The "label"

A "label" is something we use to identify, and describe. It gives teachers, the background needed to plan for appropriate instruction and to meet the needs of the students. I never thought that it was a bad thing, but on the other side of the spectrum, as a parent; it was different. In my heart I did not feel the same way. I did panic, through the process because I felt that it was finite. It validated my suspicions. Ignorance can be bliss at times, because you can ignore that LARGE elephant that is in the room. But, now I am being selfish and thinking only about how I am feeling.

I was scared over the "label," because even though my child experienced difficulty reading; he is extremely bright. So, I wanted his teachers to see beyond his difficulties and see him for the fantastic child that he is. In essence, he is unique and sees the world differently than the norm. As if a teacher would not see that; I was thinking crazy for fear of the unknown. As I was sharing my feelings with a friend, she had a completely different perspective. She had been trying for several years to have her child placed, so that they can be entitled to the additional reading instruction that would be beneficial. Again another bright child, who struggles in "breaking the code" of printed language, and unfortunately the gap is not large enough to be placed into the program.

Now, the most important thing is how did my child feel? Well, fantastic because he began feeling good. He was given the small, intensive reading instruction that was more specific to his needs. My child did not have that "shutting down" look, when he talked about school, as if it were not his favorite place to be, nor comparing himself with his peers, and wondering "oh-no."

Inclusion, special education, learning disability, 504, IEP. . . .

All these buzz words, that can be used to "label," but what is most important is looking into the eyes of the child.