Little Reagan

Based on the story; The Little Red Hen By Ashlie Carr, Whitney Breeden, and Grace Baugher

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Reagan who always struggled in school. Every time she received one of her papers back, the grades were never good. She liked school, but for some reason the material didnt stick. Sometimes she had a hard time focusing too. There were times that the teacher would be saying important information, and although she tried to listen very closely, Reagan couldnt remember things right after the teacher said it. Reagans mother and father were concerned about her grades, but they knew that Reagan was a good child that tried her best. A few months into Reagans 3rd grade year, her teacher Mrs. Cluck called to schedule a conference with her mother. Little Reagan was very worried because she knew her grades were bad, but Mrs. Cluck said there was nothing to worry about. In fact, she had been doing some research and talking to the school psychologist and the bad grades might be something that could be fixed.

When Reagans mother entered the room for the conference, there was a lady sitting beside Mrs. Cluck. Both Mrs. Cluck and the lady stood up and shook Reagans mothers hand. Mrs. Cluck introduced the other lady as Mrs. Penny, the school psychologist. During the conference, Mrs. Cluck explained that Reagans grades were poor not only because of incorrect answers, but Reagan rarely finished the assignments in the time given. Mrs. Cluck told Reagans mother that the students were given more

than enough time to complete assignments, quizzes, and tests during class time. Even when Reagan came close to completing the assignments on time, the answers were mainly incorrect. Mrs. Cluck said that she has been collecting and analyzing Reagans work for a couple weeks now and came to the conclusion that she should talk with the schools psychologist. Then, Mrs. Penny explained that Mrs. Cluck was right about coming to get help for Reagan. After Mrs. Penny and Mrs. Cluck looked at Reagans work, they decided there was evidence she may have some sort of learning disability. At first, Reagans mother was concerned, but after more discussion she was relieved to know something could be done to help Reagan with her grades. After the conference, little Reagans mom decided she would take Mrs. Cluck and Mrs. Pennys advice and get a doctors appointment. The doctor had an idea of what learning disability he should test Reagan for based on her symptoms, but there is no specific test to identify it for sure. But, after many tests the doctor finally determined that Reagan has a learning disability called Executive Functioning Disorder. After all those years of bad grades, it wasnt all her fault! Actually the reason she wasnt doing well was because the executive functioning skills were not working properly in her brain to coordinate her frontal lobe. The doctor said to improve grades; she would have to work very hard. Executive Functioning disorder causes Reagan to not retain information well, limits her memory, and doesnt allow her to regulate the time needed to complete tasks. Her case was not severe, but there were definitely some ways that she could get her grades up now that she was diagnosed. The doctor said that using visual aids, organizing the material well, and making checklists would be a good place to start to help Reagan

get her grades up. He told her that it would not be easy, but with time and a lot of work, she could do better in school. Now that little Reagan knew the reason for her poor grades and learned different strategies that could help her study, she was motivated and determined to get her first A. The doctor told her she would have to work very hard to do better, but she wanted an A, more than anything. After a meeting with Mrs. Penny, Mrs. Cluck, and the IEP teacher, it was decided that her disability wouldnt allow her to have any special accommodations. Instead, she would have to use the techniques the doctor suggested and study very hard. But Mrs. Cluck, Mrs. Penny, and her mother knew that little Reagan could do it and they were all there to support her! There was going to be a project due that Friday, and little Reagan was so excited! She was going to work very hard and get a good grade this time. Reagan asked her classmates, Do you all want to get together and work on your project with me? Donna said, Nah, Id rather go outside and play. We can work on our project later. Caitlin said, Yeah, me too. Wait up Donna! Deborah said, Im with them, I dont want to work on the project, the playground is calling my name. Okay, said little Reagan, I guess Ill just have to do it on my own! She got home and told her mom and dad about the project that was assigned. Reagan expressed that she wanted to get her first A on this project. So her mom, dad and even her little sister helped her get organized for her project. Keeping very organized and minimizing clutter would help Reagan get the project done with her disorder. Reagans mother helped her make a checklist of the things that needed to be

done to complete the project and they all helped her keep on task. Her little sister even helped keep the trash picked up to keep the clutter away. Friday rolled around and she turned in her project. She was very nervous, but felt pretty good about it. That night she went home and told her mother that she hoped that she received an A, but the other students work was much better. After a great weekend, Little Reagan got to school Monday and was eager to get her project grade back. She felt like her stomach creep up into her throat when she saw a C on the top of her project paper. Mrs. Cluck put a smiley face and wrote making improvements! at the top of the rubric, but little Reagan was upset she didnt do as well as she wanted. But, instead of giving up, she decided she would just have to try harder next time! Not long after, Mrs. Cluck announced there would be a quiz on the same topic they used for their project. Little Reagans heart started beating faster because she knew this was her next opportunity to get an A. Every day in class since the project, she paid close attention to the lessons that Mrs. Cluck taught. To help Reagan study, Mrs. Cluck copied all the notes and materials that would be on the quiz for her to take home. After class, little Reagan asked her friends, Hey! Do you all want to study with me for the quiz? Donna said, I dont think so, were having a sleepover and you can come, but there wont be any studying! Caitlin said, Yeah! Who wants to study at a sleep over? Deborah said, Count me out. Ill be too busy painting my nails over at Donnas house. Okay, well I guess Ill have to study myself! I want to get an A and if I go to the sleepover I wont get any studying done, said Reagan.

Although there was nothing wrong with the sleepover, and it was awfully tempting, little Reagan wanted an A so bad, she figured she could have a sleepover another time. So, she got home and got to work. Her little sister said, Ill help you! It was fun working on your project last time! Her dad joined in and helped her make a graphic organizer of the notes and materials Mrs. Cluck sent home while her mom made dinner. She drew little pictures and used different colors to help aid her memory. Little Reagan took the quiz after hard work and dedication. But her hopes were dashed when she only got a B. Mrs. Cluck drew another smiley face and wrote, Look at this! Best grade on a quiz yet! So, she decided she wouldnt be discouraged. It wasnt an A, but a B was better than shed ever had before! Her studying was paying off. Next time, she would get an A, she was determined! The next week, Mrs. Cluck announced that there would be a test on the unit that they were finishing. Mrs. Cluck said this would be an important grade and it would be cumulative of everything they had learned. Little Reagan got very nervous. Tests were much bigger than quizzes as well as projects and there would be much more information. She hoped her friends would study with her this time since it was a test. So Reagan went and asked, How about we study for the test together this time. Mrs. Cluck said it would be a big grade and I want to get an A. What do you think? Donna said, MMMM, I dont think so. Im pretty sure I already know most of it. I dont need to study. Caitlin said, Yeah, Its pretty simple for me, I think I know it all. Deborah said, I dont want to study. As long as I pass, I dont care too much, plus I did pretty good on the quiz and the project. Maybe we will come by another day, but not to study.

Since little Reagan knew her friends didnt struggle like she did, she told her friends, Okay! Well Ill just have to study myself! At dinner that night little Reagan told her family about the upcoming test. She explained that this grade would be very important and she really wanted to get an A. Mom said, Well, you know what youll have to do. You will have to study very hard! Why dont we make a game of what you learned, and then we will all study with you? The family helped little Reagan prepare and study all weekend. They made a game called Basketball Facts. They took their basketball and put little Reagans lessons on the ball and wherever their finger landed they had to say the answer and tell another fact about the question. They all had a great time and the game really helped Reagans memory. Right before getting on the bus the morning of the test, Mom told Reagan that she was proud of how hard she was working. She even said if little Reagan didnt get her A, she would still be happy and proud of her. Mom gave little Reagan a big hug and wished her luck. Little sister gave her a high five and said, You got it sis! The test papers were being distributed and little Reagan felt her heart pounding in her chest. Information was going through her head as she was remembering rhymes, tricks, and the Basketball Facts game. Little Reagan used these techniques to help her remember the test information. Finally, a test arrived on her desk. She read each question very carefully and knew most of the answers. Mrs. Cluck decided to help Reagan and the class by giving little cues that helped her keep track of her time and stay on task. The last question was answered and she turned in her test paper to Mrs. Cluck. Mrs. Cluck said she knew how hard little Reagan was working and she knew she did just fine.

By the end of the next school day, Mrs. Cluck had already graded the tests. Right before the bell rang, Mrs. Cluck began passing out the test papers. Reagans heart felt like a humming bird! She didnt even want to look at her test paper until Mrs. Cluck smiled and winked as she placed it on her desk. Reagan almost jumped right out of her seat when she saw the A- on the top of her page with Terrific!!! written beside it. She ran home as fast as she could and her mom, dad and sister gave her a big hug for her great work. Reagans mother said that since she did so well, she could invite her friends to go out for ice cream Friday evening. Reagan excitedly asked Donna, Caitlin, and Deborah if they would like to go out for ice cream with her and her family to celebrate her first A on a test. Donna replied, Aw man. I wish I could, but my mom said my test grade was low and I have to stay home this weekend to study. Caitlin said, Yeah, me too. I wish I wouldve studied like you Reagan. My grade wasnt so hot either. Deborah retorted, I sure would like to come over, but Im grounded too. Reagan assured her friends there would be other times to go out for ice cream, but they all agreed they would study together from now on. That evening, Reagan enjoyed a chocolate cone with just her mom, dad, and little sister...and enjoyed every minute!