Learning Disability? I don't think so, but...

[SnowyOwl]

I don't think it's an LD, but...?

In our four year old preschool program, we have a little boy -- who will be 5 in March -- who we are becoming concerned about. Over the past few months, we have noticed through observation and assessment that he does not seem to be reaching some developmental milestones in some literacy areas. Usually by age four children can recognize some uppercase letters, especially the ones in their name. He does not recognize any letters except the first letter of his own name. He will not do any kind of puzzle. He will not paint at all, and it is often a challenge to get him to work at the art centers. Are these warning signs of any kind that we should be concerned about? His refusal to do these things is not about defiance at all; he simply doesn't want to.
Socially, he is on par if not above the levels of his classmates. His speech is pretty good, although there are some typical lisps and sounds he can't pronounce. He is a very smart little boy, and I've known him for two years now.
He spends a good portion of his time in the drama centers, and has an incredible imagination; he is able to articulate his ideas well. I am curious about why he cannot identify any letters or numbers. He is NOT a stubborn child at ALL; he's very easy-going and eager to please.

We can't figure it out -- he will not do puzzles, is this because he doesn't like them or because he can't and doesn't want us to know?

Has anyone experienced anything like this? I would love to know what to look for -- I honestly don't think he has a learning disability, but I want to rule that out. Any ideas at all?

And more importantly, how can we help him? Obviously, there is much more to our program then letters and writing, however his parents plan to send him to kindergarten this coming September and as of right now, he's not ready.

Thanks so much.

[mopar]

Some of his unwillingness may be because at home he is discouraged from drawing or puzzles... He may have also never seen puzzles. To look at the drawing and the puzzle pieces, try having him complete one when it is just you and him. See if one on one he can do them.
It is worrisome that he doesn't know the letters in his own name. However, he may not be "ready" to read yet. I suggest trying to make the letters more dramatic. Have him use his imagination to make large letters out of the toys you have in your room. Play up his imaginative side by working on letters.
Also, how is he with numbers? Does he recognize these but not the letters?
I would look at some kind of speech services for the lisp. This may also impact him wanting to say the letters to not appear dumb.

[SnowyOwl]

Some of his unwillingness may be because at home he is discouraged from drawing or puzzles... He may have also never seen puzzles.

Hmm. Well, he was in our 3 year program last year, and has had plenty of experience and exposure to puzzles, letters, drawing, etc. The difference is that the 3 yr old program's main goal is socializing and exposure to a school-like setting -- now in the 4's, parents want to know all about kindergarten readiness and so forth.
Also I know his parents fairly well; they are very supportive and always have craft supplies, books, puzzles, dramatic play items etc available for their kids.

The thing that is really bothering me is that in so many other areas -- gross and fine motor skills, emotionally, socially, etc -- he IS "ready" for kindergarten. It's this letter thing that just isn't coming -- not even a little. I know that kids all develop at different times and stages, but it is worrying me that it hasn't even really begun yet.

He does not recognize numbers, at least not consistently, however his one-to-one correspondence is great (and rote counting is very high.). He definitely understands the concepts, just not the actual number identifying.

In one-on-one situations he tends to become very shy and quiet; he seems to work best in small group settings, something we are keeping in mind when working with him and assessing him.

[mopar]

How is his story comprehension when he is read too? If he readily comprehends books and can answer questions, he may have a learning disability. Definitely something to look into.

In order to help him, use as many multi-sensory techniques as possible. Try having him make the letters with paint, sand, foam, etc. Another great technique, have him use his pointer and middle finger together and then write the letters/numbers in the air. This technique is supposed to help transfer learning to both sides of the brain.

A learning disability is not the end all. It is just a diagnosis, now you need to work on finding strategies.