OT - Sylvan Learning Centers

[luvmygirls]

Hi All,
This is way off topic from WDW, but I'm considering taking my 6 y/o dd to Sylvan Learning Center. She had a hard time learning to read, (she's a 1st grader) and if you know anything about 1st grade reading, she is just at a level 10 now. And while she can read the words on the page, it's complete monotone & not really fluent. Also her math skills are not very strong. If any of you have/had 1st graders, I HATE MAD MINUTE!! She has to do 30 addition facts in 1 minute, and she gets about 10-12 done per day and that is it, no more no less. She uses her fingers to count. I have absolutely no support from her school, they tell me, "she's fine", "she's average with the rest of the class.", but then the teacher turned around and complained about how slow this class is in math. There are about 3 brains in her class and that is it, the rest lag behind, my dd included. I don't accept that for her, I want to give her every possible opportunity so she doesn't get behind. When her teacher doesn't read the instructions, she tends to get alot wrong, so I know she either can't read them or doesn't comprehend them. Ok thanks for letting me vent, and back to the reason I posted. Anyone use or know someone who has used Sylvan? Worth the money??I would have to drive 1 hour to take dd there, and I didn't even get a quote on the cost yet, but it must be kind of expensive since they were offering 100.00 off coupon of a 36 hour session. Do we have the money for this? Not really, but I'm at a loss. I have tried flash cards, visuals, worksheets & nothing seems to be helping her. She is at the same point with Math that she was 6 weeks ago..

TIA for listening, any advice you can PM me, sorry to use the DIS for this.

Shelly (loves her kids & is an overly concerned Mommy!)

 

[AMClvsMKY]

I work at SLC - pm on the way

 

[starwood]

My DS goes to Sylvan for reading. He is now 12. He can read but doesn't really understand the meaning of what he has read. He did really well up until this marking period. He started Oct 2003 and brought his grades up. He made honor roll first marking period and I thought I could relax a little. Welllll
Come progress report time Language Arts and Social Studies (B and A respectively last marking period) he is low c to D.

I'm going to have a conference with them in the next week or so to see what's going wrong.

 

[wide awake]

To the original OP...I am a teacher and I can remember learning to read in the 60s. I was the brightest in my class and no one expected fluency or expression when reading aloud...decoding of words was enough. My own feeling is that we're asking too much of kids, and unless parents start saying enough is enough the policy makers will keep pushing for even more. I wouldn't do SLC...it is expensive, in the thousands of $$$. If your child is decoding words, if she is learning her addition facts then let it go. Children aren's expected to read to learn...full comprehension...till 4th grade.

 

[klfrech]

I am new to the teaching profession and have heard mixed reviews about Sylvan. Most people complain about the cost--apparently it is very expensive. Have you considered a private tutor? I know that here in the state of PA, a family may be eligible for up to $500 per year in federal money that they can then apply towards tutoring. However, your tutor must come from a program called ClassRoom Plus and there are specific instructions you must follow, etc. It may be worth investigating.

As far as math goes, how about trying some of those computer games or some math websites designed for elementary students (funbrain.com is one that comes to mind). Learning math facts is sometimes nothing more than drill and practice, drill and practice. Perhaps my varying the setting (with computer games, etc.), your child won't feel so frustrated by the whole experience.

Thanks for being a parent who cares enough to want to help her child.

 

[Cora]

As you know, only you can be the best advocate for your child. What I would suggest is going to see your pediatrician to see if there are any physiological issues (i.e. dyslexia, eyesight, hearing, etc.). Once you have the information from your doctor you can at least rule out physiological or get the physiological items taken care of. I would then make an appointment with your child's teacher and DEMAND an assessment. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for your child. Your child may need an IEP (Individidual Education Plan). Before you go to Sylvans (which is VERY expensive, my neighbor received a quote from them for $11,000 for 9 months - this is for a middle schooler), I would exhaust every remedy afforded you in the schools. If the teacher is not receptive or unresponsive, I would then go to the principal. I would also make that teacher aware that that is the route I will take if I am not satisfied with what is being done for my child.

Good luck...Thoughts are with you.
Cora

 

[fkj2]

If you haven't tried it yet, read to her yourself, noting any inflections that may be implied in the character's voice. Just 15 minutes or so a day to start, so she comes to understand how the story should sound. Pick subjects that she seems partial to.

Also, you might want to check with any nearby universities to see if they might offer tutoring, esp. through the El. Ed. department, or if any local churches offer volunteer tutoring.

As to the math, if your daughter is studying addition problems that require reading, ie, story problems, she won't do well if she can't read them. I remember my mom teaching those and how difficult it was for some students to understand that there is a sequence implied in the story problem. Although that may not start until a later grade.

And, if she watches a significant amount of television, you might want to back off on that and just engage her in verbal interaction. I know it's a lot of work for you but it sounds like you're interested in investing in her learning now because it just gets more difficult as she gets older.

And, if you've not had her hearing tested, (or vision for that matter) you might want to. Kids, with the exception of the deaf who receive special teaching, need to be able to hear to correctly interpret what adults are asking them to do.

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

have your child tested for a learning disability. The schools have the ability to do this but with out a push from the parent the will do little or nothing but complain about your child.

When i had my child tested it showed that he had a processing problem. The said he was above normal in intellegence. But his processing problem was giving him trouble. It turned out that my son had what they called disphonic dyslexia. Not sure if I spelled it right but that is what he had.


In order to get the process pushed along I had to do this: First, I went to syvlans dyslexia center and had him tested. When the tests came back they said in deed there was a problem. And gave me in details all the information that I needed to present to the school system. Second, I went to the school and requested that my son be tested for learning disabilities. I had to sign a paper of consent to test him. (In Illinios upon signing this paper they have 30 days to complete said testing.)30 days later there was a meeting between me and the school. Sylvan was so kind to have there administrator participate in the meeting. It felt as though Dr. Jett ( Slyvan administrator) was really pulling for my son. She explained all of the testing she had done for my son and what the results were. I think this was key in finally getting my son the help he needed.

Bottom line , if nothing else have your child tested at sylvan. Then have your child tested at the school. Sylvan will stand behind their testing and stand with you at the school evaluation meeting. You would be suprised how much difference that would mean to your child's future schooling needs.



Ps. my child is doing much better at school with his needs being met. In addition, he is coming home with great report cards. I now have a happy child who loves school.


Kimberly

 

[DVC'96]

Hi, I have a 6 yr old first grader too, along with 2 older kids so I've been through this a couple times. Your dd is only supposed to be starting to read now, I see kids in my dd's class at all different stages of reading ability right now and I know for the next year or so it will be like this then it will probably all even out with most of the kids reading at the same level-a few above level and a few below. I don't know what level 10 is-we must have a different system at our school.
My opinion is if you have the money and the time to do Sylvan-do it, but if you don't I wouldn't panic just yet. I would keep doing what you are doing as long as it's not stressing your dd out. The computer games another poster suggested are an excellent idea because they are fun! This year their work load has increased and more work may not be what she wants to see now, but games would reinforce what she's doing in school. My dd loves Reader Rabbit and the Jump Start Series, I got them when my other kids were young so I'm sure there are better ones out there. I just think if you push the flash cards too much she'll lose interest. Again just my opinion as a mom, not a professional. Now, I might have had a different opinion if this was my oldest child, I don't panic as easily any more.
I wish you and your dd the very best!

 

[CheapMom]

Great advice from DVC. Stay positive and look at a tutor or Sylvan if your gut tells you it's the right thing to do. But in the middle of first grade I think a lot of kids are only on the verge of blossoming into readers.

 

[Pembo]

I worked for Sylvan. If you can afford it, have them do an assessment. At our center we often did assessments, had the parent meeting and then the parents walked. If you have the testing done then you will know where she is in comparison to others her age.

Sylvan does work but it is VERY expensive. I too would look into a private tutor. Ask the teacher or the school about it. Do you have a University near by? Education majors make great tutors.

Good luck to you.

 

[Disney 4me]

I have read your posts as well as all the posts that came after . What state do you live in? I am an educator, and I also have been on the Committee for Special Education for 10 years. I can only speak from my own experience, and by no way and I implying that what I have experienced is necessarily the law everywhere, but I am familiar with this subject. And I know it can be so frustrating when you see a child struggle, you sound like a very caring parent! The best thing you can do is read with your daughter! Sylvan is very expensive, and often not effective. What they fail to tell you in their ads is that they are geared to help children who do not have a discrepency of more than one and a half years between potential and performance. This means that if your child is learning disabled, this program is not meant to help them.You can and should do the following:

1. Ask for your child to be evaluated by a child study team. You can send a note to her teacher informally, or if you prefer, type a letter and cc it to the building principal. You have the right as a parent to request this. The outcome of this will determine whether she needs further testing. This testing will be done by classroon observation among other things.
2. If in fact she does need further testing, the committe will notify you in writing. You will then sign a consent for your child to be tested by the school. Do not delay in signing this, as they can do no formal testing without your consent.There is never, ever a charge to the parent for this.They have 30 days to complete the testing and then they will notify you, they then have 5 days in which to have a full committee meeting. This meeting will include the classroom teacher, nurse, pychologist, speech, pt/ot/ any other person who has done any testing, as well as the CSE chairperson, and YOU the parent. You may also invite anyone to this meeting that you want. Sometimes parents have a representative from LDA with them. Not too often though, especially at an initial meeting.A parent representitive ( a member of the CSE committee) must also be present. This is a parent of another student with disabilities who acts as an advocate for you. in some cases, a student may need outside testing that cannot be performed in school, such as a full audiologist report from a speech and hearing center. It first will go through your insurance, the school must pick up the balance or all if you have no insurance. You will not have any out of pocket expense for any of this testing UNLESS you choose to get your own outside evaluation from someplace like Sylvan.I have never seen this done in 10 years.
3. After the testing and you have your meeting, assuming everyone agrees that the child need extra help, an IEP is written. It cannot be written beforehand, as the committee (including you!) must implement the least restrictive plan for your child, that will meet her needs. We really do want kids to succeed and usually once a child is identified, they receive all the help they need. After the IEP is written, it must go before the school board for approval. Your child will most likely not receive services until after the board meeting. Usually they are held twice a month.Your child is not identified by name at the meeting, but rather by number. This insures confidentiality. Anyone other than those people working with your daughter requesting a copy of your child's IEP must ask for your written permission.
4. If you do NOT agree with the CSE ruling, you are entitled to your due process rights. You will have already received a copy of this information when they sent your letter regarding your child.This also very rarely happens, because at the CSE meeting you and the school have worked out a plan for your child.Usually everything works out for the best, and the child starts receiving the help she needs. I have not given you all the information, there is more, go on the website for special education in your state, you will find tons. The information that I gave you pertains to NY state, and it has been awhile since I was in college and learned this stuff, You need to check with your own school district, I am only speaking from my own experience, I do not know specific laws, as they are constantly changing, but feel free to ask me if you have more questions, I will answer best I can.
5. There is always the possibility that your daughter just needs time! When is her birthday? Is she a young first grader? does she have siblings? practice counting apples and oranges with her. You said that she was reading, so I gather she is decoding. This is good! Just keep practicing! does her school use the Open Court Reading Program? if it does and you take her to Sylvan, they may try different approaches that could just confuse her! Does she bring home little books in a baggie? have her read them over and over. Take to story hour at the library, encourage her to cut coupons out of the Sunday paper. This will also help her fine motor skills. Get magnetic letters for your fridge, let her make simple words with them.

 

[Doodlebug939]

I feel your pain. I think that a lot of moms just want their kids to be a success and average. I like you have a 1st grader and since we are a military family we move every three years so I am worried how my son will compete on a national level. Will we move and find him far behind? I have ordered workbooks and study material out the rear to be honest. My son is an early reader and going pretty good in my opinion but I worry is it enough. I remember back to me being in the first grade and the biggest worry I had was to learn to tie my shoe. Today kids are pushed hard and I know that times have changed since I was little. But I would be worried about pushing her too hard that she gets frustrated. I recommend the computer games like others have mentioned. Sometimes kids just need things that make the math click like the computer games. As far as the reading she sounds average just like my son and a work in progress. I think back to last year how my son couldnt even read a sentance and now he is an early reader. Kids are amazing. You daughter will do great. Just have some family time while she reads to you. My son and I pick a book like Amelia Badeila and he reads one page and I read the next. It is building his confinence as a reader and giving us some time to be together. I think it is great that you see a potential problem and are trying to help before it becomes a real problem. I always remind myself that I am the best advocate for my child. Best of luck to you.

 

[Becky2005]

As you know, only you can be the best advocate for your child. What I would suggest is going to see your pediatrician to see if there are any physiological issues (i.e. dyslexia, eyesight, hearing, etc.). Once you have the information from your doctor you can at least rule out physiological or get the physiological items taken care of. I would then make an appointment with your child's teacher and DEMAND an assessment. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for your child. Your child may need an IEP (Individidual Education Plan). Before you go to Sylvans (which is VERY expensive, my neighbor received a quote from them for $11,000 for 9 months - this is for a middle schooler), I would exhaust every remedy afforded you in the schools. If the teacher is not receptive or unresponsive, I would then go to the principal. I would also make that teacher aware that that is the route I will take if I am not satisfied with what is being done for my child.

Good luck...Thoughts are with you.
Cora

I agree with this approach! My DS is in 2nd grade and probably reading at what they consider a 1st grade level (if that! At the end of summer school he was "pre-primer"). Although, my school's pretty proactive...I've heard of others that are not. From my understanding though, if you request an assessment in writing, legally they have to assess it.

I will tell you that they told me they are very hesitant to say "dyslexia" (I brought it up because there were other things with it) or anything like that until at least 8 years old as they have seen many kids struggle with reading in 1st grade and then "the light clicks" and they become fluent readers.

Unfortunately, I don't know what they do if it's overall issues. I know what I was told that to qualify for anything in our state there has to be a varience of 2 degrees (i.e. well below average in one subject and average/above average in others - you can't just be below average across the board! I think that's how I understand it). I know for him reading was way below average but several other things were above average/extremely above average. So he's in a pull-out reading program, they give him extra time on tests that involve reading. However, in my case, he is *very* strong in math.

I have wondered about adding extra myself but since our school seems receptive and he IS making progress that is where I'm going to leave it at for the time being.

I will be interested to read all the replies.

 

[strasfamily]

Can't help you with Sylvan, but my 6 year old 1st grader is in the same boat as yours. I am trying Hooked on Phonics to see if that helps. I know she loves it so far, but we are still in the first book.

 

[yeartolate]

While I wouuld not recommend SCORE! for the long term, it helped my son get over the speed math trauma as well as increase his reading skills.
It is a computer based system that instantly adjusts for your child's ability.

Sylvan and Huntington are probably better all around for the long term.

 

[luvtoall]

I am the parent to 3 older kids. I just want you to know, that I feel for you. It is difficult to decide what to do, and I know it is stressful. My kids have a huge difference in abilities and it was hard to know what I should do for them.
Just keep up the good work!!!!!
Lots of love and care will help all things

 

[Debbie]

Keep reading with your little one! Level ten at this stage in grade one is only a bit "behind" and is perfectly normal. Children read as they walk and talk...at their own pace and development. I have five kiddos, and had them learning to read at 2, 4, 5, 6, and 6½. I teach first and I WISH my kidlets were reading at level 10! Don't make it a chore, but make it fun! As far as the Mad Minute is concerned, remind your DD that she is not competing with anyone else...just herself. If she gets 8 today and 10 tomorrow YEAH! Personally, I think that we are asking WAY too much of our children...they don't have time to be kids anymore.

 

[imsayin]

I think I saw a big Hooked on Phonics set at Sams Club. Don't know the price, but Sam's is usually good.

 

[luvmygirls]

Thank you all, your so kind! I'm a very protective Mom, and I don't want my daughter to all of a sudden be "behind" her class & have to catch up. I was asked if she could join the reading recovery program, I was told no because she isn't one of the bottom 4 in her class, and they only take 4 at a time. I also was told by her teacher, she sees the frustration on her face, almost to the point of tears, but she is a hard worker, she'll catch on. That is why I'm upset & worried, if the teacher can see the frustration, as I do, I just keep getting the feeling it's not clicking for her, from her mind to the paper. Also at the end of kindergarten her reading teacher told me, I don't really know why it hasn't clicked, it should by now but just keep trying. (I don't know if she is considered young or old, she will be 7 in February.) Unfor. the only friends in her class I can compare to, are all reading higher than her/doing better than her in Math/Spelling. Any other friends/family I have with older children, their children were all reading between a level 7-10 at the beginning of 1st grade. (it's mid-year mine's at a 10 now.) I know I'm probably just paranoid, and I agree with those who said they push kids way to much! I was reading Dick & Jane books in 1st grade for crying out loud! Thanks again for your kindness & listening to me!

Shelly