We can find them in every classroom, sitting quietly in the back row, dreaming; staring at a blank test paper, glumly chewing on a pencil; standing, once again, in the principal's office. They are the students with learning problems. But just how "disabled" are those who have difficulty learning? Are these students doomed to perpetual failure? How should parents, teachers, rebbes, and principals approach these youngsters? Do they have much chance of becoming excellent or even outstanding students? In "Unconventional Wisdom: Torah Perspective on the Child Who Has Difficulty Learning," Rabbi Reuven Elkins examines these questions in light of Chazal and the Gedolim of our generation. The Torah perspective on the unsuccessful student is firm and uncompromising. Every Jewish child has a right to Torah; every Jewish child has a right to learn. And, since Torah learning is a wonderful gift from Above, every child has the possibilities of success in his studies. Rabbi Elkins discusses the different learning styles of various youngsters, showing us how to maximize the potential of each and every student. In a particularly fascinating section, he brings interviews with contemporary Gedolim such as Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg shlita, Rabbi Reuven Feinstein shlita, and Rabbi Simcha Wasserman zt"l. "Unconventional Wisdom" is a remarkable blend of practical advice and inspirational insight. It is required reading for parent and educator and anyone to whom Torah learning and mesorah is paramount.
by Reuven Elkins