I had learning difficulties as a child. Back in 1960s Ireland, class sizes were large. If you could not keep up with the quick-to-learn kids, then you were more or less abandoned by the teachers. Such was my case. Instead of trying to help me, the teachers labelled me as “slow” and kept me back with the younger children – which did not help my self-confidence!
Then, around the age of ten, I became seriously ill. Staying at home to recover, my parents discovered that I could barely read or write or do arithmetic. They felt horrified that the school, which had eagerly taken their money, had not bothered to teach me anything!
It was my parents and my older siblings, who gave me the priceless gift of literacy, not the educational system. They took the time to teach me, being patient with my learning difficulties and encouraging me to want to learn, without being ridiculed.
In later years, I returned to study as a mature student. I got my degree with Open University in my late forties. As you can see, I love to write and to do research.
I have several friends, who have chosen to home-educate their children, instead of sending them to conventional schools. These children – now young adults! – are the best adjusted young people I have ever met! They are smart and self-confident and prove, yet again, that it is their families who have given them the amazing gift of literacy.
Once you can read, you can teach yourself anything!
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