Editor:
Having seen the fairly recent “Letters to the Editor” speaking to dyslexia, I began to reminisce about the students I’ve met during the past eight years of volunteering Park City elementary schools.
Over the years, the children I’ve worked with have had a varied range of skill levels. Most of my tutoring has been with first grade students plus others. I noticed the social consequences that affected students who were not able to keep up with the rest of their classmates. Reflecting back, I wouldn’t be surprised if many of these children had a learning difficulty that could have been more specifically addressed.
Screening children for signs of dyslexia or other deterrents is just one step that could help many students. Additionally, a better understanding of a student’s strengths and weaknesses would help the teachers, parents and volunteers guide them toward their strengths.
My philosophy is that all children should be on a beneficial educational and social track from the time they enter school. To me, that means addressing their abilities or disabilities in the very beginning years of schooling. Thus, I am an advocate for “early or earlier detection” of struggling readers. I am not a teacher and never have been. My children grew up outside of Utah. I volunteer in the schools because I am passionate about helping children learn to read and ensuring that they grow up feeling good about themselves.
Park City is known to have a strong school system. Let’s be sure we are helping all of our wonderful children!
Deanna Gerber
Park City