Tools in a toolbox

LOVE these Books 1-3 tools

Working with a student yesterday, I explained that filling his toolbox is what we are doing together at each session. Dyslexic learners need DIFFERENT tools than non-dyslexic learners and it’s the joy of my work to bring them to my students. I showed this toolkit to most of my students this week.

The toolbox and tools pictured were NOT my creation, but I’ve used them for years (thank you Debora Squire Cullen). Learning from my students is such a favorite natural occurence here at many a session. As I was showing a different kiddo the tools we now have from Books 1-3, the student said, “you should add the spelling folder to the toolbox”, (joking). Each of my students has a Spelling rules folder I keep here for their reference and it is out and used each meeting. I reflected on the suggestion and remembered how much I also LOVE miniature things, so I decided to make one that would “fit” in the toolbox. Connecting the folder as a tool was a great moment.

I showed the miniature folder to students this week, it was widely adored. And then something unexpected happened with one of my students who let’s just say doesn’t throughly love tutoring. She asked if she could have a mini folder for home. YES! The answer is YES! So, I put the parts of the folder in a ziploc bag SAME day so she could take it home and assemble it. I’m happy she is choosing to engage with this system on her own time.

I feel so honored to get to do this great work!