You are here:
- Home
- Education
- Elementary Educators: Canada
- Behavior & Learning in School
Behavior & Learning in School/Questions Answered by Expert Lynn McDermott
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Reading comprehension | 2/27/2012 |
| Q: This is my first time on the site but I will and try and ask my question. I would pay if req'd for ... A: I'm sure it will help to know that you are not alone! Many adults have difficulty with memory and ... | |
| how i know if my child is having serius learning problems and what i should do | 10/26/2011 |
| Q: my son is 5 years old and he is in kindergarden.He`s teacher told me that he is not at the same ... A: It is not unusual for boys to have difficulty learning to read in kindergarten. Your son is young ... | |
| reading struggles | 10/5/2011 |
| Q: I have just been browsing the internet trying to get various opinions on a struggle my son has been ... A: It seems to me that your son is struggling with fluency because of problems with unfamiliar words ... | |
| my third grade son | 8/31/2011 |
| Q: My son just started 3rd grade and his reading level is below average. I have tried to help him, but ... A: You did not tell me just how far below average your son is. However, I can tell you not to fret too ... | |
| First Grade Reading | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: I currently teach 4th grade and I have a daughter who will be entering the first grade in the fall. ... A: I always find first grade to be an exciting time for both parent and child. This is a very ... | |
| Child in danger of being held back | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: I don't know where to begin but I will try. My daughter is in 3rd grade and her teacher is going to ... A: Due to the nature of your daughter's illness, she should be considered a special education student. ... | |
| child with autism | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: I'm actually not sure how to start or how to ask a question that is concise enough for this forum. ... A: There are a few programs that seem to work with children who have special educational needs. The ... | |
| focusing at 5 | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: My daughter has had her medical set backs and is currently in K5 ... she has problems with focusing ... A: At this point in time, I agree with you. It is too early to make a decision about retention for ... | |
| Reading | 1/12/2011 |
| Q: I am a first grade teacher and I am working with a student who has difficulty identifying letters ... A: I will try to give you some ideas that may help you to better work with this student. The first ... | |
| Retaining my son in First Grade | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: My son has been retained (for reading) in 1st grade. I believe it's the best for him; however, i ... A: Much depends on the laws in your state and how your public school system works. I suggest that you ... | |
| 6 year old who has temper tamtrum everywhere but home! | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: My 6 yr old is starting 1st grade this fall. He is a great student(reads at the 3rd grade level) ... A: I thought this might help you a little more. I'll keep searching for answers but it seems as if he ... | |
| retaining | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: my son has been in the 4th grade twice. He may fail this year as well. How many times can he be made ... A: There has been much research done on retaining students and the bulk of it leans towards, "it ... | |
| Reading and holding back | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I just had a conference with my son's 1st grade teacher. She relayed that he tested on the DRA at ... A: Generally, the research shows that leaving a child back does NOT help. You are correct to worry ... | |
| inappropriate books in school | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: My son is 10. As he was reading to me last night I was horrified at the contents of the book. It is ... A: yes, Patricia, I advise a meeting with all of the professionals involved with educating your son. I ... | |
| inappropriate books in school | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: My son is 10. As he was reading to me last night I was horrified at the contents of the book. It is ... A: I gave your question much thought and I hope you consider the direction I advise you to take. ... | |
| Babies and languages | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: My wife and I are expecting a baby. I am American-born: my father is American, and my mother is ... A: First, let me tell you that I am not an expert in this area and I haven't done thorough research in ... | |
| begin a lesson with a kick-off/gimmick? | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know why is it important to begin a lesson with a kick-off/gimmick? Thanks Ursula A: I don't know if I would call a pre-reading lesson a gimmick; I think it is more of a motivational ... | |
| obstacles to motivation | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: I have a question in regards to obstacles to motivation. Why do you students might lack motivation ... A: I can only offer you my opinion in answer to your question. I don't really think there IS an answer ... | |
| retelling a story | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: My second grade daughter is a great reader. She can read nearly anything you ask her to. Her ... A: Retelling a story with events out of order is not uncommon with younger children. Sequence of ... | |
| How to learn children read english | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: I`m an english teacher for elementary school , I have problem in learning childer how to read ... A: I am not an expert in this area but I can tell you that we start teaching our "English as a Second ... | |
| Reading Problem. | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I am having twins (girl & boy) of 5yrs 9 months old. They are in grade I. My daughter has a problem ... A: It sounds to me like your daughter is having trouble "decoding" words. In order to be a good ... | |
| problems with language skills | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: I have a student in first grade. This student has mastered main idea of a story. However, she has ... A: It is not uncommon for a first grade student to have some difficulty with rhymes, or beginning and ... | |
| Behaviour in studies | 3/28/2009 |
| Q: I'm Israr Ahmed, my neice is 13yrs og age and she's studying grade 7. she's very much week at her ... A: I am not particularly familiar with your country's education system but I can give you some advice ... | |
| Retetion | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is in 6th grade. Her grades are not the greatest but what has me very concerned is that ... A: I am not familiar with California education laws as I am a New Yorker. However, I think I can ... | |
| Reading in a 5 year old | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is really struggling to read. Although she is not at all interested in it she does ... A: Please forgive me for not getting back to you. For some reason, I did not receive notification of ... | |
| reading for punishment | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: My son is a 4th grader and does not like to read. At his school he recently received a lunch ... A: First of all, let me tell you that I was appalled that reading was used as a punishment in school! ... | |
| reading challenges | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: We are constantly subjected to “feel good “ stories about “reading challenges”. Typically the ... A: I am quite familiar with the "principal's challenge" and the incentives that it gives the children ... | |
| 5 year old son | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: My son is five years old, he is currently in kindergarten. His class just started learning how to ... A: The very first thing that I recommend is for you to contact your son's teacher and ask for a meeting ... | |
| teaching English to 6 years old kids | 12/19/2008 |
| Q: I teach English as a second language and I will teach first grade (6 years old) for the very first ... A: I first must tell you that English as a second language is not my area of expertise. I did have an ... | |
| rude teacher | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: I have a 6yr old in 1st grade. Report cards he is very good in math and teacher stated she thinks he ... A: It is difficult for me to understand why a teacher would give you such an "I don't care" attitude. ... | |
| Teaching Reading | 11/20/2008 |
| Q: I have read some of your answers to questions, and really respect the advice you have given. I am a ... A: I hope that I can give you some ideas that you might be able to use. You are very correct that in ... | |
| My 2nd Grade Son | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: My name is Amy. I have 3 boys. The oldest is in second grade. He hates to read! I always have ... A: I am sure that you are frustrated. Your son's teacher should have given you more advice on what to ... | |
| Right hand, Left eye cross lateral | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: My son is right handed but left eyed - making him cross lateral. This affects tracking for reading ... A: I am a reading specialist so spelling isn't really my area of expertise but I will try to help you ... | |
| retaining my twins in kindergarten | 11/1/2008 |
| Q: I have girl/boy twins. My daughter was recommend to repeat. My husband and I decided to have our ... A: I am surprised that your school district recommended retention. Research tells us that retention is ... | |
| Reading differences between 4.10 year old twins in Kindergarten | 10/10/2008 |
| Q: I have 4. 10 year old twins (boy/ girl) currently in a class together in Kindergarten at a private ... A: I am surprised that your twins have been placed in the same class. Generally, twins are placed in ... | |
| Spelling | 10/9/2008 |
| Q: My granddaughter was reading before she started kindergarten. She is now in second grade and is ... A: Your granddaughter is lucky that her granddad is concerned. You did not mention how often you get ... | |
| my 3 year old son | 9/18/2008 |
| Q: At the age of 18 months old my son "A" could recognize and say his letters and numbers. At 20 months ... A: It sounds like your son is quite advanced for his age. It is impossible for me to tell you whether ... | |
| reading counts/ retaining info on test | 9/16/2008 |
| Q: My 10 year old male has issues with testing from books that he reads. He is an A student primarily ... A: Please forgive my delay in answering your question. My computer system has been acting up and I ... | |
| retention | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: He turned 7 years old in June 08 and completed 1st grade. He struggled all year. He has been in ... A: I do understand how desperate and frustrated that you must feel. Your son is only beginning grade 2 ... | |
| Retention with potential ADD | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: Our son is due to enter 2nd grade, but the school has recommended retention. Our son did well on ... A: As I am sure you understand, I do not know your son, nor have I had the opportunity to assess him. ... | |
| Should I have my son repeat 2nd grade | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: My son has been struggling to read for the last 2 years. This year we got an IEP for him and he got ... A: Kurt, for the thorough information that you have supplied in your letter. Lindamood Bell is a ... | |
| Should I have my son repeat 2nd grade | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: My son has been struggling to read for the last 2 years. This year we got an IEP for him and he got ... A: You have taken all of the right steps to help your son. If your son is average and advanced in all ... | |
| Hello | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: My name is Aziz. I am a student in foundation study at university of Canterbury in Christchurch New ... A: I can only answer questions through www.allexperts.com for privacy and security reasons. I will try ... | |
| retention | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: My Son is in 1st grade. He has been struggling all year academically. He is making improvements, ... A: I'm sure that you are quite torn when having to make such a decision! If your child is receiving ... | |
| Learning Disabilities | 5/5/2008 |
| Q: Lynn, My daughter had an IEP from 2nd through 5th grade. When they re-valuated they said she no ... A: Sorry about the New York/Missouri confusion. Huntington is a town on Long Island and when you ... | |
| Learning Disabilities | 5/4/2008 |
| Q: Lynn, My daughter had an IEP from 2nd through 5th grade. When they re-valuated they said she no ... A: I can tell that you are a very concerned mother and I applaud you for that. You have given me much ... | |
| Learning Disabilities | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: Lynn, My daughter had an IEP from 2nd through 5th grade. When they re-valuated they said she no ... A: I'm glad to hear that your daughter had met with enough success that she is no longer in need of an ... | |
| retaining my son | 4/16/2008 |
| Q: My son is in the 1st grade. He struggles academically in school and was recently evaluated. He has ... A: I am sure that you are deeply concerned about your son's educational placement for next year. ... | |
| 5 year old learning to read | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: My son started kindergarten this year. He loves books, he loves looking at pictures, books on tape, ... A: You mentioned a title one program that your son was recommended for. It may be a good idea to talk ... | |
| 5 year old learning to read | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: My son started kindergarten this year. He loves books, he loves looking at pictures, books on tape, ... A: It is not unusual for a 5 year old to not be ready to learn the mechanics of reading. You are doing ... | |
| 12 year old reading | 2/5/2008 |
| Q: Lynn, My son is 12 years old and in the 5th grade. He is in reading intervention in school, to help ... A: I'm sure that both you and your son are frustrated. I'm not certain what reading level your son is ... | |
| grandson | 1/16/2008 |
| Q: Orion is 7 ,because of his birthday his report card is all o's & A good student.Use to love school ... A: First, let me tell you that NO behavior warrants having bathroom privileges taken away. Bathroom ... | |
| Son's reading difficulty | 12/3/2007 |
| Q: My son is 9 years old and in third grade. He has a lot of difficulty reading to me aloud and is ... A: Adam, How wonderful that your son maintains an A average in school! You must be very proud! ... | |
| Reading | 10/30/2007 |
| Q: My child is in 3rd grade and has some reading issues. At first it seemed like basic decoding ... A: It seems to me that your daughter needs to practice reading books that are a little closer to her ... | |
| grandson will not take a nap at pre-k | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: My grandson gets in trouble every time he goes to pre-k because he can not be quiet during nap time. ... A: If your grandson is in pre-k, he must be 3 or 4 years old. It is ok to NOT take a nap at that time. ... | |
| Frustated | 8/30/2007 |
| Q: I am a 5th grade teacher and I have a student that cannot copy board to paper nor read within a ... A: Wow! I would be frustrated too! A 5th grade student who is having such problems is very rare. I ... | |
| Behavior&Learning | 8/12/2007 |
| Q: How to improve standard of a slow learner? How to break up a child who is not at all ... A: I am not certain that I understand your first question. I assume you are asking how to motivate a ... | |
| READING | 6/2/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering at what reading level should my 2nd grader read on? She is struggling and I need ... A: I do not know what "leveling" series your school district uses. There are "reading recovery" levels ... | |
| learning to read and behaviour | 2/12/2007 |
| Q: I am carrying out my dissertation on a 6 year old child whom has global developmental delay due to ... A: I am not a psychologist but I have had much experience with children of this nature. This child is ... | |
| academic | 1/24/2007 |
| Q: i just want to explain few points here about my son's writing issues.-my son is able to put ideas in ... A: I was hoping to hear from you! In all fairness to your son, it is not uncommon for children to give ... | |
| academic | 1/23/2007 |
| Q: my son is in 4 grade and he is having some difficulties in writing.i exprssed my concern to his ... A: I am assuming that when you say "writing" you mean written expression and not the mechanics of ... | |
| ? | 1/12/2007 |
| Q: Does reading out loud help you remember better than being read to. A: You've asked a very good question! There are different types of learners. Some people learn better ... | |
| Retaining a child half way through the school year | 12/7/2006 |
| Q: When my daughter started school she had no interest in academics however, by the end of the year she ... A: If your child has a learning disability, retention will do no good. Your child will still have a ... | |
| combined grades | 9/6/2006 |
| Q: My daughter is a 1st grader in a small school district. To save money, the district pays only one ... A: You are quite right to express concern. Grades K and 1 are the "foundation" grades for literacy. ... | |
| Reading | 10/12/2005 |
| Q: I have a question about my son who is in first grade and in the gifted program at school. My son has ... A: How wonderful that your son is reading! There is most certainly a way that you can find out your ... | |
| what changes do you see | 10/7/2005 |
| Q: Lynn McDermott, I am currently seeking my teaching degree and have to interview someone who has been ... A: I have been teaching reading for 30 years now! I have seen changes in the role of teachers, parents ... | |
| Help with pronoun confusion | 6/11/2005 |
| Q: To be more specific my 5yrs old son has a hard time with her and she when he speaks. Is this pronoun ... A: This is normal at the onset of language development. Children often confuse "Me" and "I"...."he" ... | |
| Help with pronoun confusion | 6/10/2005 |
| Q: My son is 5yrs. He is in K,the year is over and he still has a hard time with she and her. How can ... A: I am not sure that I understand your question. Does your son have confusion READING the words she ... | |
| Discussing what was read | 2/27/2005 |
| Q: My daughter is an excellent reader in school. However, she struggles in being able to explain what ... A: You did not tell me your daughter's age but it is not at all uncommon for children to struggle with ... | |
| Audio vs. Visual Test Taking | 11/16/2004 |
| Q: My child Beth is currently working on a project for science involving the above mentioned subject. ... A: Yes, it is a researched based fact that there are all different types of learning styles. Some ... | |
| Teaching English to kids 6 and 9 | 10/18/2003 |
| Q: I'm an American living in Israel. I am currently doing some private tutoring. I taught adults at a ... A: I think I might be able to help you but I need just a bit more information. I'm not sure if you are ... | |
| ? dyslexia | 11/21/2002 |
| Q: First of all, I am a parent who does not have a child with dyslexia. However, I volunteer in our ... A: You did not mention whether or not this sixth grader is attending a remedial reading program within ... | |
| learning disability | 2/5/2002 |
| Q: I am meeting with my sons teacher today. He was labeled learning disabled in Oct. We are working ... A: If your child was labeled "learning disabled", I am assuming that he is receiving Speech/language ... | |
Behavior & Learning in School
Answers by Expert:
Lynn McDermott
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I am a retired reading specialist. I taught reading to children in grades 1-4 for 32 years. I can answer any questions from parents or educators about problems children may be having learning to read. I can also offer some ideas to educators, parents and tutors for teaching children how to become successful readers.
Experience
I worked with small groups of children in a public elementary school setting. I have also worked with and trained teachers in the field of reading. I have also done one-to-one tutoring in the field of reading.
Publications
I have written for a few teacher magazines including "The Mailbox" and "The Bookbag."
Education/Credentials
My undergraduate degree is in English and my Master's degree is in Reading with Emphasis on Learning Disabilities.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.