Dear Sunday School Teacher;

Today, after church, I picked my son up at your designated spot. For the umpteenth time, instead of seeing a happy boy who should be learning the joy of the blessings of God, I met a sullen, obviously frustrated child who gave me a "Why are you doing this to me?" look, instead of his usual impish grin.

My son is a victim of dyslexia, which is the largest category of learning disabilities that affect up to 15% of school children and adults. He is a challenge for even his trained and dedicated school teachers, so I can empathize with the position that you are in as his church Sunday school teacher. I applaud your commitment and your enthusiasm to teach the children the joy of the Bible, and what it means. I know that there are many demands upon you, but could you hold on to a few ideas that will help all of your "special needs" kids?

First, make reading a voluntary activity. That way peers won’t laugh, and my son can concentrate on the lesson rather than finding ways to "save face." Even when he does semi-successfully read, he doesn’t comprehend the lesson because his energy is focused on reading out loud.

Second, please avoid "word finds," crossword puzzles and "fill in the blank" type activities. My son has trouble enough reading, let alone doing the tasks required by these projects. If they are already in the book, use "study-buddies" who work together and can help each other through the lesson. (Or, enlarge the puzzle and make it a class or team project.)

Third, many adults focus in on "reading disabilities," but they forget that if a child cannot read, he cannot spell or write very well either. Even though you think you are doing the appropriate thing by correcting, DON’T! Simply accept what he writes and spells and pay attention to what he is trying to say. In reality, he has given you his best effort. When you reject his best, he will either do nothing, or get even for his perceived embarassment. Let his special education teachers do the remedial work.

Finally, that bright-eyed happy child has average to above-average intelligence. All he needs from you is a chance to share your knowledge and the joy of your experience. He is very eager to learn. Please, please don’t put him in a position where he comes to hate Sunday school and ultimately all that it represents.

Thanks for taking a few minutes of your time. God Bless you in your work! With great appreciation and much admiration.

Matt’s Dad