The Journey Begins
Hi there! I’m Carol Fitzpatrick, and after many years of busy-ness (and perhaps a tiny bit of procrastination), I am finally getting my act together to start sharing my thoughts and heart about a very special group of people – dyslexics. I have spent the greater part of the last 40 years working with them in many roles: teacher, tutor, speaker, and most importantly, as Mom and Grandma. There are very few things in my life that I am more passionate about than helping dyslexics conquer their reading disabilities so they can move on to follow any path where their immense potential will lead them.
There are very few things in my life that give me as much satisfaction as seeing “non-readers” read their first book. It is so exciting! The look in their eyes, and the set of their shoulders – I have wonderful memories of those moments when they actually see what they have accomplished for the first time. Sometimes, that moment comes suddenly after many tiny, frustrating, and exhausting baby steps; but then all of a sudden . . . they see what they’ve done! Others watch their own progress as it happens in a gradual release of frustration and dread when reading is required. I have been able to watch these moments happen many times in my life. I really think I’m one of the luckiest teachers in the whole world. (Actually, I don’t believe in luck. I’m a Christian, and I believe that my Lord has blessed me with a job that fills my mind and life with a wonderful assortment of crazy-smart people, and I get to be the one to watch them blossom into who they are meant to be. Life doesn’t get much better than that!)
I’ve learned many things over the years about what dyslexics feel, how they think, and how they learn to read. I’ve also had to watch so much unnecessary suffering that they’ve had to endure because we didn’t understand dyslexia. The reason I’m starting this blog is to help as many of them as possible succeed in a world that often makes it so hard for them.
Sometimes, I’ll be sharing practical tips on effective teaching methods. Other times, it may be an interesting piece of research that provides hope. I also hope to share a few success stories to encourage you along the way. I even plan to produce a few videos to demonstrate what I’m talking about. So, I invite you to join me on this journey. Again, welcome to my world! Let’s crush the disabilities of dyslexia and begin to enjoy all its gifts!