When I graduated from preschool in 1983, my parents knew I was a good artist. I painted every day and loved to create. They knew I didn't like to get my hands dirty, and liked playing with the boys better then the girls. My parents knew many of the characteristics that I have today. The one thing they didn't know until 2nd grade was that this sweet little face was going to struggle in school. She was going to be excited for a 'C' average. She was going to write every spelling word a hundred times and still not be able to pass the test. She was going to cry at least once a week because school was just too hard. When I was in second grade my parent found out I am Dyslexic.
I'm 30 something now and Dyslexia is a issue I deal with everyday. As anyone who has read my post knows, I'm not good at spelling. There is a reason. I never would read out loud, or play scrabble with anyone, or share my thoughts on paper. Blogging was the last thing I thought I would ever do. When I did my masters, I researched blogging in the classroom. I read the book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and other Powerful Web Tools for the Classroom. It states that blogs are note about grammar and spelling, they are about thoughts. It gave me the courage to try.
I want to thank those of you who have not judged me on my spelling abilities. I want to share my ideas, and love this form of meeting and collaborating. If I could, this blog would be spelling error free, but my brain just wont work that way. Please forgive my weakness and continue to read and comment on my blog.
Holding my breath while I decide to share this... You blogging friend--- Nic
That's very courageous to share. I have never noticed any misspelled words. I am sure I have plenty on my blog, but it's because I rush and still have to glance at the keyboard when I type...not a very good excuse. I have a problem speaking in front of large crowds (of adults). At my first faculty meeting, I was nervous, and had to introduce myself and that sort of thing. I guess I got tongue tied, and used the wrong grammar because I was quickly corrected by a first grade teacher...I wanted to crawl under the table!
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother always says she knew I would be an artist because a pencil and blank paper could keep me busy for hours. She used to work at a paper factory and make blank sketchbooks for me, I still have them all! I love your blog, misspelled word or not, us Art Teacher all speak the same language!
Oh dear taramarie...
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love the idea of your grandmothers words (and occupation), how sweet.
You can tell, can't you... don't you know the kids in your class who will use their art skills for life. Once again, thanks.
Honestly, I never noticed! All I see is the beautiful artwork you inspire your students to create each day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. I am sure your struggles help you be an understanding teacher - probably a breath of fresh air for a child struggling in other subjects.
ReplyDeleteIt helps to know that someone is dyslexic. I have a friend of 4 years who just this summer mentioned her dyslexia. It explained so much! Wish I had known earlier.
You are in good company! Just noticed misspelled words and bad grammar on my blog.
ReplyDeletelove your blog!
Hi Nichole,
ReplyDeleteThis is your buddy from Oz! Congratulations on sharing such an important issue and personal issue on your blog. It takes a lot of guts! Well you know, I like your writing style and love your blog. You should be very proud of yourself and don't be so hard on yourself. You have a masters for goodness sake!
We all learn in different ways... Thank God for Art, is all I can say... I have some students who struggle in the classroom but are absolute stars in the art room.
I too struggled in school for a long time. My grades were terrible. I am very proud that I am a school teacher... as a kid I had no confidence and believed that I was a failure...It's true what Taramarie said...us Art teachers speak the same language...Speak to you soon. Annax
By the way...cute photo:)
ReplyDeleteWow, You are not the only one. Your story is just like mine. I am dyslexic too, and in school getting a C was an amazing feet. I am also horrible at spelling. Thank goodness for spell check.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the group! Misspelling and grammar not my strong points either.. I think we are strong in certain things and have found our niche. Glad we can blog and share are stories :) BY the way I had to spell check this comment 4 times ;)
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you, I am overwhelmed with your comments. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNichole, you are such a great teacher and a great friend! Who gives a damn that you can't spell! I have never minded correcting your spelling when have been working together!!!! :) We all have weaknesses and we all have them to make us stronger. We were chosen to have certain weaknesses because we can handle them! You Rock Sista!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it is so powerful when our students hear our challenges. It is wonderful that, as a teacher, you are in a position to share strategies you have learned with others who may be struggling.
ReplyDeleteHa, I too never notice misspellings in your blog....funny how easy it is to find faults w/ ourselves that others truly never notice. I'd say you've proven that Dyslexia cannot stop someone from becoming a wonderful teacher!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Thank you for being so honest. I really never noticed any misspellings. (And I had to look that up because I would have left off an "s").
ReplyDeletePS. Damn,I feel old. I was listening to Duran Duran as a sophomore in 1983! HA :D