Rehearse. Learn. Grow. Repeat!

One of the first things I discovered to help Bethany succeed in learning was the skill of “rehearsing”. You know- repeating, reiterating, review, study, and doing a new skill or word over- and over- and over-;). Bethany might not get it the first or second, or even the third time- but with repetition and rehearsal of said skill- wallah! Success!

Now, I already knew that no one learns instantly. (My own experience and home schooling our other children had taught me this.) But I didn’t realize the increased amount of time AND repetition Bethany would need.

While she can memorize most Bible verses in just one day, it took weeks to memorize simple addition facts. It took a year to learn & identify our 50 states. Many times, Bethany would seem to know something only to give me a blank look the next day and say, “I don’t know.” sigh.

Diligence.

Rehearsal- We finally repeated it so often she got it past her short term memory and working memory into her long term memory- Hard Won Victory.

[Tweet “Don’t let #specialneeds #intimidate you- everyone can #learn and grow! #downsyndrome “]

Bethany rehearsing her spelling words via microphone 🙂

Learning became less frustrating for me (and her) when the light bulb flickered on in my brain! Bethany could and would learn- all I had to do was be PATIENT- teach and repeat. A lot.

I’ll never forget when Bethany was 4, she was reading sight words that we reviewed DAILY. A friend, an older lady, who had an outdated, ignorant view of down syndrome, watched her unimpressed.

Wanting her amazement and what I considered awesome I said, “Isn’t that amazing?! Bethany is reading!”

She said incredulously, “Well, you don’t think she’s really reading do you? She’s downs. She can’t be reading! She’s only repeating what you’ve told her. That’s what down syndrome kids do. “They” only mimic.”

Are you kidding me??????? First of all Bethany is a person, not a parrot or a chimpanzee. God has created each of us to perceive and understand the world of wonders around us!

Do we all understand everything? Of course not. There are depths and levels, nuances of understanding as we grow and mature. But Bethany (or any person with special needs) is aware and cognizant– intelligent and perceptive. I’m always amazed when I hear stories of people who woke up from a coma and could relate whole conversations while they were seemingly unaware.

(By the way she really was reading! and thanks to the wonderful research- (A Reading and Language Intervention: How teaching reading to people with down syndrome is foundation to their language skills) Bethany could read over 200 sight words by the time she was 4.

Anyway- back to my point- Learning in life: home school- rehearse– dance class- rehearse– piano lessons- rehearse. life skills- rehearse.

[Tweet “If at first you don’t #succeed, #try, try again. #specialneeds #life”]

It doesn’t mean you’re stupid if you have to rehearse something 50 times before you “get” it. It means you’re persistent!

[Tweet “Rehearsal is simply practicing until you understand and master what you’re trying to accomplish. #learning #specialneeds”]

A most exciting adventure is coming up in November. Bethany got a small dancing part in The Wizard of Oz at her Middle School. (pictures will be forthcoming 🙂 ) I love the twinkle in her eyes as she proudly is inviting everyone to come and see “her” play. lol

She has a LOT of after school practices to rehearse her scene. We even had to sign a contract for attendance because her teacher – knows from experience- rehearsing brings success.

I’ve found this especially true in my faith life. You don’t magically become a super Christian overnight! My Christian journey has been filled with starts and stops, successes and failures. I’ve had to diligently “practice” my faith. Some things come easy- other things- not so much! I’ve learned to keep “rehearsing” The Way until I’m walking The Way.

Like Bethany, I have to rehearse to learn. Instead of letting my brain or mouth rehearse my problems, fears, worries, or the bad parts of my day, I’m learning to intentionally rehearse the goodness of God and become more aware of how He’s constantly working in my life.

Whether we have special needs- or not- we were ALL created to learn. Even Jesus went on this journey. He was born a baby, and had to learn to walk and talk. He had to learn to honor his earthly parents. He learned the Holy Scriptures. He learned to read and probably learned skills as a carpenter. Jesus learned by doing- rehearsing- repeating.

[Tweet ” Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. Luke 2:52 NLT”]

Jesus was fully human. (and fully God) When He took on human form, He surrendered His supernatural powers and became just like us. To grow, he had to learn by applying Himself to each task or skill.

And so do we. Step by step, word by word, action by action- May the Lord help us learn and grow in the knowledge and grace of His wonders and treasures.

Surprising Treasure: II Peter 1:10,11 NASB

10Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11for in this way- the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Christian family, God of Grace, joyful journey, special needs parenting

7 comments on “Rehearse. Learn. Grow. Repeat!”

Amber Karns says:

October 28, 2015 at 3:30 pm

MMMMuuuuuuaaaaaahhhh! That’s a super BIG KISS from us to you!
I wish we could be there to see Bethany in her Play!!!

Cindy Barclay says:

October 28, 2015 at 6:02 pm

MMMMMuuuuuuaaaaaah back! we wish we could have seen your kiddos in their many performances! Can hardly wait to see y’all when we come up to the Berg! hugs and blessings

Edy says:

October 29, 2015 at 5:00 am

We’re actually all in the same boat, aren’t we! We have to rehearse our spelling lessons, our Bible study lessons, our choir concert numbers, preparation in everything we want to do well. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope. Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus: that with one accord ye may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:4-6

I love that linking of “patience” with “comfort” – Hallelujah! – to the glory of our Lord and Savior. I do so appreciate the life insights God gives you for us, Cindy! Big hugs!

- Cindy Barclay says:
  
  October 29, 2015 at 12:17 pm
  
  Edy! How did you find that scripture verse in Romans!!!? It is perfect- through patience (wow- that’s insightful) and comfort- Big hugs back to you! How are you doing? <3
  
Jeff Barclay says:

October 29, 2015 at 12:24 pm

Excellent. Any educator of any student would be encouraged by this post.

Cindy Barclay says:

October 30, 2015 at 12:54 pm

Thanks babe. As a great educator yourself, I take that as a compliment!

Lux says:

November 5, 2015 at 9:34 am

We could all use this system in our lives especially in strengthening our faith. 🙂

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