It's just my imagination

There are a lot of traits associated with dyslexia. Of course reading difficulties is a well known one, but let's talk about a more positive dyslexic trait -- imagination! It's a novel idea to play up someone's strengths rather than their weaknesses, so let's have a little fun!

Did you ever hear of someone who had an imaginary friend when they were young? Did you have one? Maybe you made up words? Or, maybe you thought a word was pronounced (or spelled!) one way and it actually wasn't --like sketti for spaghetti?

Imagination is a wonderful thing and young children possess an infinite quantity of this magical brain ability. Let's test your imagination abilities right now.

Meet Create-a-Word

Here's Rominelt. I'm sure you've heard of this word meaning an indestructible suit of armor.  A Rominelt is exactly what every ancient castle owner depends on! See in the picture [to the right] how the sword cannot penetrate the armor and it has broken into pieces?

Okay, maybe this word is foreign to you, which is understandable as it comes from an ancient culture and all, so how about a Rebeclemo?

Yes, a rebeclemo.  Now this is a modern term, invented in the last decade or so! Never heard of it? So what is a rebeclemo?

Okay, truthfully, first let me explain a bit. I work with gifted clients and as we transition from the beginning of the correction program, into the second half, an introduction is necessary.

For my introduction the other day to this second phase of a Davis Dyslexia correction program I thought back in time, and without missing a beat I had the perfect story. This story was about a younger client who was also quite gifted.

"Rebeclemo came into being that day while I was working with this now young lady (she was an elementary school student back then.) We began the Create-a-word process and this young lady quickly realized she needed a name for her invention. Although there was no 'invention' so far, she felt this was a necessary first step. Out of my office she went, roaming through the hallways of the office building, reading the signs on each office door. From several doors she wrote down one letter. Those letters? 

r - e - b - e - c - l - e - m - o

Rebeclemo

"Once the name REBECLEMO was established creating the model of what it 'looks like, sounds like and means' was easy. In no time my young friend had a high-top shoe with magical flying abilties formed, sitting right there on my desk!"

Imagination

Alright, I'm not attempting to invent a new language or to add words to our existing dictionaries, but I am trying to make a point. Imagination is one of the best indicators or strengths we as dyslexics posses. In fact, here's a list of  the ten most common signs of dyslexia. This is a link from Australia. Imagination is number ten on this list.

Imagination

The imagination of my clients is remarkable. The model of this young girl's Create-a-Word was so strong, even after almost ten years it's still in my mind! REBECLEMO!
Look over the image of ROMINELT above and see how long you can remember this new word!


Cathy Henkle Cook, M. Ed.
OnPoint Learning Center, LLC
Columbia, Missouri
(573) 819-6010
onpointlearning@gmail.com

Empower your life with the GIFT of Dyslexia!