In 2008, when our son had to repeat Kindergarten, it was a tough time for our family. We discovered that while there were online forums and articles aimed at adult caregivers, there wasn’t much support available for the child going through the experience. Our little one was devastated to learn that he had to repeat Kindergarten while his classmates moved on to the first grade. Despite his sadness, he struggled to articulate his thoughts and emotions at that young age.
That’s when we decided to write a story together, hoping it would help him open up about his feelings regarding retention and other challenges he faced throughout the school year. To make it more relatable and less intimidating, I added a little bear to represent him. During the writing process, I would ask him how he thought the little bear might react or what it would say in different situations. Gradually, he grew fond of the story about him but insisted on keeping the little bear as a character.
As time passed, I encountered other families with children who faced various social and academic difficulties, including grade retention. Each experience was unique, but the one common thread was the pain everyone felt when their child was hurting. It occurred to me that other families could benefit from the book as well. That’s how “Bannie Bear Repeats a Grade: The Gift of Time” came to life.
Fast forward to today, my son has grown into a successful adult. When I decided to publish the story, I sought his input on making the book more impactful for children with learning disabilities. Now a thriving college student with exceptional writing skills, he offered valuable insights. Since 2008, there have been remarkable technological advancements, such as voice-to-text capabilities, special fonts for individuals with dyslexia, and other software specifically designed to assist students with learning disabilities.
These advancements have made a significant difference in the lives of those with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. I wanted to reflect on these improvements in the book to ensure it catered to the needs of all young readers.