Services

What is the Problem?

In spite of the best efforts of educators, the dedication of the classroom teachers, and the concerns of parents, a significant number of young children have difficulty learning to read. In fact:

“The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) consider that teaching and learning in today’s schools reflect not only a significant educational concern but public health concerns as well. Our research has consistently shown that if children do not learn to understand and use language, to read and write…and to communicate their ideas and perspectives, their opportunities for a fulfilling and rewarding life are seriously compromised…according to the National Center for Educational Statistics (1998) 38% of fourth graders nationally, cannot read at a basic level – that is they cannot read and understand a short paragraph similar to that in a children’s book.” ~ Dr. Reid Lyon

So, there is a reading problem nationwide. Added to this are the specific issues of students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, autism, and emotional problems. In addition 75% of those students dropping out without having graduated from high school report having had reading problems during school. So, those children who have reading problems face a major challenge. If the issue is not addressed early on, it can have significant, and in some cases, life-long consequences.

How to Address the Problem

Some parents “hope” that this problem is simply a developmental lag and that our sons and daughters will grow out of it. If parents acknowledge there is a problem, some may turn to the school for help. Yet, as we know, public education is doing the best it can but under conditions of severely limited budgets, it’s not likely that the school that the child attends will have resources or skilled personnel to adequately help a student with a reading problem. Finally, there is specialized help, that is, programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of children who have reading difficulties.

Our Approach

Ann MacDonald and the Associates of Learn Read Grow have developed a comprehensive multi-sensory approach to reading that has demonstrated the ability to help many young children with reading problems. It is based upon well-researched methodology and the program is led by Ann MacDonald, M.A.; an advocate for students and a believer in their capacity to learn. She has been their champion and has devoted much of her life to developing children’s learning abilities.

The program involves twice weekly, individual tutoring over an 8 week period. We can accommodate meeting with the student in his/her home or other mutually convenient locations such as libraries or at the student’s school. Our program is focused on students in the kindergarten to fifth grade; when the problems usually begin. We attempt to intervene early, and help bring the student to their grade level so they can get back to learning in the classroom.