On Being Dyslexic,

by Sarah Platt A Book Review

Do you know a teacher looking for a remarkable story of courage and success against the odds? If so, have them look no further than On Being Dyslexic. They will learn from it and many will change their approaches to teaching children who struggle with their learning. It became clear to Whanganui raised author Sarah Platt, at a very early age, that she could not read or write as well as her peers and her siblings. While Sarah did have developing literacy skills, the teaching approach of caring parents and teachers simply did not do it for Sarah. She struggled with deciphering the symbols that make up words and sentences, and her writing proved nearly impossible for others to decipher.

We all know that it takes only one teacher to make a significant difference in a child’s life, and Sarah was fortunate to have one of those teachers during her primary school years. He recognised her ability in the arts and encouraged her to express herself through her pictures and her artistry.

Sarah’s struggle continued through her Intermediate and Secondary years. She always wanted to be a teacher, but those most basic of subjects, Reading and Writing held her back at every point. She did manage, however, to pass the critical external exams and was amazed to be accepted for Teachers’ College. The struggle did not end there but her tenacity got her through, even including a scholarship in her second year. Sarah became a highly successful, innovative teacher drawing on her personal life experiences to develop programmes for all pupils, especially those with learning challenges.

As an author, Sarah has a refreshing honesty and humour in her writing. She developed the necessary skills to tell a story that needs to be heard. Even as an adult, there are so many challenges when your dyslexia gets in the way of something seemingly simple to others – like feeding a parking meter the proper amount! There are heartening stories within this book of the daily struggles faced by a young person whose teachers and classmates, “just thought she was dumb.”

While enjoying success as a teacher, Sarah also nurtured a lifelong wish to develop her skills as an artist. Her art works are now well known and respected throughout New Zealand! She has also achieved remarkable success in the business world.

This is not only an easy read, but also stands as an ideal book to include on every staffroom bookshelf - essential reading for all teachers, from early childhood to primary and secondary!

Reviewer Geoff Lovegrove was a primary school principal in a range of schools in New Zealand from 1972 to 2014. He served as Editor of the New Zealand Principal Magazine for 10 years, and as NZPF President for two years. He was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for Services to Education in 2014.

Geoff can be reached at: lovegrove@inspire.net.nz

MICHAEL HEMPSEED