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I'm a terrible reader.
In fact, I struggle so much that I required special education classes/assistance for reading and writing throughout most of my schooling. (Thread) https://twitter.com/maggiesmithpoet/status/1263497625766068225
In fact, I struggle so much that I required special education classes/assistance for reading and writing throughout most of my schooling. (Thread) https://twitter.com/maggiesmithpoet/status/1263497625766068225
In elementary school, it was obvious to teachers I was falling behind and needed help (and got it). By middle/high school, I stayed in the general population for all classes -- save my English classes, which had no more than 10 students in order to promote strong work habits.
The stigma of attending these classes didn't bother me -- all kids can be cruel -- but my teachers were incredible and supported me every day.
Eventually, I worked my way to grade-level learning and was put in general education classes for English -- and failed my first class.
Eventually, I worked my way to grade-level learning and was put in general education classes for English -- and failed my first class.
My 2nd English class (creative writing) changed my life.
I got an "A" and my teacher asked me to contribute to the yearbook. She didn't care about my spelling/grammar errors (something that still shows up today). She believed in my storytelling -- and that was empowering.
I got an "A" and my teacher asked me to contribute to the yearbook. She didn't care about my spelling/grammar errors (something that still shows up today). She believed in my storytelling -- and that was empowering.
I turned down the opportunity to write at the paper -- at that time, I still didn't have the confidence after years of struggling -- but the fact I was even asked changed my perspective on what I was capable of.
Study habits + adult support = opportunity
Study habits + adult support = opportunity
I now make a living writing for USA Today SMG and while it's "just sports", it's what I know -- and credit to my dad for that.
My dad isn't actually more than a "casual" sports guy, but when I was young and my parents tried to get me to read, they were willing to try anything.
My dad isn't actually more than a "casual" sports guy, but when I was young and my parents tried to get me to read, they were willing to try anything.
My parents experimented with a multitude of different reading options and nothing stuck -- until one day my dad bought me a Sports Illustrated.
After a half-hour of not being able to put it down, I excitedly came out of my room with "whole sections memorized" (as he tells it).
After a half-hour of not being able to put it down, I excitedly came out of my room with "whole sections memorized" (as he tells it).
Back then, it went against the grain to use sports as an educational tool, but my parents were willing to roll with what worked for me.
My parent's flexibility and willingness to think outside the box was an incredible way to support me and it made a massive difference.
My parent's flexibility and willingness to think outside the box was an incredible way to support me and it made a massive difference.
I share this story for two reasons.
First, with the right amount of support you can do incredible things. My parents were awesome, I can't say enough about them. But my teachers -- like most teachers -- were difference makers and don't get enough credit for what they do.
First, with the right amount of support you can do incredible things. My parents were awesome, I can't say enough about them. But my teachers -- like most teachers -- were difference makers and don't get enough credit for what they do.
Secondly, for parents of kids who struggle in school, it's a long hard process for everyone -- and you don't always see immediate results -- but know that you are making a difference. Be willing to try out of the box ideas, be patient, it takes time, but it's worth it in the end.
One final note for those who read my writing. The kind words you send my way are wonderfully supportive and when I reply "thanks" or "I appreciate that", know that those replies are sincere and heartfelt every time.
Also, those spelling/grammar mistakes -- I'm working on them
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Also, those spelling/grammar mistakes -- I'm working on them
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