Reeve’s story doesn’t start with him—it starts with his older brother. Diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and epilepsy, his brother was eventually placed in a special needs school after years of difficulty, bullying, and heartache. As parents, they followed the advice of doctors and did what they thought was best.
So when Reeve began school—a bubbly, positive little boy—no one expected trouble. He was excited to learn, always smiling, and his first few reports showed 4s and 5s (7 is the highest). Everything seemed on track.
But then the warnings came
Midway through Grade 1, Reeve’s teacher asked for a meeting. She recommended intervention classes and suggested he stop sports. The family agreed, assuming he’d get the support he needed.
Grade 2 came and went—but another meeting in Term 2 shook their confidence. This time, the school suggested moving Reeve to a special needs school. It felt all too familiar. Marrietta Claasen, Reeve’s mom, was frustrated:
“How could this be happening again? Reeve isn’t like his brother—he doesn’t have epilepsy.”
— MarriettaA psychologist’s evaluation showed that Reeve was bright but needed targeted help with reading and writing. So he stayed in Grade 2 and repeated the year. It seemed like the right choice.
Confusion and frustration
Despite repeating Grade 2 and attending intervention classes, Reeve’s teachers once again raised concerns. Yet his report card showed 5s and 6s. Why the disconnect?
As working parents, they were stretched thin. Still, they couldn’t accept a repeat of their eldest son’s school experience. They began reading about dyslexia and watching videos of other families facing the same journey.
Then came Grade 3—and everything changed.
“Reeve started saying, ‘Mummy, I don’t want to go to school anymore. I can’t read and I don’t know anything.’ And he cried.”
— Marrietta
That night, his mom prayed for guidance. She and Reeve’s dad decided that whatever it took, they would find the right help.
Finding Edublox
In Term 2, she discovered Edublox and called Sandra for a meeting. That meeting changed everything.
“Sandra explained things no one else had. She said Reeve has dyslexia and ADHD, but he can overcome it—with time and support.”
— Marrietta
Reeve clicked with Sandra immediately. She made him feel safe, understood, and empowered. Edublox became a turning point not only for Reeve—but also for his older brother, whom Sandra referred to another specialist teacher.
Real progress, real hope
By Term 3, the school still wanted to place Reeve in a special needs school. But this time, his mom had something to say.
“The teacher told me Reeve could only spell three words in Term 2. Now, he can spell 15 to 20 and read by sounding out letters. I cried. I asked, ‘Can’t you see his progress?’ She said she could. And I said, ‘That’s why I celebrate every step he takes.’”
— Marrietta
Grade 4: A new chapter
Today, Reeve is in Grade 4—and thriving.
He’s still working hard, but he’s excited, determined, and full of joy. He even asks his mom to let him try his homework on his own:
“No, Mommy. I got this. Just give me a few minutes.”
— Marrietta
His confidence is back. His perseverance shines.
“I’m amazed by his attitude. I’m grateful to Edublox and to Sandra. They teach with passion and heart. They saw my child for who he is, not just what he struggles with.”
— Marrietta
A message for other parents
To anyone walking this path: ADHD and dyslexia are real—but so is hope. Don’t stop at the first obstacle. Ask questions. Seek help. Trust your gut.
“Don’t just accept what the school says. Believe in your child. Reeve is proof that—with the right support—they can do it.”
— Marrietta
This proud mom has not one, but two amazing sons. And she wouldn’t change a thing about the journey that brought them here.
