Reversed: A Memoir
In 1995, the school diagnostician called a seven-year-old "the worst child seen in 20 years of teaching." Can a child's fate be sealed by such a diagnosis? Well, in 2018, that boy received a Ph.D. from Oxford University.
Do you have a child struggling with reading? What labels has your child been given? How do you feel they will progress through school? This is a story for you.
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Every parent has high hopes for their children. When Lois Letchford learns her son has been diagnosed with a low IQ at the end of grade one, she refuses to give up on his future.
After thorough testing, Nicholas proves to have no spatial awareness, limited concentration, and can only read ten words. Although discouraged, Lois knows things have to improve. After all, her son is young, and every child learns at their own pace.
But once Nicholas is labeled "learning disabled," a designation considered more derogatory than "dyslexia," the world of education is quick to cast him aside.
Determined to prove them all wrong, Lois temporarily removes her son from the school system and begins working with him one-on-one. She has no formal reading education herself, and no one to guide her. But she has hope and the strength of will to persevere. And sometimes that's all you need.
What happens next is a journey--spanning three continents, unique teaching experiments, never-ending battles with the school system, a mother's discovery of her own learning blocks, and a bond fueled by the desire to rid Nicholas of the "disabled" label.
"Reversed" is a memoir of profound determination that follows the highs and lows of overcoming impossible odds, turning one woman into a passionate teacher for children who have been left behind. Nothing is impossible when one digs deep, and looks at students through a new lens.
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"Lois Letchford has executed an athletic performance worthy of an Olympic medal. This book was written for all of the "true" teachers of the world--every nation, every school, and it will be the true teachers who will exhaust themselves in its reading. I laughed, I cried (often), and I recommitted myself more than ever before to fight for the needs of every child. If you consider yourself a true teacher or know someone who is, this is a book that will do some good for the heart and the mind. Read it, and you'll be doing the profession, and perhaps some of our neediest learners, a big favor." -Steven L. Layne, Chair, Graduate Programs in Literacy Education, Judson University Author, Igniting a Passion for Reading
"Read this book and you'll be challenged by questions about traditional teaching methods, measures of success and failure and what shapes how we view ourselves." -Michelle Radke Lawyer, Brisbane
"Every educator needs to read this book. [Lois's] words went from the page to my heart as I laughed and cried alongside her and Nicholas. Simply beautiful." -Dr. Stephanie Affinito, Staff Associate, University at Albany Department of Literacy Teaching & Learning
"Reversed: A Memoir is written as a compelling and emotional tale. A must read." -Stephen Hurley, Founder and Chief Catalyst, voicEd Radio
"Lois's book is a must-read for all parents and educators. It will especially help guide those with children who struggle to read, but is pertinent for anyone who wants to enhance children's engagement with learning. "Reversed" is a compelling personal story that provides both instruction and hope." -Miriam Pye, MBA, MA, Retired Senior Research Project Manager.
"Loved it! As a parent, you cannot help but create connections at every turn within this story. Lois shares a very personal crusade as she documents her son's educational journey. You will experience a plethora of emotions when you read this real life tale knowing this Mother sees only a world of possible for her son. A lesson for us all in humility and perseverance!" -Kathleen Strangis, Academic Administrator for ELA and Social Studies K-5, Shenendehowa Central School District.
"This memoir offers promise to parents and educators alike who are determined to find ways to reach those students who are most challenging to teach. It shows what one family's, and one child's determination can do. There are no boundaries when strength of mind and strength of character come to play. I highly recommend this book to parents and educators who believe there are no limits when it comes to making a difference in the life of a child." -Christl Mueller, Literacy Specialist, Enlarged City School District of Troy, New York. Doctoral Student, University at Albany, New York
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