Unlocking Patrick’s Potential

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Thirteen-year-old Patrick McGhie (pictured far left with his family) has an amazing three-dimensional understanding of the world and how things are built. He’s a curious problem solver, and is extremely talented with Lego, models and computers. But reading and writing didn’t come easy. By the age of six, Patrick sensed he was falling behind his peers. Frustration grew and his confidence plummeted. His father James McGhie credits SPELD NZ support for unlocking Patrick’s potential and transforming his life.

We sought support from SPELD NZ because Patrick was facing challenges with his learning, particularly in the areas of reading and writing. We were concerned about his academic progress and that he was unhappy at school, which is unusual when you’re so young and school should be nothing but fun.

When we got the assessment report, our reaction was a mix of relief and concern. The assessment revealed that Patrick had phonological dyslexia, shedding light on the specific challenges he faced related to reading. Understanding the root of Patrick’s difficulties was a relief, but the challenge ahead was daunting. Patrick was too young to understand, but he soon realised there was a plan in place to help him.

One-on-one SPELD NZ tuition has been transformative for Patrick. The personalised attention and targeted strategies have significantly improved his reading and phonological skills and he’s become an avid consumer of books. Under his teacher Roz Edwards’ guidance, we’ve seen Patrick’s confidence soar. She’s not only helped him overcome the challenges of dyslexia but has also inspired him to reach new heights academically. He participates actively in discussions and shows enthusiasm for learning. From good to great is not an exaggeration. Roz has had an incredible impact on his educational journey and made an immense difference in Patrick’s life.

The teaching relationship with Roz has evolved into a partnership. Roz’s understanding of Patrick’s learning style and her adaptability have fostered a supportive and encouraging environment, making the learning journey more fun, effective and flexible in a safe harbour environment.

My advice to other families is to seek support early, be patient and stay actively involved in your child’s learning journey. Each child is unique, and understanding their strengths and challenges is crucial for effective support.