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How do you remediate sequencing problem?

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

My child has trouble sequencing. She has trouble reading double digit numbers and writing them (if I tell her to write 15 she does not know its a one then a five).She confuses b and d still. She sometimes reads and writes short words backwards. She is reading 1.8 level but not fluently.She sometimes can not say a correct or complete sentence she leaves out info.I am wanting to know how one remediates for her problem as she is in 3rd grade and I want to make sure she is getting the help she needs at school.What should I be asking for?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 06/06/2002 - 8:10 PM

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Urk. This is one of those “no short easy answers” questions. Some people swear by training programs such as PACE, but since I don’t know the program in person I can’t say if it’s right or not.

For myself, having a sequencing pronblem, I can tell you to be patient, work step-by-step, teach her a habit of always checking herself — this becomes automatic and quick over time — and work from what she can do as a basis for what she can’t. For example, kinesthetic systems often help — b and d canot be confused in writing if they are formed properly in a cursive or semi-cursive style, and in reading trace the letter on the table or in the air; run a pointer (ballpoint pen) under the line of reading or math left-to-right; etc.

By the way “fifteen” is a very confusing number, backwards compared to our writing system and all the other numbers except the teens. Work on all the other numbers and then teach her that the teens are weird.

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 06/07/2002 - 12:20 AM

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(especially if there are other writing reversals also) indicates developmental vision delays. Developmental vision delays often in turn cause delays in development of sequencing skills. You can check out http://www.childrensvision.com for more information about this kind of problem.

However, since you mention auditory sequencing as a difficulty also, it may not be primarily a vision problem.

What I would suggest is trying Audiblox (http://www.audiblox2000.com). It’s an inexpensive, home-based cognitive skills training program that works on — among other things — sequencing. One of the good things about this program is that it works on sequencing from both visual and auditory perspectives. It does require a commitment ahead of time, though — a minimum of 1/2-hour per day working on the exercises one-on-one with the child, for a minimum of 6 weeks (some children take even longer to start showing gains).

PACE is another good cognitive skills program, but it is expensive compared to Audiblox (over $2,000).

Schools typically don’t offer programs that help much with sequencing.

Mary

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 06/07/2002 - 2:05 AM

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Have you had testing done to determine where the problem is coming from? If its Auditory in nature or in part Earobics software works well, musci therapy helps, speech therapy can help and so can training in phonemic awareness. Questions please use my email, I log on here infrequnetly.

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 06/07/2002 - 11:37 AM

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If your daughter is in 3rd grade and reading at a 1.6 grade level, there is more going on than sequencing.

The school should be testing her to provide appropriate intervention. Send a letter IN WRITING requesting an evaluation. Stay on them about it. They will drag their feet. If possible, get your own evaluation performed privately and ask the evaluator for recommendations. If possible, ask the evaluator in ADVANCE if they can give specific recommendations (programs named) after the needs are found. My evaluator specifically told me Lindamood Bell tutoring and sensory integration OT. When I talk to others I find that their evaluator offered no program recommendations.

Time is critical. Those who are behind in reading in 3-4th grades, often have only a 1:6, 1:8 chance of catching up. Self esteem takes a beating.

Read www.ldonline’s first person essay this month.

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