We are all committed to helping children with learning problems improve their skills in a context of love for reading and for books. Each tutor has received specialized training in the multi-sensory techniques and programs that we feel (and science has demonstrated) work best with dyslexia and other reading problems. Our sessions, while intensive, are low-keyed without pressure. We all agree that there is something special about one on one instruction and that everyone's excitement in the children's progress becomes contagious. We also all participate in on-going teacher training conferences, and the workshops we offer for both teachers and parents are of great importance to us.
Testing For Dyslexia
If your child is having a problem in school, your school system may already have done a multi-factored evaluation (commonly referred to as an MFE). This should consist of a battery of individually administered tests in areas such as reading, spelling, and math as well as an evaluation of language skills--both expressive and receptive. In addition, an individually administered test of cognitive abilities (a rough guide to what ought to be expected of this child), such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (commonly referred to as the WISC), would have been performed. If this testing has not been done and your child is struggling, you ought to request it in writing, and be sure to date your request. Should be no cost through public schools.
Services/Products
Most of what we do consists of one to one teaching on a totally individualized basis. Sometimes what is needed is a "filling in" of some pre-reading skills, such as the ability to blend, to sequence sounds, to rhyme, etc.
Our program is usually quite different from anything that the student has experienced. We are extremely sensitive to the fact that your child may spend a good part of the day in frustration, failure and confusion. Our goal, above all else, is to ensure that our sessions provide a positive experience in which the child tastes success and feelings of competence. We do whatever it takes to provide excitement and joy in the learning process.
Most kids love to come to our clinic. Initially, we make it fun using games, computers, prizes and rewards. As the child develops decoding skills, the reading itself becomes its own reward. Our program is designed to increase speed and fluency, so that the reading process itself becomes almost effortless, and the conte nt or story can emerge. When the student truly starts to experience the grip of a story, there is nothing to equal this prize!
Our program coordinates it all so that the student learns to read, write and spell all at the same time.
We employ highly specialized multi-sensory techniques such as the Orton-Gillingham and Lindamood approaches. Scientifically valid research studies have demonstrated that these methods work best for students with reading problems.