The Small Mustard Seed
One seed only…………..
These are the smallest of seeds that not only grow into the biggest of trees when fully grown, but then also become a place of rest for many “a weary traveller”.
The child or person with “the littlest of knowledge”.
One only……………………….
Can, with the best 1:1 instruction and care grow into the biggest of persons, and yes, help others who are traveling that road too”
Mustard Seed Learning
“Bring what you know and see it grow”
I am a strong advocator for the implementation of the latest science behind reading, spelling and writing, the teaching of synthetic phonics, explicit instruction in phonemes and graphemes, the immense benefits of the use of morphology, the study of the history of our language, the implementation of scripted -direct learning instruction and the list can go on. BUT…….. I totally believe that for the individual, with exceptional learning needs it is far better to “throw the most useful life-saving equipment, based on specific needs, rather than stick to the group plan or program, and lose them in the sea of instruction”
Let me explain:
Working with young moderate to severely Dyslexic, Dysgraphic, and Dyspraxic, children who are desperate to access text to read, instruction in morphemes, spelling patterns and even continual repetition can be a ‘cognitive overload and drain’ within a 1:1 environment, let alone a group instructional session!
Here, I throw the lifesaver and use mnemonics alongside careful instruction to ensure access to help them achieve fluency, and often, yes, sheer delight in reading!
Never underestimate the power of 1:1 individualized instruction.
Never underestimate the power of one learner who starts with little!
