I am the mom of two dyslexic children and co-founder of The Martha's Vineyard Language & Literacy Project in Massachusetts. Mvllp.org
I would like for us to join together and petition Sesame Street to consider writing a show that highlights dyslexia.
The red flags of future reading failure are there for us to see as early as preschool, but parents aren't educated on what to look for so they miss it, or they are told the child will grow out of it, studies prove they don't.
Show's could cover the signs to look for such as delayed speech, trouble calling things by the right name, struggles with rhymes, remembering sequences, slow fine motor development, mix up sounds and letters, poor reading ability, recurring ear infections, struggle communicating with peers & the emotional toll it takes on the children...there are so many reasons! Its so important to identify these kids early. The tools exist to do so!
School is a scary, hostile place for kids who struggle to read, write & spell. I think of how transforming it would be if the executives at Sesame Street decided that a disorder that effects 1 in 5 children, should be represented with a dyslexic muppet! An important addition to their collection of diverse characters, including Julia, the girl with ASD. Having a dyslexic muppet would help remove the stigma these kids feel and give them a sense that they aren't alone, while at the same time educating society these children are smart, they just learn differently.
Its important to communicate this message to the young preschool - 1st graders to help them be more empathetic and supportive toward our kids in order to help reduce bullying. Its time to make sure the world knows that a persons inability to read, write & spell well is not indicative of a persons intelligence, lets start by educating the children.
Our dyslexia community needs public representation on a grand scale (think Autism Speaks) so that language based learning disorders are recognized and addressed as early as possible for the best possible outcome for our children, our communities & our society.
This idea has potential to reach millions and rescue so many from an uncertain future. Literacy IS a fundamental right!
Lets ask Sesame Street to help us eliminate illiteracy. Please share far & wide!
Best,
Lori Scanlon
