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Hamlin Robinson School
Beverly Wolf
Reading, writing and arithmetic is only half the equation at
Hamlin Robinson School. The second half is self esteem.
For children who have dyslexia, this independent, non-profit
elementary school is a safe and nurturing harbor for learning.
Slingerland multi-sensory instruction helps children find success
by learning to read, write and spell in a special way. Executive
Director Beverly Wolf measures the school's success in part
through its turnover. About one third of the students return
to regular schools each year.
"Our goal is to give children the tools to return successfully
to conventional classrooms," she says, adding that the
average stay at Hamlin Robinson School in South Seattle is three
years. Teachers not only instruct children in ways to work around
their dyslexia, but also encourage pride in their specialness.
"People are coming to believe that the very things that
make life difficult for dyslexics in a print society was what
made them successful leaders in previous times," Wolf points
out. Her list of famous dyslexics include Leonardo da Vinci,
John Irving, Agatha Christie and John Steinbeck.
One of the keys for success is early diagnosis and intervention.
That's one of the reasons the school is offering a brand new
"Pre-first Class" this fall. Parents and teachers
are becoming more skilled at recognizing this learning disability,
and the stigma about seeking help is starting to disappear,
according to Wolf.
"Children want to learn," Wolf believes. "In
the first and second and even third grade they'll just knock
themselves out for you." Later, disillusioned with the
classroom experience and no longer believing in their own capabilities,
some adopt an attitude of not caring. "But they do care
desperately."
If your child has had trouble with language development and
learning, and you suspect he may have dyslexia, call to gather
more information and sign up for testing this summer.
Hamlin Robinson School, 10211 Ave. South, Seattle 98168, (206)
763-1167 |
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