At times like these, the school needs to know there is a problem – not just so they can help with work, but so they can make sure you’re OK in other ways too. If the teachers know why Gita is often tired in class, for example, they won’t hassle her about it; and if they know why Lorri is snappy and fed up, they can help her too.

It might help Gita and Lorri to talk to a trusted teacher or counsellor about what’s going on at home too. School shouldn’t be an added worry when things go wrong at home – it can be a support.

Dear Cathy

I have just read your book Lucky Star. I am just like Mouse – I have dyslexia. I am a very slow reader, but I love reading because when I read I don’t worry about school or anything, I can go where the book takes me and be anything or anyone I want to be. Thanks for making Mouse someone I can relate to. It’s nice to know people like you know about dyslexia and how it stinks to be in Special Ed.

Tamara, age 13

Tamara is right, it’s tough to be dyslexic. One of the toughest things is that others don’t always understand, and assume that because you have problems with reading and writing, you can’t be smart. Wrong – I have several friends who are dyslexic, and they’re among the smartest people I know! It takes real determination to succeed when you’re dyslexic because you see and recognize letters and words in a jumbled, confusing way. This makes reading and writing a huge challenge.

Never judge others because they need support in class or go to Special Ed classes – if anything, you should respect them for what they have achieved in spite of their difficulties. I loved writing about Mouse in Lucky Star – a bright, creative character who just happened to have problems with reading and writing! I also loved Tamara’s letter, as it showed that it’s worth persevering even if reading is hard for you – the buzz of escaping into a book is a great reward!

So, school’s not perfect, I guess, but if you work with the system it’s a whole lot easier. There might still be things you want to change, but you have more chance of doing that from the inside… wish there was a school mag or a drama group or a green club? Get together with some friends, talk to the teachers and set one up! Hate school lunches? Think of ways they could be improved, get some support from your classmates and talk to the Head – and the kitchen staff! Dream of having a school prom? Get organizing!

If you’re not coping as well as you’d like, find a couple of teachers you can talk to and get some support… school is all about teamwork, about working together to get results.

Helpbox

Read It…

• In School Stay Cool – booklet on starting secondary school… covering all the essentials (download a digital version for free, or go to the YoungMinds website for more info: www.youngminds.org.uk)
• Get Better Grades by Agnew/Barlow/Pascal/Skidmore (Piccadilly)
• Going Up by Jenny Alexander (A & C Black) – starting secondary school
• Wise Guides: Exam Skills by Kate Brooks (Hodder)
• Mind Maps for Kids by Tony Buzan (Harper Thorsons) – study skills