by Catchup Kids Case Manager Candice Breetzke
The Catch Up Kids programme has allowed such an amazing opportunity to work with such an amazing variety of children, with such an amazing variety of skills! Each learner who walks through the doors offers a new set of achievements to be met, and endless amounts of fun to be had. The children who come to Catch Up are here for a reason: they are struggling to keep up with their peers in a mainstream classroom; but this does not remotely mean that they are unable to learn, or unable to thrive. Every child we see has their own set of difficulties to battle with, but also their own unique set of brilliant strengths. At Catch Up Kids, we strive to use those strengths to help these learners reach their goals – this is where the individualised programmes really work, we have no cookie-cutter methods applied to all children.
Though it can be difficult at times, I love knowing that there is always a way to help a child learn – you can try ten different ways unsuccessfully, but there will always be ten more to utilise. Not only do we help children reach the necessary levels in academics, but the most satisfying part of a programme is aimed at teaching the child to LEARN. By helping a child develop skills such as attention, and memory, we open up the door to allowing them to learn in the classroom environment.
Sometimes the gap that needs to be filled in can seem insurmountable, but the little victories that we see in our data, and the little increases in marks, just go to show that slow and steady wins the race. I have had the absolute pleasure of working with a grade 4 learner this year – she is such a wonderful character, and shows such dedication to her work. This child has struggled with Maths and English for most of her school career, and came to us with concerns for her marks. Across the time we have worked with this child, there are three hugely special moments that have occurred:
For a child who was consistently achieving 20-30% in tests, she is now coming home with scores of 60% – this has given her such a boost in confidence too!
We taught her a strategy for reading comprehensions involving highlighting keywords, and recently came home with a test (with a score of 60%) that showed the evidence of her transferring this strategy to the classroom environment.
And my absolute, most favourite moment,
She came home, EXCITED, to show me something new she had learned at school, in Maths class. She is loving long multiplication, and division!
Through everything, this child has never once not tried, and never once complained something is too hard – her commitment, and the effort she puts into everything she does, is not only admirable, but it is what motivates me after a long day. The pride that she experiences with each little improvement is palpable, and just infectious to everyone in the room with her. This child is just one of many, and this story is just one of many – each child has the capability to experience these successes, and each child deserves to have the chance to reach their potential.
Kids with learning difficulties have some big emotions to manage as a result of their learning difficulty. Catch Up Kids can help teach emotional regulation
Catch Up Kids can assist your child in developing and maintaining resilience which is vital in fulfilling full academic potential in the classroom.
A great way to integrate confidence building into play, and to integrate spelling and sight words into play
For many, what it’s like living with ADHD is a mystery. Some don’t even believe it’s even a real diagnosis.
But for so many people, it’s a challenge they live with (impulsiveness, distraction, disorganization, hyperactivity) and try to make the best of.
Carlyn Rhamey offers her story of growing up with ADHD in the funny and poignant show, The ADHD Project.
Over 60 minutes she recounts her struggles with her diagnosis, social isolation, academic challenges, a perpetually messy bedroom, and more.
But she also takes the opportunity to celebrate her successes, and what makes her uniqueness (her X-Men superpower) a positive in her life.
She is a talented storyteller, with a great sense of comic timing, and also an ability to laugh at her own vulnerabilities.
Whether it’s dealing with bullying boys on the bus, or the unaccepted birthday invitations, she finds humour even in what must have been sad childhood moments (but, as a parent of a child with ADHD, I may be projecting).
Whatever the reason, Rhamey is an engaging performer who delivers a play that is both educational and entertaining, and serves as an inspirational reminder that what many see as a weakness (or even an annoyance) can be a strength.
It’s something to embrace and try to work with, as opposed to something to fight against. And presenting so honestly, and humorously, it helps work toward acceptance.
– Dave Breakenridge
More than 200 parents, children and supporters joined together for the First Annual Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities on Sunday, October 21 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. The event raised nearly $50,000 for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, a Westport-based nonprofit that provides educational programs, youth mentoring, parent networking and extensive resources for families.
It was an inspiring afternoon that celebrated the strengths and talents of young people with learning disabilities and ADHD, rejected the stigma attached to these issues and empowered parents. Leading the opening ceremonies was Robert Tudisco, a nationally-known disability rights attorney with Barger & Gaines, author, and motivational speaker, and also an adult diagnosed with ADHD. Tudisco encouraged youngsters with learning disabilities to believe in themselves.
First Selectman of Westport Jim Marpe and Second Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker lent their support. The Weston High School Chorale – 30 members – performed “This is Me,” the empowering song written by award-winning composer Justin Paul, who grew up in Westport. Children enjoyed games, face painting, a photo booth and activities, which included creating stress balls with the help of Sensory Kids. Afterwards, families, individuals and teams walked a scenic route at their own pace on the cool fall day. There were more than 25 volunteers, including the Staples High School SLOBS.
About Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
Founded in 2000 by Westport resident Jane Ross, executive director, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities has since grown to include chapters in Stamford/Greenwich, Westport/Wilton, Northern Fairfield County, and Hartford. Its mission is to educate, guide, and inspire parents of children with learning disabilities and ADHD. SKLD helps parents realize their children’s significant gifts and talents, and shows that with their love, guidance, and the right support, their children can live happy and productive lives. The organization provides an award-winning website and blog, free e-newsletter, and educational programs and support so parents can be effective advocates for their children. For more information, visit www.smartkidswithld.org
David da Costa changed schools six times during his school career.
“My life as a student was a roller coaster. Eventually, I made it against all odds,” the King David Linksfield student said.
Da Costa, 19, obtained six distinctions in Business Studies, English, Geography, Life Orientation, Mathematics and Physical Science.
When he was younger, like many students, he struggled with maths and used to get very anxious at the thought of doing the subject.
It may have been one of his toughest subjects, but Da Costa managed to secure a distinction for maths.
Struggled a lot
“When growing up, I was overwhelmed with maths and didn’t enjoy doing it. At Grade 3, I was sent to Bellavista School, which is a remedial school. There I passed to Grade 4. Initially, I didn’t like Bellavista, I didn’t want to be there.
“I went to King David Victory Park and was ordered to be in a lower class at Grade 4. I later repeated Grade 4. I then went to another school, where I studied Grade 5 up to 9,” he said.
Initially, Da Costa didn’t thrive. His highest marks were between 60% and 65% in every subject, but he yearned to obtain distinctions.
He also wanted to play rugby and cricket at school, while at the same time wanting to improve his marks.
“I went to King David High School [Linksfield] to do my Grade 9. I wanted to take science, but was told my marks were low and I had to work hard to get the required marks. At the end of Grade 9, I got 69% in science. At the end of Grade 10 things changed for me. I became a better student.
“I got 70% aggregate. At Grade 11, I got an average of 82% in all subjects, including maths and science. During my first matric preliminary examinations, my results improved more,” he said.
Injury to his knee
In September 2017, Da Costa tore his knee ligament while playing rugby for his school. He completed his rehabilitation last week.
Before his injury, he played cricket, representing Team Maccabi SA at Maccabiah in Israel in 2017.
“After the injury my father sat down with me and told me that maybe I won’t be able to play sport again, and to focus on greater things in life which are my books. I have not played any sport last year and I found myself succeeding in many things at school.
“For the first time in my life, I received a medal at the end of 2017. I was among the top students at King David High School Linksfield. My parents were very proud of me. When I remember the journey I have travelled, having to change six schools from primary level, being bullied and laughed at, indeed my life was a roller coaster,” he concluded.
Da Costa is torn between studying Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Wits University this year.