Making Possible the Impossible

“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” 
― Shel Silverstein

First:  Answers to a Struggle

I met Carol Morehart 4 years ago when we were struggling to find an answer to our son’s difficulties at school.  It was Spring of his third grade year.  He had been slow at learning how to read in first grade but by second grade seemed to be at grade level.  Towards the end of third grade, however, he began to have trouble in other core subjects such as Social Studies.  His spelling and handwriting were definitely below average as well as his reading comprehension.  We were referred to Carol by a friend who was a teacher at the school.  I called Carol and she spent an hour on the phone with me asking questions and answering mine.  I knew immediately that she was quite knowledgeable about Dyslexia and Education.  She also had a quality of calmness and competence that helped to dispel my fears and concerns. Carol performed multiple cognitive tests on our son to the conclusion that he had moderate to severe Dyslexia. We immediately began tutoring sessions with Carol using the Barton System.  Carol helped us prepare for fourth grade and even met with his teachers to explain needed accommodations, such as oral response testing and having all material read to him.  

Homeschooling: Just Right for Some

    During the first quarter of 4th grade though, it became apparent that trying to complete everything required at school and then tutoring sessions after school was taking a toll on our son.  Not to mention the amount of time I spent in the classroom helping to provide the accommodations.  I knew Carol was also a homeschool consultant and I sought out her advice. Now, I am not an educator; I never saw myself as being capable and having the patience to be a homeschool parent.  To be honest, the idea was extremely frightening.  All I knew was I wanted the best possible situation for my extremely bright, but frustrated beyond belief child.  It just broke my heart to watch his self-esteem be crushed from the pressure.  With Carol’s help I decided to begin homeschooling.  I can’t express the extent to which I am grateful to Carol for leading and guiding me through the process.  She was with me every step of the way, from how to notify the local school board to choosing curriculum to best practices in how to teach my son.  I know I could never have done it without Carol’s expertise and direction. For three years, Carol was by my side encouraging and enabling me to help my son excel.

Later:  Ready for Success

      When the time came for our son to enter 7th grade, he had completed the first 8 sections of the Barton System and was able to return to his school. Carol was instrumental in preparing him and evaluating whether he was ready to join his classmates without the difficulties he had had previously. He is now in the last quarter of his 7th grade year and has almost completed the Barton System. We are utterly amazed by his success. He has made honor roll each quarter and has been inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.  Of course, he still has Dyslexia and has to work very hard at his studies but he has the confidence that he can do it and knows he has support from Carol, his teachers and his family.                                                                              

Carol's Part in the Journey

    In closing, I want to expound upon the dedication that Carol has to her students and their families. She goes well beyond just teaching the Barton System. As I have listened at times from the adjoining room, I have heard her explaining vocabulary meanings, discussing history and science, and illustrating many other truths to our son. She is more than patient as he sometimes goes off on tangents as they are tutoring. She is always trying to find the best ways to educate her students as individuals.  She has taken many courses over the last four years to learn and prepare how to best help her students become successful. Carol is also very thorough in relating the student’s progress and keeping the parents informed. As a homeschool consultant, I completely trusted her to know not only the requirements for each grade level but how best to meet or exceed those requirements. Her knowledge and expertise were invaluable to me.  I give her most of the credit for getting my son to the place of success he now enjoys.  

                              (Name Withheld)   2015