#MagicMoments – Big Bo Peep
By Jeannette | May 13, 2013
It’s Monday and I’m linking up with Jaime for #MagicMoments.
My #MagicMoment occurred yesterday, during homework time. The post below (I wrote in February 2012) will explain more but we’ve gone from having no expectations for D to be able to read, to her reading books like the one above.
“Big Bo Peep” was a very funny book, although D didn’t “get” much of the humour, she read it with loads of expression and it was lovely to hear.
Reading – is there a right way? (Feb 2012)
When D was diagnosed with autism and associated issues at 4.5 years old (just over 3 years ago), we did not know what to expect in terms of her academic skills.
We were handed some leaflets, told about a support group – the details of which never registered because we were both crying – and basically left to it.
I took her back to mainstream nursery the next day and then the meetings started re getting her assistance at school (that will be another blog topic).
D was still expected to learn to read phonetically, the mainstream way and, as in any nursery, we had books to take home and read. Of course we were already reading to her at home, the house is FULL of books, I always think you can never have too many books. Knowledge is power etc.
Then the issues started, D would not read phonetically and would not attempt to sound out words. Same with writing, if you spelt out her name it had to be a hard “D†and definitely not a “du†sound. Which didn’t go down well with nursery/reception class.
I tried not to worry, unlike NT children there is not a “your child should be writing their name by..â€, “your child should be reading level.. by age..â€. That doesn’t and shouldn’t exist with autistic children, each child has differing abilities.
About a year ago, I did notice that she would memorise the words and in a lot of cases, you only had to tell her the word once and that was it, imprinted in her brain.
The one thing that really helped – apart from being extremely patient – was buying her a Vtech Storio. This has many activities but the one that really worked for D was that it highlighted the words as it read them aloud – all very visual.
She has come along with her reading so much in the last year, I would really recommend the Storio. The first time she read me one of her bedtime stories was a proud tear-inducing moment.
I now have to be careful what I text or tweet because if she’s next to me and in the right frame of mind, she will read it (no more arguing with Hubbie by text!)
It’s almost like Field of Dreams “build it and they will comeâ€.
12 Comments
Latoya Jordan on 13th May 2013 at 8:49 am.
Harrison has struggled with reading for years. But at the beginning of year 3, he started Junior school which have a program called “Easy read”. It’s a computer based learning program that teaches by using pictures ie a pig for “P” sound, an oak tree for “oa” sound. It’s amazing. And literally he would read full stories just by looking at pictures. Give him a book with words and it was still a struggle. But a year and half on and he’s now doing so much better. Still needing support in and out of school and is no where near the level of his peers. But never less my big boy is reading!! It’s been a massive Achievment and I’m very proud. Thanks again J for another great post Xx
Jaime Oliver on 13th May 2013 at 11:06 am.
awww Jeanette this is such a lovely post and one i am so proud you have linked up with #magicmomets! She is doing so well and that in part i think is down to you and your perseverance and support! xx
Rebecca Phillips on 13th May 2013 at 11:08 am.
Aw bless x
sarahhillwheeler on 13th May 2013 at 1:35 pm.
Thanks for sharing this. Great that she is reading so well. We struggled with phoenics too…glad to say that J is getting on much better now that he is looking at words and memorising them…temper tantrums and I can’t d its! have also gone right down. Thanks for Storio suggestion, I will check it out.
The Mummy Scripts on 13th May 2013 at 2:41 pm.
What a lovely post. Wonderful to hear how well she is doing (and now she can spy on your texts!). That Vtech Storio sounds very interesting. My twin son has expressive language delay and even though he is only 2.5 I may need to prepare myself for the possibility that reading may not be so easy for him. Thanks so much for sharing your story and your tip of the storio x
AutismMumma on 13th May 2013 at 2:52 pm.
That’s brilliant, I’m glad your H is doing so well. It’s such a “will they, wont they?” And no one can really say.
We are rightly proud mums! X
AutismMumma on 13th May 2013 at 2:54 pm.
Thanks J, it’s very much trial and error and thinking “outside the box” which is what mainstream couldn’t do. She is doing very well *beams*.
I might have to do TWO posts next week lol! Xx
AutismMumma on 13th May 2013 at 2:56 pm.
Thanks, I’m glad your J is getting on better. It must be very frustrating for them when they just can’t do it the way that’s expected.
The Storio really helped her confidence, can’t recommend enough!
AutismMumma on 13th May 2013 at 2:57 pm.
Thank you. Admittedly the level is way beyond her mainstream peers but it’s wonderful to see her reading, something I just didn’t know whether she would.
AutismMumma on 13th May 2013 at 2:59 pm.
You’re welcome, thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
I’m so glad she can read now, it opens up a new world doesn’t it? X
redpeffer on 13th May 2013 at 9:07 pm.
Your love and support are worth so much. Thinking outside the box is tiring but much more fun. Clearly gets results too!
AutismMumma on 13th May 2013 at 9:38 pm.
Aww thanks, it’s just great to hear her reading and with so much expression too. Never get tired of listening!