The Finest Thought Leaders
dyslexia came to light at the age of 39, when she faced teaching her seven-year-old non-reading son, Nicholas. Examining her reading failure caused her to adapt and change lessons for her son. The results were dramatic. Lois qualified as a reading specialist to use her non-traditional background, multi-continental experience, and passion to assist other failing students. Her teaching and learning have equipped her with a unique skillset and perspective. As a teacher, she considers herself a “literacy problem-solver.”
Reversed: A Memoir is her first book. In this story, she details her dyslexia and the journey of her son’s dramatic failure in first grade. She tells of the twist and turns that promoted her passion and her son’s dramatic academic turn-a-round - as in 2018, he received his Ph.D.
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"Reversed: A Memoir is written as a compelling and emotional tale. A must read."
~ Stephen Hurley, Founder and Chief Catalyst, voicEd Radio
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"Read this book and you'll be challenged by questions about traditional teaching methods, measures of success and failure and what shapes how we view ourselves."
~ Michelle Radke Lawyer, Brisbane
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"Lois's book is a must-read for all parents and educators. It will especially help guide those with children who struggle to read, but is pertinent for anyone who wants to enhance children's engagement with learning. "Reversed" is a compelling personal story that provides both instruction and hope."
~ Miriam Pye, MBA, MA, Retired Senior Research Project Manager
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"Loved it! As a parent, you cannot help but create connections at every turn within this story. Lois shares a very personal crusade as she documents her son's educational journey. You will experience a plethora of emotions when you read this real life tale knowing this Mother sees only a world of possible for her son. A lesson for us all in humility and perseverance!"
~ Kathleen Strangis, Academic Administrator for ELA and Social Studies K-5, Shenendehowa Central School District
"Labeling children is one of the worst things we do."
In 1995, the school diagnostician stated, “He’s the worst child I’ve seen in 20 years of teaching.” Do you have a child struggling with reading?
What labels has your child been given? How do you feel they will progress through school? This is a story for you!
Every parent has high hopes for their children. When Lois Letchford learns her son has been diagnosed with a low IQ at the end of grade one, she refuses to give up on his future.
After thorough testing, Nicholas proves to have no spatial awareness, limited concentration, and can only read ten words. Although discouraged, Lois knows things have to improve. After all, her son is young, and every child learns at their own pace.
But once Nicholas is labeled "learning disabled," a designation considered more derogatory than "dyslexia," the world of education is quick to cast him aside.
Determined to prove them all wrong, Lois temporarily removes her son from the school system and begins working with him one-on-one. She has no formal reading education herself, and no one to guide her. But she has hope and the strength of will to persevere. And sometimes that's all you need.
What happens next is a journey—spanning three continents, unique teaching experiments, never-ending battles with the school system, a mother’s discovery of her own learning blocks, and a bond fueled by the desire to rid Nicholas of the “disabled” label.
Reversed is a memoir of profound determination that follows the highs and lows of overcoming impossible odds, turning one woman into a passionate teacher for children who have been left behind. Nothing is impossible when one digs deep, and looks at students through a new lens.