Parenting – Lemons-Aid Learning

Posted on December 28, 2023April 11, 2024 by Mrs. Ali — Leave a comment

Dyslexia Won’t Defeat You: How Parents Can Help Their Children Succeed

Supporting a child with dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but as a parent, you can make a significant impact on your child's learning journey.

Being a parent is already a challenging and rewarding journey, but when you add the responsibility of supporting a child with dyslexia, it can feel overwhelming at times. As a parent, you have been entrusted with a divine responsibility to guide and nurture your child. This unique role allows you to make a significant impact on your child’s learning journey.

It is essential to recognize that God has chosen you specifically to be your children’s parent, knowing that by His strength, you are equipped to love and support them. While dyslexia may present its own challenges, it does not define your children or their abilities. Instead, it is an opportunity for them to develop resilience, determination, and a unique way of thinking.

Acknowledging this divine responsibility means recognizing that you are not alone in this journey. God is with you every step of the way, providing strength and guidance. His wisdom and guidance are the ultimate foundation of wisdom as you navigate through the challenges of dyslexia. Pray for patience, understanding, and discernment as you support your children in their education.

Understanding Dyslexia: Let’s Break Down the Myths

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects the way individuals process language. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding dyslexia that can create confusion and hinder support for those affected by it.

Myth 1: Dyslexia is a sign of low intelligence.

Fact: Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. In fact, many individuals with dyslexia are highly intelligent and possess unique strengths in areas such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

Myth 2: Dyslexia only affects reading.

Fact: While difficulties with reading are common for individuals with dyslexia, it can also impact other language-related skills, such as writing, spelling, and speaking. Dyslexia is a complex neurological condition that affects the way information is processed in the brain.

Myth 3: Children with dyslexia will never learn to read.

Fact: With appropriate support, children with dyslexia can become successful readers. It may require a different approach to reading instruction, such as utilizing multisensory techniques and explicit phonics instruction, but progress can be made.

Being a parent of a child with dyslexia can be challenging and overwhelming at times. It may seem like an uphill battle to help your child succeed in their education. However, I am here to tell you that dyslexia won’t defeat you or your child. With knowledge, the right tools, and techniques, you can significantly impact your children’s learning journeys. You can help your child with dyslexia even at home. Remember, with God’s help, nothing is impossible.

Practical Strategies: Tools to Empower Your Child with Dyslexia at Home

Let’s explore practical strategies and tools to empower your child at home.

Create a supportive learning environment: Designate a quiet and comfortable space for your child to study and do their homework. Minimize distractions and provide them with the necessary materials, such as a dictionary, highlighters, and reading aids.
Utilize multisensory techniques: Dyslexic learners benefit from engaging multiple senses during their learning process. Incorporate activities that involve visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements. For example, you can use colorful flashcards for spelling or have your child use sensory sheets for writing spelling words.
Break tasks into smaller steps: Help your child manage overwhelming tasks by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach reduces frustration and allows them to focus on one aspect at a time.
Use assistive technology: Explore the various assistive technology tools available to support your child’s learning. Text-to-speech software, speech recognition programs, and dyslexia-friendly fonts can all enhance their reading and writing experience.
Provide positive reinforcement: Celebrate your child’s achievements and efforts, no matter how small. Offer praise and encouragement to boost their confidence and motivation.

Each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s important to be patient, flexible, and willing to try different strategies. With your unwavering support and the right tools, you can empower your child to thrive academically and overcome any challenges they may face.

Partnering with Educators: Creating a Supportive Academic Environment for Your Child

In addition to your unwavering love and support, partnering with educators can create a powerful support system for your child. If you feel like you want extra support by certified educators, Lemons-Aid Learning is here to help. Our Orton-Gillingham certified educators can help you create a supportive academic environment that meets your child’s unique needs. Remember, your role as a parent is crucial, educators are an extra support that some families feel is beneficial to their child’s growth. Together, you can create a supportive academic environment that sets your child up for success.

If you feel like extra support from an educator is needed, please check out our courses. We offer a variety of courses that use a curriculum supported by scientific research. This research shows that students with a variety of learning differences, including dyslexia, benefit from the method of teaching and resources used. You can check our courses out HERE! If you would like help navigating which course would be best for your child, please contact us.

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Mrs. Ali — Leave a comment

The Secret to Successful Vocabulary Instruction Starts at Home

When it comes to helping our children learn and grow, parents play the most essential role. And while there are many ways to support our children’s education, one of the most effective is through vocabulary instruction at home. Many parents in today’s world feel as though they are not qualified to teach their children and this is far from the truth. God entrusted you, the parent, with your children. Instruction starts at home no matter how you choose to school your child. Let’s explore the secret to successful vocabulary instruction and how parents play an active role in their child’s language development right from the comfort of their own home.

From a young age, children rely on their parents for language exposure and practice. Research shows that the amount and quality of vocabulary exposure at home significantly impacts a child’s vocabulary growth. Parents can actively engage their children in vocabulary instruction through various strategies. One effective method is through word games and activities. By incorporating fun and interactive games, such as word puzzles, charades, or scavenger hunts, parents can make vocabulary learning enjoyable for their children. These games not only reinforce new words but also foster a positive learning environment.

Additionally, parents can provide ample vocabulary exposure through reading. Reading books together, discussing the stories, and exploring new words can greatly enhance a child’s vocabulary. By incorporating a diverse range of books and genres, parents can expose their children to different words and concepts.

Consistency is key in vocabulary development. Parents should make vocabulary practice a regular part of their child’s routine. This can include discussing new words during mealtimes, engaging in word challenges during car rides, or simply having word-of-the-day conversations. By consistently reinforcing vocabulary, parents ensure better retention and integration of new words into their children’s language skills.

Parents can create a word-rich environment at home. Labeling objects around the house, such as furniture or household items, helps children make connections between words and their meanings. This visual reinforcement aids in vocabulary retention. Additionally, encouraging children to describe their surroundings using specific words helps expand their vocabulary and enhances their descriptive skills.

Another effective strategy is using technology as a learning tool. There are numerous educational apps and websites that offer interactive vocabulary games and activities. Parents can utilize these resources to make learning vocabulary more engaging and enjoyable for their children.

Furthermore, incorporating vocabulary practice into everyday activities is a practical and effective approach. During cooking, for example, parents can involve their children by discussing various ingredients and their properties. Similarly, while grocery shopping, parents can encourage their children to read labels and identify different products. By turning everyday activities into vocabulary learning opportunities, parents create a continuous learning experience for their children.

Overall, the key to effective at-home vocabulary instruction is creating a word-rich environment, utilizing technology, and integrating vocabulary practice into daily activities. By implementing these strategies, parents can support their children’s language development and ensure long-term retention of new words.

Consistency is key when it comes to vocabulary reinforcement and ensuring better retention of new words. When children are exposed to new vocabulary on a regular basis, they have more opportunities to practice and reinforce their understanding. By consistently reinforcing vocabulary, parents create a strong foundation for their children’s language skills. Consistency in vocabulary reinforcement is crucial for better retention and integration of new words. By making vocabulary practice a regular part of your child’s routine, incorporating repetition, and providing positive reinforcement, you create an environment that fosters continuous growth and improvement in their language skills.

Posted on March 25, 2023 by Karen Lemons — Leave a comment

Boosting Learning through Accountability: The Lemons-Aid Way

Let’s dive into a crucial aspect of learning: accountability. Did you know that holding learners accountable for their education can significantly improve their learning outcomes? Let’s explore why this is the case, introduce the concept of authentic assessment, and connect it all to biblical principles.

Accountability: The Key to Effective Learning

Holding students accountable for their learning means making sure they take responsibility for their educational progress. When learners understand that they’re expected to actively participate and engage with the material, they will learn. They even begin to pursue knowledge and understanding with genuine enthusiasm as their natural curiosity kicks in.

Roadblocks to Accountability

Pain. That’s what gets in the way. Since learning is an active process, it takes engagement and intentional effort. But learning is hard! Remember struggling with a piece of writing or a math concept? It’s uncomfortable. We don’t like it. We want it to come easy.

The second roadblock is an education system and a culture that won’t allow our kids that struggle. When my kids were little and in Christian school, they would throw themselves on the floor, spewing bodily fluids from their noses and mouths when things were hard. I confess I sometimes removed the struggle for them by contacting the teacher and saying it was too hard. Embarrassing, I know. But other times, I told them to suck it up and be tough. I reminded them that learning is hard and that they can do hard things! We want our kids to struggle! They should be standing up on their tippy, tippy toes to reach new learning. Learning takes effort, work, and perseverance. If we remove the struggle, they miss out on so much, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Thankfully, I figured this out. When they were homeschooling with me in middle and high school, they had learned to work through those painful moments of confusion. They learned to use resources to figure it out! They got tough. I stopped being a roadblock myself by allowing the natural roadblocks to remain in place for them to navigate. This is accountability.

Authentic Assessment: A Form of Accountability

Now, let’s talk about authentic assessment. Why do I use the word “authentic?” It means the assessment is a true measure of student learning or skill acquisition. It’s a tool to measure AND communicate. As an educator since 1995, I have grappled with this issue, reading theory and research, to understand the relationship between assessment and learning. But the most formative lessons I learned were in the classroom.

I discovered that the more accountability I removed, the lazier students became and the less they learned. It was when I stood firm on due dates, limiting “re-does,” and using authentic assessment, students rose to the occasion. Learning improved. I could only do this in a school where things were a little counter to our culture. Grace Christian School in Alaska was a special place with special families. People in Alaska embrace struggle just to live in America’s Last Frontier. Everything is hard work but worth it because the enjoyment that comes after or from the work is outstanding. Think hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing! Those things are hard, but so fun. So, most parents didn’t get mad at me when their kiddo got a bad grade. Instead, they told their kids to work harder. Get help. Toughen up. And they did!

Biblical Principles: Humility & Wisdom

The Bible emphasizes the importance of learning from parents (and by extension, teachers). Proverbs 1:8-9 (NIV) says, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” This passage highlights the value of seeking wisdom from those who guide us and the idea that wisdom is a treasure worth pursuing.

Embracing this biblical principle, we encourage students to seek guidance from their parents and teachers, taking ownership of their learning and becoming wise learners.

The Lemons-Aid Way: Accountability and Assessment in Action

At Lemons-Aid, we’re dedicated to helping learners reach their full potential. We understand the importance of accountability and authentic assessment in the learning process, so we’ve designed our courses with these principles in mind.

Our approach ensures that students not only grasp the material but also develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for real-life success. Through assessments and ongoing feedback, we help learners stay accountable and track their progress, setting them up for a bright future with the skills to leap over those roadblocks. Because they’re tough enough!

Category: Parenting