Can't read, can't write

[tiggerblue10]

Did anyone else see this this on C4 earlier? The ending did bring a little tear to my eye.

I have some dyslexic issues like I miss out words when typing or sometimes I miss words when reading and I have to read the sentence again. My grammer is also very bad.

Do other ABers have similar issues?

[pastafreak]

I didn't see it....but my daughter is mildly dyslexic. Inspite of that she is going into her 3rd year at Uni.....she struggles and needs to read things more carefully,but she is doing quite well.

[Ice.Maiden]

I don't, Tigger, but my keyboard's got a virus in it, and all sorts of stupid things keep typing up - like no capital letters, and letters where there shouldn't be any, but in all seriousness, I've never noticed anything wrong with your posts, and even if there was - no one bothers much on here. My youngest child still struggles with writing, bless him, but he makes an incredibly good effort, considering his disability, so don't worry. There are so many people out there who can't even read a word - and yes - for whatever reason, it's sad. x

[terambulan]

I blame the teachers.......there very little class reading together, with pupils called, at random, to carry on the reading (to keep them alert).

In my youth there was teasing of kids who were less academic but then they shone on a sportsfield or at crafts.

Those notices at the back of cars should be re-written

IF YOU CANT READ - BLAME YOUR TEACHER!

[tiggerblue10]

I agree Icey, it is sad that some people can't read and write. I don't know who is to blame Terambulan to be honest. I spent most of the time daydreaming and staring out the window at school I'm surprised I actually left with any qualifications. Lol

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes, they do sometimes have a lot to answer for, but I also blame lazy parents who can't be bothered to teach their children the basics. We could all read and write before going to school, and the teachers just added the finer points to it. The trouble is, teaching methods've changed as well. The old basic methods are best. they're very good at my sons' school though, and when children lag behind, there are teaching assistants to provide one to one help.

[EngTeach]

Icey you are right. The methods have changed and not for the better.

Terambulam... I am in America and the schools greatly frown on the "round robin" reading you describe. The theory is that if a child really has trouble reading this will humiliate him and alienate him from reading even more. I agree to a point with that. However, there is a lot to be said for the fear of being called on and not knowing the place. Imagine my dismay as a HS teacher to spend most of my time reading TO the class as this is the prescribed program we follow. UGH!!!

We have a lot of standardized tests here now and in NYC schools students will not be put ahead if they do not pass. Many people are against this and feel in 3rd or 5th grade students still have time to catch up. Fair enough. But, these same people also want to know how we get 16 year olds who read at an 8 year old level. It can't be both ways.

OK Now I will stop ranting!! LOL

[terambulan]

I expect to be slated by teachers...........but now I have revenge in mind.

Because my sons were behind in their schools I hired private tutors (students) during school hols to coach them. When the Head heard I received a 'stinker' saying I wasn't qualified in modern teaching, etc. They virtually wiped their hands of my kids so I withdrew them from state schools.

You can monitor teachers better in the public schools.....no results no fees! It's a struggle to pay though.

[pinktwink]

its worth contacting the adult literacy or dyslexic associations there are special computer programmes for individuals with dyslexia to help their literacy

[EngTeach]

That's terrible Teramblum. For the head to ignore and drop your children like that..... Here our public (FREE) schools are very scrutinized and the teacher is ALWAYS at fault whether it is a discipline or academic issue. We get bashed a lot, but I have to believe there are more good ones than bad. Don't write us all off...... :(

[Slooow_Jo]

EngTeach your not alone I could rant n ramble about this topic all night!! It is crazy now how teaching 'methods' change, over there as much as here I presume,but they must be getting some things right because most folk who cant read or write are a 'certain' generation'?

I didn't see the program but wish I had, till a few years ago I didn't think it possible for an adult to not be able to read or write. Then I found out about a relative who couldn't, I was amazed by the 'tricks' he knew to avoid having to do any writing! You'd think reading & writing is such a big thing yet someone can get to 40 odd & manage without!!!

Since then I found out another friend who cant read/write & another who can does about manage the basics!

[Ice.Maiden]

Illiteracy isn't always because a child's "stupid" or can't be bothered, but i firmly believe that most children - and adults - are capable of learning to read with the right help. I admire what you do for a living EngTeach. It's not always easy, especially when you have classes of children with mixed abilities. I have an autistic son, and I've shed buckets in private, wondering how best to help him, but with the right support, and me spending a lot of time with him, he's coming on in leaps and bounds. I'm not a trained TA, but I DO help out at our sons school, by reading to the younger ones, and I know it helps.

[wolf63]

I was reading before I went to school and I enjoyed it.

I can't imagine how a person can survive without the basic reading, writing and numeracy skills.

[pinktwink]

you would be surprised about the skills they learn to survivr. I have come across many parents in my work that have poor or no literacy skills yet they mask it and function very well. Some hold down full time jobs and have bills paid from direct debit from salarys with standinf grocery orders for their shopping. They have to be admired for all their efforts to function in a world that isnt always tolerant to those with disability

[Ice.Maiden]

As has been said - it must be very scary and difficult, but many people DO get by. As with myself, I imagine you had some parent or guardian who took the time to encourage you to read and write. Many children aren't so lucky.

[pinktwink]

its not always about the teachers or the parents that enable children develop good literacy skills, some children come from disadvantaged backrounds resulting in poor school attendance. Even if they do make school they may be tired, hungry or preoccupied with problems at home that render them unable to concentrate and unavailable for learning. There is always a job and a role out there for everyone

[Ice.Maiden]

That's true pinktwink, but again, it comes down to some parents not acting responsibly towards their children - or not caring.

[Slooow_Jo]

& another thing..........*sorry lol*

does anyone else think the tests kids are put through a bit too much pressure??(in UK SATS at 7&11) The year 6 tests are the worst because that test reflects the school....no pressure there then!!

[Ice.Maiden]

True again. In some Scandinavian countries - I believe Sweden's one of them - children don't start primary education until they're 7, but according to statistics, by the time they reach 10 or 11 they're at the same level as children here, who start at 4 or 5. They believe that until the age of 7, a child learns through play and nurture, and that there's plenty of time for formal education later. It seems to work - and perhaps their teaching methods are different to ours anyway. The pressure for children to perform is greater now than at any other time, and their education seems to be rushed on before they've got to grips with the basics. The early SATS, in my opinion, are no guide to how a child's going to perform later, as with age, comes the grasping of basic principles. The very word "SATS", or "exams" is enough to put a young child off.

[pinktwink]

in ireland we do not have state exams until the junior cert which is the english equivqlent of o level

[Ice.Maiden]

I didn't know that. Do they do some type of tests in class though, so that the children can provide the teacher with info on which to base an assessment, or don't they bother?