A Mother's Love can make a Powerful Difference

by Kathie F. Nunley, EdD

I'd like to share with you a person I met this week in

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. While speaking at the Canadian

Dyslexia Conference, I had the pleasure of meeting the

president of that organization, a truly inspirational woman.

She touched a place in my heart.

Louise Ward is a mother. First and foremost. She is a

mother who, like many of us, leads a life shaped by her

children. Years ago, when Louise's son was struggling

in a school which couldn't accommodate his particular

learning style, she realized that not only was the school

system not helping him, they were in fact, doing harm. As

many of us are aware, the pain of a child's disabilities is

frequently greater for the parent as they watch the hopes,

confidence and esteem of their child destroyed by a system,

which in its valiant attempt to lead the masses, often forgets

the individuals it loses.

The bond between mother and child often leads to

inspirational stories and the story of this mother is

one such story. When Louise Ward realized that the

school system could not meet her sons needs, she

took matters into her own hands and started her own

school, custom designed for the dyslexic needs of her

son. What Louise hoped was that the design of this

school would also meet the needs of other children with

dyslexia. Her hopes were realized. From a first year

enrollment of six to this year's enrollment of 40,

L’ Academie' Heritage in Ottawa Ontario is a school

where children of all ages are given a specialized reading

program each day followed by high level academic

subject taught using alternative strategies. Textbooks

are used sparingly, primarily as references, students are

encouraged to research and create individual projects

using their particular intellectual gifts. The transitions

are magical, the students are exciting, personable, and

most importantly, confident in their educational endeavors.

Today students come from all over the world to find

the peace and joy that comes from learning in an

environment which meets their needs. Louise's son

has graduated from the school and is currently pursing

his degree at an Ottawa University. As for Louise, she

keeps the school going and growing as she realizes true

greatness comes from helping people - one at a time.

Kathie F. Nunley is an educational psychologist, author, researcher and speaker living in southern New Hampshire. Developer of the Layered Curriculum™ method of instruction, Dr. Nunley has authored several books and articles on teaching in mixed-ability classrooms and other problems facing today's teachers. Full references and additional teaching and parental tips are available at: http://Help4Teachers.com Email her:
Kathie (at) brains.org