Every child can learn
New book chronicles a local learning experience
TROY, N.Y. » One local author is sharing a personal story that urges readers to look at students through a new lens.
“Reversed,” by Lois Letchford of Green Island, is a memoir of profound determination that follows the highs and lows of overcoming impossible odds, turning one woman into a passionate teacher for children who have been left behind.
When Letchford’s son Nicholas was a little boy, six years old growing up in Australia, she was told he was the “worst kid ever” and that he could not be taught.
Nicholas had failed the first grade, as he couldn’t read - and according to his teacher, nothing could be done about it.
Now, Nicholas is an adult and holds a doctorate in applied mathematics from the University of Oxford.
This spring, upon Nicholas’ graduation, Letchford released her first book about both his journey and her own.
Her son’s learning disability inspired Letchford not only to write a book, but to become a reading specialist. Originally a physical education teacher, she later completed a Master’s in Literacy and Reading from the State University of New York at Albany.
Today, she specializes in teaching children who have struggled to learn to read, including locally at the Hope 7 Community Center’s after-school program in Troy.
Through volunteering as a tutor here, Letchford helps these area kids in the same way she did her own son: by making learning fun.
“She has just this wonderful way of communicating with the kids and making it really fun,” said Executive Director Samantha Adkisson, who feels lucky to have Letchford at Hope 7. “She is the absolute best.”
Most teachers make the mistake of asking “What is wrong with that child?” rather than “What do I have to do to teach this child?” Letchford said. “That’s where we lose our children with learning disabilities.”
Whether it’s called a learning disability, dyslexia or another label - “The name is irrelevant,” Letchford said. “The teaching is absolutely crucial.”
She continued, “How we teach impacts the way students learn.”
Letchford knows this because of her own experience as a mother and teacher. “You’ve got this kid, who the world has said he can’t do anything - and then when you change the teaching, you’ve got a child that’s loving learning,” Letchford said of her son’s transformation.
The author’s advice to parents is simple: “You’ve got to believe in the child,” she said. You’ve got to believe the child is teachable.”
Looking ahead, Letchford is using her immense drive and passion to continue on her mission of getting the word out and advocating for kids. “I’ve got to do more talking that we can teach children to read,” she said.
Beyond that, Letchford already has an idea for her second book, exploring two of her students who she helped learn to read in their early adolescence.
And she plans to continue teaching students to read, which she considers “the best job in the world,” through her volunteering at Hope 7.
More information about Lois Letchford and Reversed can be found online at www.loisletchford.com.
The book is now available for online purchase on Amazon in paperback, hardcover and e-book. It is also available locally through Market Block Books in downtown Troy.