Re: Forbidden Songs??
Haluska Ed (edh@MAILS.IMED.COM)
Fri, 10 Jun 1994 16:38:56 CST
Mary-
I'm posting this to the List instead of you personally because its an
important issue that many adult leaders aren't aware of.
My oldest son is profoundly learing disabled (LD). He is 15, can't
read, and probably never will. On the other had, he is quite bright. As
you said in your posting, there is a big difference between retarded
and LD.
Just wanted to share this...
Matthew (my son's name also) can be very embarressed by his inability
to read (even on a 1st grade level). So at summer camp, on the first
day, I go around and quietly explain to his instructors his problem. I
explicitly tell them not to ask Matthew to read anything out loud to
the group. I also tell them that I will be acting as "scribe" if he has
to write a report (as for Enviro Science). (I did the same at his
troop.)
To generalize: there are many different ways a Scout can be LD (can't
read, can't remember sequences, etc). If you have an LD Scout, try to
be sure that his special challenge isn't spotlighted in front of his
peers.
Being LD is very hard on a Scout's self esteem. I frequenly encourage
Matthew with the following:
To make fine, hard steel, first they heat it red hot, then they pound
on it with a heavy hammer.
God doesn't make any junk,
But sometimes, He needs some fine, hard steel.
Scout On...
Edward A. Haluska
edh@mails.item.com
PS The Jungle Book ceremonies are coming, but this was much more
important to me.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
