Dore Talk

Hi

Just wanted to let you know that there was a broadcast on Radio 4 today, debating the validity/success of the Dore programme.  There was nothing discussed that most people using the programme wouldn't already be aware of and I didn't think it came across as being very positive!  However if you didn't hear it and would like to...I think they said the broadcast would be repeated on Sunday at 9pm...could have been 9am...sorry!

Nadey 

I've just listened to it on the Listen Again option on the BBC Radio 4 website in case any one is interested. It wasn't positive at all but as myself and my husband were just discussing the critics never offer any alternative and can make us parents sound a bit naive, when I actually think most of us went into this with our eyes wide open.

We've seen improvements and we're just going to keep on going. Lucy this week  for the first time has mastered plaiting and made a bracelet and telling the time has just suddenly clicked!

To people who don't go through some of the things we all go through, these can probably seem like insignificant things, but I am sure you all know what huge milestones they can be.

Kate                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Hi Janske,

It wouldn't let me reply to your email so I have posted the link below which is directly to the You and Yours programme that it was on. If you don't already have it, it may ask you to install realplayer which is a good idea as it will let you listen to it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00cx8wc

Let me know if you have any problems

Kate

Hi Kate

I completely agree with your sentiments, I knew exactly what I was getting in to.  I was very happy to pay what I thought was actually very good value given the structure of the programme at the time.  This was all despite not having any guarantee that the programme would work for Imogen,  she was premature and some of her difficulties could be down to that.  

At the time I wasn't receiving any support from the school who despite our family history seemed to think I was just another pushy neurotic parent that expected her daughter to be top of the class.  Imogens difficulties are small in comparison with many who have undertaken the programme but I'm sure most of us have embarked on Dore having researched it to the max and feeling that there was no where else to turn that didn't involve drugs.  I certainly felt that as long as there was no detrimental effect on Imogen's health, development or self esteem that it was worth the investment in terms of time, money and effort even if there was a risk of little or no success.  I completely buy in to the concept of trying to establish the root cause and working to improve that rather than just trying to treat the symptoms...we do lots of extra stuff to support her at home but serious extra lessons can come later, why put her through more heartache when it could be so much easier as those connections build.  

I certainly didn't feel that I was given the heavy sales pitch that the broadcast implied others have experienced, in fact quite the opposite.  I felt quite frustrated in hearing the negative comments once again, and felt rather sorry for poor old Wynford! 

Delighted to hear about the plaiting...I remember Imogen getting really mad when all her friends went through the scoobie craze...I think I might get them out tomorrow and see if she has any success.  Just before the end of term Imogen really wanted to make and embroider a lavender bag for her teacher, to be honest I tried to persuade her to do something else as our previous experience of sewing was a disaster.  Anyway she was quite determined and I pencilled on "PEACE" (her choice not mine!) and some big hearts and flowers and I was astonished to see her sit for over two hours concentrating so hard on her back stitch!  It really was a beautiful piece of work for any eight year old, I was so proud of her and made sure her teacher new exactly how much effort went in to it and that I thought it was absolutely down to the dore programme.  Of course none of these extra benefits that we experience which are often as important to parents as the improvement in the academic side of things were mentioned at all!

We still have a very long way to go, but even if we see no further improvements no-one will EVER persuade me that this programme hasn't been successful for Imogen.

I'll get off my high horse now!

Nadey 

You brought back a memory of Leila Nadey, she had just finished Dore in the October and her grandma brought her a kit to embroider a handkerchief for my birthday and every time she was at grandma,s she to would sit for hours embroidering this work of art. We ended up with a lovely handkerchief that looked as though it was made professionally, I never used it for its right purpose, it is in pride of place in my memory box. Ellie XXX

Hi Nadey,

We are definately on the same wave length, I totally agree with everything you said.We are obviously in a similar situation.

Apparently there is another show on Radio 4 called Feedback where you can get your point of view across about any programme (a bit like the t.v Points of View). I think it might be worth contacting them and saying that a much better programme would have been why the Government makes no provision for kids like ours and we are therefore forced to trying alternatives like Dore. At least this would have been something new for people to hear rather than the same old thing. Might just do that.

It's really inspiring about Imogens' sewing and as you say it's these seemingly little things which are big moments for us and our kids rather than just the academic sort. I've just told Lucy and she was so impressed and said "well that's progress!"

Kate

Hi Ladies

Ellie...Funny you should say that you kept the hankie in your memory box, I felt quite gutted Imogen was giving away this lovely lavendar bag and took a photo of it as a momento...soppy Mummy's aren't we!

Kate - That's really intersting and I quite agree that it would be great if we could communicate another view on the subject, I think I would be a bit nervous about speaking on air, but who knows once I get started on the subject quite often there is no stopping me!  My husband thinks I'm becoming OC and has even reminded me that I have two daughters recently - completely unjustified!!!  Anyway if you find out about how the feedback programme works let me know. 

Its lovely to hear Lucy's comments, I quite often tell Imogen little bits about what I have read of other childrens achievements on this site, I think it really helps to keep her motivated...she will always have a little smile and say something like "really" and then ask me loads of questions about the child which I have to try and answer!  She'll then happily skip off, feeling less alone in it all (l'm certain).

You may remember that I was querying the MT's a week or so ago.  On the whole they are going much better now with the exception of some of the "stars" and I still haven't had a definitive answer as to whether she should be doing them or not.  I have noticed Imogen is very emotional this week...so perhaps we are due another progress boost...I have my appointment booked for next Friday so fingers crossed.

Good weekend!

Nadey