed up in a word, and backwards

I would not consider him dyslexic.

But.. even if he is, it is still a matter of looking at each letter and

making the sound for it. These kids just need to take their time, and

consistently work on deciphering what they see.

I find that my kids do better if we read daily, not taking the week-end off

from reading. Also you try giving him his reading words as spelling words-

having him sound them off to write them might also help him with reading.

If he has trouble with writing (as my aspergers son does) he could use the

computer. I have a free program called " the spelling voice " which is a

spelling program you insert your own spelling words in (and in your own

voice). My kids prefer this to writing their words. I've had it for years,

but perhaps you could find something similar.

I hope I've been of some help to you, . I know how scary it can get,

wondering if you've done all you can, if you've missed something major. You

know some homeschoolers don't push reading at all. And their kids begin

whenever they want and do learn to read. Dr. ,a leading

authority in homeschooling feels we should be waiting to teach our sons

reading. Something to do with the actual eyes, I don't remember exactly what.

My feeling is that if you continue with what he can do, and you continue to

read to him he'll be fine.

Lolita

>Since you have been through this, how long does it usually take before

>reading comes easily and fluently? can sound out almost any

>word..and sometimes reading seems to come easy for him. Other times it is

>like he is looking at the word and it just doesn't click for him and takes

>a lot of concentration for him to figure it out. I have wondered if he

>were in public school if he might not be considered dyslexic, but I do not

>consider it that...I just think he is learning it differently?...I would

>appreciate your input......Thanks...BTW...He is eight and in second grade.