21st May 2021
During this week we saw glimpses of spring weather and as I spent some time in Wales I was lucky enough to see some spring lambs up close.
Spring must be a happy time to be a VET with the births of such creatures that seem to be a symbol of new beginnings and hopefulness.
I happen to stumble upon this YouTube clip made for Dyslexia Scotland, featuring ‘Ian the Vet’.
Have a look and share with any budding Veterinarians out there for inspiration. Some points of interest:
- During his school years he learnt copying strategies together with the ability to fail and ‘pick himself up to try again’.
- He acknowledged learning the long latin terminology to be a challenge but due to previous learning experiences he had the confidence to try and know he could succeed with practice.
- He had a teacher’s support who was willing to give extra lessons.
- He loves problem solving and being creative
- It does take him a long time to read a book but has developed ways to simplify.
- He considers the skills he has learnt at school to be a big advantage within his present career.
- A different approach can be an advantage.
- “Not everyone can be good at everything.”
- His advice to others would be “To believe in yourself.“
The Dyslexic Advantage book by Brock and Fernette Eide talks about the Advantages of I Strength – Interconnected Reasoning.
The ability to spot relationships, things/ideas that have correlation or cause and effect. Or alternatively to see connections using different approaches and methods. Solving problems in ways others may not even think of. A strength I think would be beneficial in any career in Science.
STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
This link shows some good practices examples of how to support dyslexic students who are undertaking any STEM subjects.
Click to access Supporting-dyslexia-in-STEM.pdf
Although these types of careers involve a lot of reading this should not deter a child who may have difficulty in this area but is showing a natural interest in one of the aforementioned subjects.
An interest or passion in Science etc needs to be identified in a child at an early age and encouraged. They may have more motivation to read about subjects that are of interest to them. Read to learn and learn for learnings sake.
Encourage that spark of interest before the challenges of early literacy discourages their desire to Learn.
If you searched on line for examples of Famous Dyslexic Scientists the first would probably always be Albert Einstein, obviously he was never formally diagnosed. He can always be relied upon for an inspiring quote or two.
Children do have that natural passion to understand/learn and be curious. As a parent or teacher identify their passion and encourage it. That spark of interest can become a fire and that type of self belief and motivation to achieve your goal goes along way to overcome the obstacles on the way.
Now that has reminded me, I must take my dog for a check up at the Vets…
Words-and-me 