Can your child read…. at 9?
August 1st, 2010 | 
Author: 
Christia* is in grade 3. She goes to a, somewhat, PRESTIGIOUS school here in Manila. She is a typical 9 year-old girl, curious and playful. But what’s different about her is that… She doesn’t know how to read.. YET.
As I understand it, her mom is working abroad and she is left with her tita as her guardian. I do believe that tita is doing what she thinks is best for Christia. She sends her to a good school, and even hires an after-school tutor for her in case she has difficulty in her subjects. The tutor happens to be her school adviser. That Christia turns 9 and does not learn HOW TO READ, however, escapes me. What have gone wrong? Why is it that nobody even noticed?
On her first day under my tutelage, I found out what’s wrong. Christia can’t handle stress and difficulties. When she can’t remember a particular letter of the alphabet, she makes a guess instead of thinking hard. But of course, I won’t tolerate that. So, she would give me THE FACE, the most pitiful expression she could possibly give and when it doesn’t work on me, she would throw me HATEFUL glances. But I’m used to that, I’m a teacher, some people love teachers, some people hate them. Then, when she gets frustrated, she would CRY. So I give her time.. I leave her be for 5 minutes or so, to give her time to compose herself. When I come back, I will continue the lesson as if nothing happens..
She is, so far, the greatest challenge in my career this year.. As of our last session she is already reading sentences of words with short vowel sounds (bat, cat, mat…)
Teaching, as I always say, is not something to do simply to make a living, teaching is a special gift that not every one is blessed with… I’m proud I’m a teacher.
*not real name
Posted in teacher's journal
Praise God for teachers like you!
Have a blessed Sunday!
I used to dream of becoming a classroom teacher, too, because I believe they're doing a noble job shaping the minds of our youth. I'm glad there are teachers like you around.
nice one, teachers for me are the real heroes…thanks for visiting my blog ;O
Uhmmm If I was in your shoe, maybe I already lose my patience, thank GOD I am not a teacher I even having a hard time with Mj haist, I saluted you for being a noble teacher.
Hi Kimmy, you remind me of my mom who is a teacher for 36 years. My mom told us that my brother happened to read when he was in his 4th grade. I don't know if being " a late bloomer" still exist now a days or what but that's what we believe before. I also knew somebody she couldn't read well because this kid has a hearing problem. So many factors to consider and to look at.
As I see it you are going to make it. It looks like your technique is working.
**A side note**
This is one thing when a mother is absent in our life. Yes money is there but it is still different when a mother is there to take care for us. I can relate to this because my pamangkins are abandoned by their parents and me and my brother/SIL are the one who take care of them. But I could still feel the longing they have for their mother and that pained me. That's why even if I am thousand of miles away from them I tried to communicate with them daily.
Life is wonderful and challenging too. Happy Monday!
You've a very noble job
She must be a special child and special children need special teachers who have been trained to handle their kind. She must be transferred to a school for special children where they have complete facilities and manpower complement to help her. Thanks for the post. God bless you always.