“If you're trying to climb a big mountain, and you're really having trouble with it, it's like you're struggling with it, but some kids go right over.” This is how Sarah, a fifth grader, describes what it's like to have a learning disability (LD). Now that she's been diagnosed dyslexic, Sarah, who no longer feels stupid and helpless, is well on her way to becoming a better reader. Produced and directed by Oscar winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple (Harlan County, USA; American Dream), this insightful documentary goes into the classroom to examine the experiences of several children who have cognitive or attention-deficit disorder related LDs. Viewers will also meet Mike, a high school freshman who leads self-advocacy/mentoring groups for newly diagnosed younger children, encouraging them to speak up for themselves, request the help they need without apology or shame, and stick up for one another. Although there are a few parental and teacher interviews, mostly urging parents to be their child's best advocate, the majority of voices in this film are those of the LD children themselves, making the film especially compelling. Mostly positive, even when discussing negative experiences, the kids know they are not idiots, that they simply need more help with completing a task or concentrating. Once aware of their LD and the resources at their disposal, these kids tend to become excited about excelling where they previously either failed or channeled their energies into other non-productive or disruptive activities. Packaged with a teacher's guide with excellent activity suggestions, this program is sure to help promote understanding and sympathy in classrooms with both LD and non-LD students. Recommended. Also newly available from filmmaker Kopple for the same price: Friends for Life: Living With Aids. Aud: I, J, P. (E. Gieschen)
Learning For Life: Kids and Learning Differences
(2002) 24 min. $59 (teacher’s guide included). Disney Educational Productions. PPR. Color cover. Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-89625-804-1. Volume 17, Issue 3
Learning For Life: Kids and Learning Differences
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