Failure Is Necessary for Success

For some reason our society often teaches that failure is something to be avoided at all costs. We fear failure.

To avoid failing, many of us simply stop trying. We stop taking risks. We play it safe and never go outside of our predefined boundaries. Even worse, we may let others define these boundaries for us.

When we put all of our energy into avoiding failure, we are missing out on the best opportunity we have to reach success.

Failure is simply a natural part of the learning process. We try, we fail. We learn from the failure and try again. As this process continues, we learn and we grow...

And we succeed.

The video below clearly demonstrates how several successful and famous people were not just born that way. They had to fail. And fail. And fail again.



Here's another video describing Michael Jordan's success through the perspective of his failures.



Finally, take a look at this video of Michael Jordan talking about failure and our inclination to make excuses rather than continue trying.



Failure deserves more respect.

So go ahead, be inspired by failure.

Langsford Lecture at University of Louisville

The photos above were taken last week, when our Director Stephen McCrocklin gave a presentation at the University of Louisville. This lecture was part of the curriculum for graduate students enrolled in the Doctor of Audiology Program in the Department of Surgery.

Stephen’s talk explained how the brain works in connection with auditory processing and learning. He described how auditory processing within the brain is an integral part of learning how to process language, which in turn is a vital component in learning how to read.

Stephen enjoyed the opportunity to interact with this engaging group of people who will soon be devoting their lives helping others as Doctors of Audiology.

Shortly after the lecture, Stephen received this email from Clinical Instructor, Dr. Julie M. Manche:

“The Au.D. students found the lecture fascinating. They now have a greater appreciation for the complexity of the brain and how auditory processing directly affects so many other skill areas, such as reading and language processing. The “real world” connection that you highlighted between audition and reading has enriched their knowledge and understanding.”

Langsford specializes in assessing dyslexia and other reading, spelling and comprehension difficulties. If you know of someone who may need a reading tutor, you can learn more about our evaluations and how we develop a customized plan of action by clicking here.

Back to School!

It's that time of year again!  The days are getting shorter, the kids are getting up earlier, and the smell of schoolbus exhaust is in the air.  Schools are going back to sessions!  We had lots of kids come to Langsford over the summer to work on their skills.  Some wanted to catch up, some wanted a jump-start on the upcoming year, and some were returning clients wanting a review and the chance to brush up on their skills.  The drive and motivation we witnessed was an inspiration to us all!  Here's to a great 2009/2010 school year!  

Ready for Second Grade!

Nothing is worse than having to dread school starting up in the fall! Collin and his family won't have to do that this year, as Collin has been working all summer to prepare!

He completed his session work with us in June, with a promise of continuing on his own this summer so that he would be well-prepared for second grade. Collin's Learning Coordinator, Kristin, sent home sight words to practice, spelling words to master and a recommendation for lots of fun reading and writing. Collin's summer plans included signing up for the reading club at his local library.

How great for Collin to start a new school year feeling prepared and confident! We hope he wow's his teacher this year!

All Work and No Play Makes for No Fun!

Have you ever noticed that boys will be boys, wherever they are? Although the breaks are short between sessions at Langsford, the kids seem to make fast friends. Several kids at the Middletown office have recently had their mothers make play dates for them with their new found friends.

The boys, in particular, like to outdo each other figuring out the complex puzzles in the waiting area. And sometimes they look for mischief to get into. At Middletown, that means they head for the Learning Coordinator's office! They know they can usually find something fun there.

On a recent afternoon, Alex and Mitchell wandered into Rhonda's office on break, and the three of them proceeded to make cool pictures of themselves with the help of Rhonda's laptop computer. (Don't tell her boss!) Above is Alex, who has a good head on his shoulders. ;-)

This one is Alex and Mitchell. Mitchell is the one with the muscles! He was feeling a little "blue" that day. ;-) Now-break's over-back to work guys!

The Family Who Reads Together, Learns Together

DAD AN INSPIRATION

For some Langsford families, reading is a family affair. Parents who lead by example and make reading a family-centered activity are creating an environment which fosters life-long readers.

Ethan and his dad, David (right), are a perfect example. Ethan came to Langsford throughout the spring to work on reading and spelling. Often, while Ethan was in sessions working on reading, Dad could be found in the lobby working on his reading, too.

When students took breaks from sessions to play in the lobby, they could usually expect to find David sitting and reading, and even taking notes.

Here, Ethan is pictured on the day of his celebration marking the completion of a phase of work at Langsford. Typically, on celebration day, students receive a certificate and are asked to pass out cookies. Ethan’s celebration, though, was different. Ethan chose to let Dad pass out the cookies, because he’d put in so much hard work, too.

Ethan’s family isn’t the only family like this, however. Many siblings and parents of Langsford students pass a quiet hour or two in the lobby with a good book. Situations like these aren’t just heart-warming, they support the belief that reading skills are one of the most important things that families can nurture in children. We commend Ethan's family and those like them that inspire by example.

Staff Spotlight

Gemma Newland

Where were you born and how long have you lived in Louisville?

Born in Louisville, spent 2 years in Germany, reluctantly became a Hoosier 22 years ago.

My school/work background is:

Associate degree in Science Allied Health, UK; Lab Tech, Respiratory Therapist, phlebotomist. Home-schooled 2 of 4 children for 5 years. I discovered Langsford when we were referred here for my son.

When I was a child, when I grew up I wanted to be…

Wanted to be a teacher. I just took the road less traveled to become one.

People say I…

Never met a stranger.

In my free time, I…

Love to read books, see plays and hike in the woods.

One of my favorite books of all time would be….

Frekles and Girl of the Limberlost. These are set in the early 1900s and show how with faith and determination you can overcome obstacles.

One of my hidden talents is…

I know all the lyrics for songs from the early 1900s onward. It drives my children crazy!

I love and I hate…

I love music theater but hate the song "Memories" from Cats. It just grates on my last nerve. ;-)