Turning learning challenges into triumphs

October is the Month of Learning Difficulties, but let’s change that name. How about the Month of Learning Differently? Some brains just work in unique, amazing ways!

At High Achievers’ Consultancy Services Ltd, the classrooms look a little different, and that’s exactly why kids are thriving! By using cool, out-of-the-box strategies, students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia are proving that when you learn the way your brain likes, you can achieve absolutely anything.

Meet three awesome children who are passing big exams, surprising everyone, and showing that reading, math, and writing can be a real adventure!

READING: Making Words 3D!

Featuring: Daewon Mitchell

For Daewon Mitchell, reading used to be a struggle. But he discovered that letters aren’t just flat marks on a page; they are 3D objects you can touch and feel!

When children with dyslexia use their eyes, hands, and ears all at once, the letters suddenly start making sense. By holding 3D letters and saying the sounds out loud, kids like Daewon can actually hear themselves think. This helps their teachers understand exactly how their brilliant minds work and guide them on their reading journey.

And it works! With consistent practice, children are reading smoothly in just a few months to a year. They are hitting the library, developing a massive appetite for books, and even passing tough exams like CSEC English A and Social Studies with 100 per cent passes, some before they even turn 16!

Who knew reading could be so hands-on? Daewon and his friends made “Christmas in July” a reading adventure with a party with local stories, treats, and dancing. Reading isn’t a chore; it’s an adventure!

MATH: The Magic of CPA!

Featuring: Tzion Dufeal

Does math ever look like a secret code? For children with dyscalculia, numbers can feel like a puzzle. But Tzion Dufeal has unlocked the secret: the CPA strategy!

CPA stands for Concrete, Pictorial, and Abstract. What does that mean? It means you don’t just stare at numbers on a page (Abstract). First, you use real objects you can touch and move around (Concrete). Then, you draw pictures of the math problem (Pictorial). Finally, the numbers make perfect sense!

Because of this fun, visual way of learning, children who once thought math was their weakest subject are now zooming ahead. They are making real-life connections to math, using unique resources, and crushing their SEA and CSEC exams. Tzion is proof that math isn’t just about memorising; it’s about seeing and doing!

WRITING: The Penmanship Gym!

Featuring: Mathias Jones

After spending so much time on screens and tablets during the past few years, many children find that their hand muscles just aren’t strong enough for writing. This is called dysgraphia, but Mathias Jones is tackling it head-on at the Penmanship Gym!

Writing isn’t just about holding a pencil; it’s a full-body workout for your fingers! Before children even write a word, they do fun activities to build their hand muscles: beading jewellery, moulding clay, cutting out patterns, and even drawing shapes in sand and foam!

Once the fingers are strong and ready, Mathias transitions to writing with bold letters and cool cursive. Neat handwriting isn’t just about looking good; it makes it much easier to write amazing stories and express your big ideas!

Mathias and his friends practice their finger workouts using a very special book: “A Full Spectrum of Penmanship Gym Activities: Developing fine motor skills and expression”, written by the Principal and Founder of HACS Ltd, Cameka Alexander.

Having a learning difficulty doesn’t mean you can’t learn; it just means you need a cool new tool to unlock your brain! Whether it’s touching 3D letters, playing with math blocks, or giving your fingers a clay workout, kids like Daewon, Tzion, and Mathias are proving that when you believe in yourself and try a different path, you don’t just survive school… you thrive!

Mary Cuffy is an educator and local children’s author of the Ladybug series. Cuffy believes the best investment we can make in children is in the early years.

Email [email protected]. IG:marycuffy . FB: mary cuffy/Lola and the Dancing Ladybug