What is the Missing Link?
In order to fully understand why the “Missing Link” is important is to understand how I personally learned in school, navigating my own challenges and how that resulted in my success in life. It is the reason I feel inspired to help kids thrive with similar circumstances.
Having a life long hearing impairment and already at a learning disadvantage when compared to other kids, I did not always grasp information as quickly as the other kids. I soon realized at a very young age that I needed another way to “get it”.
With my limited hearing and only having one hearing aid, I began asking teachers and students for the missing information. I asked to be seated in various parts of the room until the right location was found for my “best hearing”.
I did extra credit in all my classes to make up for weaknesses in hearing. I wasn’t afraid to ask for the information again and again. I became extremely organized in everything regarding school.
My effort was relentless until I got the passing grades. After years of doing this, I was able to master these techniques to achieve success in school. These learning strategies have helped me in all areas of my life, not just school.
My “Missing Links” were the strategies that I found to overcome my disadvantages caused by my hearing impairment. Fortunately most “Missing Link” situations can be remedied by applying different strategies.
For example, if your child does poorly on tests resulting in bad grades, it does not mean he is not smart enough but rather the strategy he is using does not work for him. Maybe he needs to study differently or she doesn’t know the best ways to take a test that work for her.
Sometimes, there can be several Missing Links but as long as it’s diagnosed, the solution can be applied accordingly. When the “Missing Link” gap is filled the student achieves success, confidence and ultimately a better grade.